How Much To Get A Vasectomy

Male doctor talking to male patient in examination room

The cost of a vasectomy can vary widely—from completely free to hundreds of dollars—depending on whether you have insurance, your deductible, or you decide to pay out of pocket. Before asking about the vasectomy cost, it's important to decide which kind of vasectomy you want to get, as the price may (or may not) differ between the two. Where you go for the procedure may also play a factor in cost. When you understand all the variables, you'll have a better idea of how much a vasectomy costs.

Types of Vasectomy

There are two types of vasectomy. Both types are minimally invasive and come with little risk of complications. The two types of vasectomy include:

Incision method: The vasectomy surgeon—typically a urologist—will make a small cut, or incision, in the top part of the scrotum. Then the doctor will pull out and cut part of the vas deferens, which is the tube that carries sperm from the testicles out through the penis during ejaculation. After cutting, the doctor will seal the vas deferens and put the cut and sealed ends back into the scrotum. Stitches or glue may be used to close the incision site.

No-scalpel method: Also called the "no-cut" vasectomy method, this procedure is similar to the traditional method, except that instead of an incision, the doctor will make a tiny puncture hole in the scrotum. Then, stretching the thin skin of the scrotum, the doctor will pull out and cut the vas deferens in the same way as the incision method. After replacing the vas deferens, the procedure is complete—there's no incision to stitch or glue.

Vasectomy Cost Without Insurance

The cost of a vasectomy out of pocket is, on average, about $1,000. If you don't have insurance, ask the doctor's office if they offer a discount for paying in cash.

Some health clinics and doctors may be willing to discuss a sliding scale fee depending on your income.

Vasectomy Cost With Insurance

Because a vasectomy is a quick procedure that can be performed in your doctor's office, it's generally not very expensive. The cost of the procedure usually also includes consultation and a follow-up visit to confirm that the semen is sperm-free. If you have the procedure at a clinic, outpatient center or hospital, it could cost more than getting a vasectomy at your doctor's office.

If you have insurance, the cost of a vasectomy is often free or low cost. Many insurance plans—including private insurance, Affordable Care Act plans, and Medicaid—cover part or even all of the cost of a vasectomy.

If your insurance company doesn't cover the entire cost of a vasectomy, you may have different fees, depending on your insurance plan. You may be required to pay a copay, a flat fee your insurance company charges for any doctor's visit. Some insurance plans may require you to meet your deductible before paying for any costs of the procedure. If you've met your deductible, some insurance plans still charge coinsurance, which is a percentage of the entire cost of any given procedure.

Cost of Vasectomy Reversal

It's important to be sure you don't want to have more children when you decide to get a vasectomy. Vasectomy reversals are possible, but they aren't always successful. They're also expensive, costing around $7,000 to $9,000. The final cost depends on what your insurance plan covers, or whether it covers the procedure at all.

Vasectomy Cost in the Long Run

Whether you have insurance or not, a vasectomy may be a more cost-effective form of birth control over the long term compared with other forms of contraception, such as oral birth control pills. A vasectomy costs only one-sixth the amount charged for tubal ligation (sterilization) for women.

When you're ready for a vasectomy, talk with your doctor as well as your insurance company to determine how you can get the best price.