Learn about contraceptive alternatives To vasectomy
Vasectomy is definitely not the only safe form of contraception. There are plenty of alternatives. Also, there have been great developments on the contraceptive market.
Modern LARCs as reversible safe contraceptive alternatives to vasectomy
Patients not entirely sure about their vasectomy decision should definitely look into so called “LARCs”, which stands for Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives. While Vasectomy is the only safe contraceptive for the man (condoms are not safe in terms of contraception, but are one of the few options in terms of sexually transmitted illnesses), there are a number of safe contraceptives for ladies. 2 of the best ones are the Mirena Coil and the Nexplanon Implant. Interestingly female sterilisation is not considered very safe anymore, certainly less safe than the implant and probably also than the Mirena Coil.
Find below a summary of other contraceptive methods at a glance, but for more up-to-date and modern information, please look at the FSRH website here.
Safety Profile Of A Vasectomy Compared With Other Forms Of Contraception
| Contraceptive Method | Failures per 1000 women over 10 years* | Comment | Failure User Dependent? |
| Pill | 100-300 | Combined Pill considered overall safer than Mini Pill | YES |
| Condoms | ?100-500 | Highly User Dependent | YES |
Implant (Nexplanon) | ? (nearly) as safe as vasectomy? | Considered Very Safe & Safest Female Contraception – change every 3 years | NO |
| Depo Injection | 14 | Use usually only recommended for up to 3 years due to Osteoporosis risk, but very good for period control. | NO |
| Female Sterilisation | 18 | Failure rates higher than previously thought. Considered permanent. | NO |
| Vasectomy | 0.5-0.05* | *1st figure before, 2nd figure after Semen Sample Confirmation of Sterility. Considered permanent | NO |
| Mirena Coil (IUS) | 11 | Very Safe Female Method with additional benefits of reduction of periods and Endometrial Cancer | NO |
| Copper Coil (IUD) | 18 | Non-Hormonal, good for up to 10 years. Slightly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. | NO |
| Cap, Female Condoms etc | Unclear, but higher | Highly user dependent | YES |
| Withdrawal | Unclear, but higher | Highly user dependent. Considered risky | YES |
**figures researched in good faith and based on John Guillebauds contraceptive research / work, but can vary depending on a multitude of factors