This article is a collaboration between Madre Tierra Producciones and Public Good News.
Younger, single people have become increasingly interested in vasectomies—a form of male birth control—following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, according to recent studies.
Dr. Kara Watts, a urologist at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City, analyzed search data following the overturning of Roe and found that Google searches on vasectomies increased in the three months after, especially in states where abortion became banned. Watts also found an increase in vasectomies after a consultation.
“In an era where female contraception and/or abortion is more regulated across the United States, interest in alternative forms of contraception—such as vasectomy—has risen,” Watts tells Public Good News.
Interest in the procedure also grew in response to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Planned Parenthood reported a 1,200 percent increase in vasectomy appointments on November 6, 2024, compared to the previous day.
We looked at some of the most searched questions in the U.S. about vasectomies between November 2023 and November 2024 on Google Trends. Read on to find answers to those questions: what the procedure is, how much it costs, and more.
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a form of male birth control. It entails a minor surgical procedure for people with penises to prevent their partners from getting pregnant.
The surgery closes off the vas deferens, a pair of muscular tubes that transport sperm from the testicles to the urethra, preventing sperm from getting into the semen. The procedure usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes.
A vasectomy won’t immediately protect the person from getting their partner pregnant. A doctor first needs to confirm that there’s no more sperm in the semen.
Before having unprotected sex, the person must wait a few months and ejaculate 15 to 20 times to clear the sperm that might remain. Additionally, a vasectomy doesn’t protect a person from sexually transmitted infections, so it’s recommended that they use additional forms of birth control, like condoms.
How much does a vasectomy cost in the United States?
Most private U.S. health insurance plans cover part or the entire cost of a vasectomy. Original Medicare does not cover vasectomies because they’re considered elective procedures, but Medicare Advantage (Part C) might cover it. Medicaid may also cover the procedure, depending on your state.
The best way to find information about the cost is to reach out directly to your insurance. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, the procedure can cost around $1,000 out of pocket.
Can a person still ejaculate after a vasectomy?
Yes. A person can still ejaculate after a vasectomy. The only difference is that the semen won’t have any sperm in it.
After a vasectomy, the person will still produce sperm, but instead of expelling it in the semen, the body will absorb it.
What are the chances of getting someone pregnant after a vasectomy?
Vasectomies are 99 percent effective, so the chances of getting someone pregnant after a vasectomy are very low. Even though there’s still a small possibility of pregnancy, studies have shown that the risk is only one in 2,000.
Can a vasectomy be reversed?
Yes. A vasectomy can be reversed through another surgical procedure known as vasovasostomy, where the vas deferens tubes are reconnected.
The reversal surgery can be 80 percent to 90 percent successful, but it may not always guarantee a pregnancy outcome.
“A common misconception about vasectomies is that they are easily reversible and a potential temporary solution for male contraception,” adds Watts. “While vasectomies can be reversed, the surgery is a highly technical procedure that is not performed by many urologists and has variable success rates.”
For more information, talk to your health care provider.