Alternatives to a Vasectomy : A guide to Vasectomy

If you are not suitable for a vasectomy then what are the alternatives?

The alternatives include:

• Long term contraception (women): this includes birth control pills, the Intrauterine Device (IUD) or hormone implants.
• Condoms
• Tubal ligation: this female sterilisation involves clipping the Fallopian tubes which prevents fertilisation. This is a major form of surgery which has a greater risk of complications than a vasectomy.

It is disappointing if you are unable or are advised against having a vasectomy. However, there are other options which we have described above.

Vasectomy is the most effective means of preventing a pregnancy but if this is not an option then contraception, especially female contraception such as ‘the pill’works equally as well.

Use more than one form of contraception if you want to increase their effectiveness.