Vasectomy cost varies depending on who is performing the procedure and where you live in the country. While it can be expensive, it may be worth considering if you have decided that you do not want any more children, which means you’ll be saving money by eliminating birth control costs. Learn more about how much vasectomies cost here!
Cost Of A Vasectomy:
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure, which means that the vasectomy cost will be lower than if it were an invasive operation. The typical fee for a vasectomy can range anywhere from $400 to $1,000, but there are also clinics that offer them for free. Vasectomies are typically more expensive in metropolitan areas because of the higher costs of living and increased demand for services. And due to the potential side effects of having a vasectomy, many men choose to have a vasovasostomy post-vasectomy reversal surgery to fix any problems that may arise with their reproductive systems. As such, the total cost can sometimes exceed $5,000.
Is It Covered By Insurance?
More than half of all surgical procedures are covered by health insurance. If you have a vasectomy, your doctor will typically submit the claim to your health insurance company for you. The company may need to see a copy of your medical history, which it can get from the doctor who performed the surgery. Your company might also want to see an estimate of how much you will end up paying out-of-pocket before approving coverage. For example, they might ask you if there is any chance that you could change your mind and want children in the future. If so, they would not cover it because they do not want to pay for a procedure that someone might reverse down the road.
Choosing An Experienced Urologist:
Many urologists offer vasectomies, but not all are equally qualified. It’s important to find a skilled and experienced doctor who can perform the surgery without complication. The best way to do that is to ask your friends and family if they know of any doctors in your area with a high rate of success and positive reviews. You should also consult the American Urological Association website for a list of certified vasectomy surgeons in your area. Finally, you’ll want to check out their credentials so you know they’re legitimate. The AULA provides a certification directory that helps consumers find reputable surgeons near them.
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What Can You Expect During Your Visit?
- A vas is done under local anesthesia and typically takes 15 minutes to perform.
- The urologist will make an incision in the scrotum, exposing the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the semen.
- The urologist then removes a small section of one of the tubes or severs and ties off both tubes.
- Finally, he stitches up your scrotum before you go home to recuperate for a few days while your body heals itself naturally, though you may experience some pain during urination or sexual intercourse for a few weeks following surgery.
The Procedure Itself:
The surgery is performed in an operating room, under general anesthesia. A small incision is made in the scrotum on one side and the vas deferens, which carry the sperm from the testicles to the penis, are cut and sealed. The other side of the scrotum is then closed with stitches. Most men can leave the hospital within a day or two of surgery, but some may need to stay as long as four days. Vasectomies are considered permanent birth control because they require surgery, so it’s not something you can get undone at a later date. You’ll also need follow-up visits with your doctor for about six weeks after your surgery to make sure everything is going smoothly.
Recovery After A Vasectomy Surgery:
The recovery after a vasectomy surgery is relatively quick. There are some post-surgical instructions to follow, but these are mostly short-term pain management. It is advised to take it easy for one week following the surgery. After that, there are no limitations on activity other than avoiding heavy lifting for 6 weeks.
Alternatives To Having The Surgery:
There are other ways of preventing pregnancy. Condoms or birth control can be used to help prevent pregnancy, with a vasectomy being the last resort. Birth control pills, patches, and shots all come with different risks, so it is important to talk to your doctor about which option would work best for you.
As an alternative, some men choose to use an intrauterine device (IUD), which involves inserting a small device through the cervix into the uterus. The IUD can be left in place for up to ten years and prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs.