How Much Does A Vasectomy Cost
A vasectomy is a safe and effective permanent birth control method, which involves the removal of the vas deferens or the tubes in the male reproductive system that carry the sperms. All adult males who want a permanent form of birth control can be a good candidate for this procedure. If you are looking forward to have a vasectomy soon, know the costs involved in this procedure first. This article will introduce you to estimates of vasectomy procedures in today's market.
Typical Cost Of A Vasectomy
The cost of vasectomy ranges from $350 to $1,000.
Included In The Price Of A Vasectomy
The inclusions in the price of a vasectomy depend on the type of the procedure you will be submitting to. One type of vasectomy is the incision method. Here, the price includes a local anesthetic, the facility fee, and the surgeon's fee in doing the procedure, which includes making an incision on each side of the scrotum so as to reach the vas deferens. Then, each tube is blocked by removing a small section of each tube and tied off or blocked with surgical clips. The tubes can also be blocked by closing each tube using an instrument with electrical current.
The other type is the no-incision or no-scalpel method. Here, the scrotum is not cut but a tiny puncture is made so as to reach both tubes to have them tied, blocked, or cauterized. No-scalpel vasectomy prices include the cost of anesthesia, facility, and surgeon’s fee as well.
All prices also include the initial consultation and post-vasectomy analysis. The analysis involves the evaluation of the semen to confirm whether or not it is already free of sperm.
Factors That Affect The Price Of A Vasectomy
Facility. Choosing to do the vasectomy in a clinic is cheaper as compared to doing it in a hospital setting.
Location. Depending on the location of the clinic, the price of vasectomy varies.
Type. A no-scalpel vasectomy cost is basically higher than the conventional method. Today, no-scalpel procedures range from $500 to $1,000 while the conventional ones can be cheaper. There are other types of vasectomy such as laser and Vasclip, which are usually more expensive.
Condition of the patient. If a patient has health problems that can increase the risk of complications, the price of the procedure can be higher. This is especially true if vasectomy is done in conjunction with other medical procedures or surgery.
Outpatient or inpatient? Inpatient procedures are usually more expensive because this requires formal admission to a hospital and regular evaluations from the doctor. Plus, inpatient procedures usually use general anesthesia, which is more expensive than local anesthesia used for outpatient procedures.
Insurance. Seventy percent of health insurance plans cover vasectomy. Hence, people who have insurance plans may pay less. Usually, patients who are covered by insurance only have to pay $10 to $30 for the initial consultation and $10 to $100 for the procedure. However, not all health insurance plans cover vasectomy costs so it is best for patients to consult with their insurance provider first.
Additional Costs
For VasClip vasectomy procedures, there is around $300 to $400 additional charge for a VasClip kit.
Vasectomy is a permanent procedure. However, there are chances of vasectomy reversal. A vasectomy reversal can cost $6,000 to $15,000.
Tips Before You Decide To Have A Vasectomy
Be certain that you are a hundred percent sure of undergoing vasectomy. Keep in mind that this is a permanent birth control method and even though reversal is possible, the success rate of pregnancy among men who have considered vasectomy reversal is only 52 percent. This is not to mention yet that this procedure can cost much more than how much you spent for the vasectomy procedure in the first place.
When getting a vasectomy, consult and deal only with a board-certified and experienced urologist. You can use this urologist locator provided by the American Urological Association.
Check the federal requirements for sterilization in your state including waiting period and age restrictions. You may check this with your family doctor, local hospital, local public health office, or urologist.
Understand that there can be risks associated with vasectomy. This includes fever, pus, excessive pain or swelling, and bruising. More serious problems include hematoma, hydroceles, granuloma, and pain or discomfort in the testicles.