Permanent contraception: Tubal ligation vs vasectomy

When it comes to permanent contraception, there are two main options to consider: tubal ligation for people with a uterus, and vasectomy for people with testes.

Both are effective methods designed to prevent pregnancy, but they differ quite a bit in procedure, recovery, and success rates. Dr Eileen explains: 

‍What is tubal ligation?
Tubal ligation involves accessing the fallopian tubes, which sit inside the tummy. During the procedure, the fallopian tubes are divided and folded over to block the pathway. This prevents the egg from travelling from the ovary, through the fallopian tubes, and into the uterus — stopping fertilisation from happening.

What about vasectomy?
A vasectomy is usually simpler and often considered the preferable permanent option. The tubes (called the vas deferens) that carry sperm sit outside the body, in the scrotum. During a vasectomy, these tubes are snipped and folded back to block sperm from travelling through the epididymis and out through the urethra.

How effective are these methods?
Tubal ligation has a failure rate of about 1 in 200, while vasectomy’s failure rate is much lower — about 1 in 2000. This makes vasectomy the more reliable permanent contraception method overall.

If you’re thinking about permanent contraception, it’s definitely worth having an open conversation with your partner about the options and what feels right for both of you.

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