Getting a vasectomy is a major life decision—one that should be made only after giving it the proper forethought and attention it deserves. If you are considering a vasectomy, there’s more to think about than merely whether you want more, or any, children.

To help you make an informed decision, below are five key questions you may not have thought to ask yourself.

1. Are my partner and I “on the same page”?

This decision is about your body, but if you have a life partner, this decision affects them as well. A vasectomy is a form of permanent birth control, so it’s important to discuss what that means for your future.

You and your partner should talk about why you’re making this decision, how you feel about not having (or not having more) children, and whether you’re likely to feel the same five or ten or fifteen years from now. Not wanting children now and not wanting children ever are very different, and you should both be clear about how you feel so you can make this decision together with confidence.

2. Have I weighed a vasectomy against alternative options?

If you and your partner aren’t completely sure about having children, you should explore temporary contraception alternatives. These options include condoms, diaphragms, birth control pills or patches, and intrauterine devices.

If you’re certain you don’t want to conceive, permanent birth control may be the right choice for you. Also keep in mind that if you have a female partner, she could undergo tubal ligation. It’s worth noting, however, that tubal ligation is typically a more expensive, more invasive procedure than a vasectomy, requiring a longer period of recovery time.

3. Could a life change lead me to change my mind about a vasectomy?

While vasectomy reversal is possible, in general this form of birth control should be considered permanent. So while you may be sure that you don’t want to conceive now, it’s worth thinking through whether that could change in the future.

If your current partnership were to end in separation, divorce, or death, is there a chance that you may want to have children with someone else later in life?

4. Should I freeze my sperm before a vasectomy?

If you want to get a vasectomy but still think it’s possible you could want to conceive in the future, you can freeze your sperm in a sperm bank before your procedure.

This is the most cost-effective method to ensure future fertility, and it is far less expensive than sperm retrieval or a vasectomy reversal.

5. Does my insurance cover a vasectomy?

Most health insurance plans will cover vasectomies, but depending on your benefits and out-of-pocket maximum, you may be expected to cover some of these costs. You should check with your insurance provider to determine what exactly it will cover.

For patients without insurance coverage, the procedure generally costs around $1,000.

More questions? Get in touch.

If you’re considering getting a vasectomy and want to learn more about the process or speak to a professional, contact San Diego Vasectomy Center today.