Vasectomy vs female sterilisation.

[Lucinda15]

Me and OH have two children (and 4 miscarriages inbetween them), so are both very sure we don’t want any more children.

OH is on the waiting list for vasectomy. I’ve been reading up on it a bit, and a little alarmed at some things I’m reading about long term post vasectomy pain. Does anyone have any experience of this? How common is it?

On the other hand, I have polycystic ovaries & may be going down the laparoscopy route to investigate possible endometriosis. I’ve been considering whether perhaps i might be able to ‘kill two birds with one stone’ and request a sterilisation at the same time. Is this possible if there is a history of pcos and endometriosis? I know female sterilisation is the more invasive and expensive procedure compared to vasectomy but I’m nervous about the risk of long term pain for him, and if i may be having a laparoscopy anyway....

Sorry no advice but interested in any replies you get x

We've done both.......... I had mine done when I had a c-section with the last one so I can't comment on it other than that it was no worse than the other c-section so the tube tying bit didn't make it any different.

OH hasn't had any issues with his either.

Unless you're very young, as long as you sound as though you have thought about it (which you have done) then I'm sure you'll be able to get it done.

Good luck!

Mirena coil is an excellent alternative.
I went through this my husband did not want a vasectomy at all, I would have had a sterilisation but was advised to try the mirena before committing . I am so glad I did 10 years later still have a mirena and next change will see me through the menopause. Best thing I ever did, period free , no hassles x
Good luck in what ever you decide.

According to the FPA the failure rate is very different

Vasectomy failure rate 1 in 2000

Sterilisation (tubal occlusion) 1 in 200

So we went with the vasectomy option. Dh had it done over 10 years ago and has had no side effects at all.

I have endo and so have undergone a laparoscopy prior to having children.

As Coffee has suggested the Mirena coil might be beneficial on several levels as it is good for endo but also PCOS I think and a contraceptive. Worth having a look at anyway.

We are in the same position.

DH doesn't want to go ahead with vasectomy having researched the chronic pain. I do wonder if doctors downplay this because it wasn't made clear to him when he went for an assessment.

I on the other hand get to deal with possible unwanted pregnancies so for me I have to weigh that up against sterilization risks.

I have had a consultation and could be referred on the NHS but the waiting list is long and I want to plan when it gets done so will be going in privately in a few weeks. Not looking forward to the pain and recovery (told a few weeks and certainly can't drive for a while) but I feel better about doing this than DH going ahead when he isn't happy about it.

I was sterilised at 32. Been ten years and I have horrific periods. I have been told I need to consider the coil now. I'd think about that first.

My hubby had a vasectomy, drove himself in, had the snip, drove himself home. No problems in any area.

OP I think the incidence is 1-2% for chronic pain with a couple of studies suggesting it's much higher. If you OH is happy to do it with that information then he should as it's an 'easier' procedure with no GA. My DH didn't want to risk it which is fair enough.

I would have got sterilised years ago if it was easier to do so it's always been my choice iykwim but I am finally in a position to do it.

Is it worth weighing the risk of ectopic pregnancy in women after tubal ligation against the risk of chronic pain in men after vasectomy?

With new research they are planning on removing a large section of my Fallopian tubes rather than just clamping them as it lowers the risk of ovarian cancer in later life (I am mid 40s). I suspect that lowers the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately mirena is not an option; have had one a few years back. Didn’t get along with it for a number of reasons and was relieved when it was removed. Vowed never to go back. Ideally we do want a permanent form of contraception and thought vasectomy was the way forward until we read the research and had second thoughts. As with squeekynuts, this was not mentioned to my husband when he went for the consultation. But, then, as I’ve read more about female sterilisation, I’ve learned more about the risks with that as well... clearly lots to consider and weigh up. I will discuss with consultant when I get an appointment.