Method

In a surgical procedure, a man’s vas deferens--the tubes that transport sperm to the semen--are blocked or tied off.

Success Rate

Less than one woman in 1,000 becomes pregnant in one year.

Benefits

It can be a permanent form of birth control; there are no lasting side effects.

Drawbacks

Doesn't protect against STDs, including HIV. Although reversal of the procedure is possible, it is not always successful. Not recommended for men who want children in the future. After a vasectomy, it takes about six weeks for all the sperm to be cleared, so another method must be used until a follow-up check shows no sperm in the semen.

How To Get It

Requires a visit to a health care provider; it can be expensive depending on where you have the procedure done and how much your insurance will cover.

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