How Often Does a Vasectomy Fail?

Contraception

Obie Editorial Team

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure on a man that makes him sterile, or unable to get a woman pregnant. It is generally considered to be at least as effective as female sterilization and is simpler to perform, safer, and less costly.

Vasectomies are very effective. It has been estimated that only about 15 out of 10,000 couples get pregnant during the first year after a vasectomy. Although rare, pregnancy is possible even years after the procedure.

Most vasectomy failures are apparent within the first 3 months but failure after 3 months is very rare. Testing every few months during the first 1-2 years can identify re-canalization if it should occur.

The only form of contraception that is more reliable than vasectomy is abstinence! If abstinence is not suitable contraception, then men should consider vasectomy as the next best thing.