Whether in their late 20s or late 30s, whether with a family of 6 kids or just an only child, at some point in every couples marriage they decide that their family is big enough.  When that time comes, the decision to get sterilized becomes a serious topic of consideration.  There just isn’t any better way to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
Both tubal ligation for the female and vasectomy for the male reduce the chance of unintentional pregnancy to near zero.  Both options allow for unrestricted sexual intercourse without worry or fear.  However, when it comes down to the deeper considerations both may not be equal.

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is the most common form of sterilization in the U.S.  The surgery is performed in an inpatient setting (requiring admission into a hospital).  Tubal ligation is a fairly invasive surgery and as such carries a significant amount of risk of infection, reaction to anesthesia and other complications often associated with surgery.  The failure rate of tubal ligations is about 2%.
Tubal ligation is a permanent means of sterilization but the success rate for reversal is fairly high.  The fallopian tubes are either severed and sealed or else they are clamped shut.  The recovery time for tubal ligation is well over a week in most cases.  There are a number of long-term complications that may follow tubal ligation ranging from recurrent pain to changes in menstrual cycle and hormonal issues.  Tubal ligation does decrease the risk of ovarian cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Vasectomy

Vasectomies, though less common in the states are more common overseas.  This may be due to the fact that vasectomies usually cost about a quarter of the cost of tubal ligation.  A vasectomy can be performed in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia in less than an hour.  There is very little risk associated with the procedure.  The failure rate of vasectomies is about 1%.
Vasectomies are done by making a very slight incision into the scrotum to expose the vas deferens which is then cut or clamped.  The success rate for reversing a vasectomy is very low.  The usual recovery time is just a few days until being able to return to regular duties.  There are not any significant long-term health complications from vasectomies, though the chance of developing prostate cancer may be slightly greater.

The Comparison

When held up side by side for comparison, vasectomies are the more sensible solution in almost every way.  Vasectomies cost less and can be performed more quickly.  There is less risk associated with the procedure and vasectomies have a higher success rate.  The only points where vasectomies are less beneficial to a couple are in the slightly greater risk for the male of developing prostate cancer and the difficulty in reversal should the couple change their minds.
These are all consideration that should be discussed when a couple decides to seek a permanent means of contraception.  After all, the purpose of sterilization in such instances is to do what is best for the family and the couple.  As such, choosing the more sensible option is often for the best.