There are two types of permanent birth control: vasectomies and tubal ligations. [top of page]
Vasectomy
What is a vasectomy?
- A vasectomy is a medical procedure that makes a body with a penis sterile (unable to create pregnancies).
- A vasectomy is a permanent method of birth control. It works 99.9% of the time.
How does a vasectomy work?
- During a vasectomy, the vas deferens (tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis) are cut and tied or cauterized (a medical practice using heat to close a body part).
- After the procedure, sperm made in the testicles can’t get into semen (the fluid that comes out of the penis during ejaculation, sometimes called cum).
How is a vasectomy done?
- A vasectomy can be done in a doctor’s office or a hospital’s outpatient department.
- You will get local freezing, similar to freezing in a dentist’s office.
- The doctor makes a small incision(s) (cut) in the scrotum (sack of skin that holds the testicles) to reach the vas deferens.
- The doctor then cuts the vas deferens and ties or cauterizes the ends.
- Sometimes, the doctor does not need to cut. Instead, the skin is pierced so that no stitches are needed. This is called “no scalpel” vasectomy
- This is a day procedure, meaning you will go home the same day.
Are there any risks to a vasectomy?
There is very little risk of sterilization when an experienced doctor performs the procedure. A doctor or health care provider will explain any risks.
Do I have to pay for a vasectomy?
- Manitoba Health covers the base cost of a standard vasectomy.
- A no-scalpel vasectomy performed at a doctor’s office, or any additional services may have a fee. Talk with your healthcare provider about your options.
How long is the recovery from a vasectomy?
- A vasectomy is a minor procedure.
- You will need to rest with an ice pack for a couple of days.
- You may need to avoid heavy lifting or heavy exercise for about a week.
Does a vasectomy work right away?
No, a vasectomy does not work right away. It may take a few months as any sperm made before the vasectomy could be in the vas deferens. While waiting for the vasectomy to work, use other methods of birth control to prevent pregnancy. To confirm the vasectomy worked your healthcare provider will have you:
- Provide a sample of semen (cum) to test for sperm. Once no sperm is present the procedure has worked.
- Provide instructions on when and how to give these samples.
- Tell you when you are no longer releasing sperm.
How soon can sex happen after a vasectomy?
Your doctor will talk about when sex can resume. Usually, it is about one week after the operation.
Will sex be different after a vasectomy?
- Sex, including orgasms, should feel the same after recovery from a vasectomy.
- The same amount of semen (cum) will ejaculate from your penis; however, it will no longer contain sperm.
Will a vasectomy protect against STIs including HIV?
- No, a vasectomy is only for pregnancy prevention.
- Use safer sex supplies such as condoms and sex dams every time you have sex to reduce the risk of STIs (sexually transmitted infections) or HIV.
Can a vasectomy be undone so I can get pregnant in the future?
- A vasectomy is considered a permanent method of birth control.
- Vasectomy reversals may not work, are expensive, and are not covered by the provincial health care plan.
- A vasectomy is not recommended unless you are sure you want this permanent change. If you are unsure, talk with your healthcare provider about alternative birth control options.
Where can I get a vasectomy?
Talk with your healthcare provider for information. They can discuss options and make a referral.
If you need a regular health care provider, call the Family Doctor Finder at 204-786-7111 or 1-866-6908260, or visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/familydoctorfinder.
Tubal Ligation
What is tubal ligation?
- Tubal ligation is a medical procedure that makes a body with a uterus sterile (unable to get pregnant).
- Tubal ligation is a permanent method of birth control. It works 99.6% of the time.
How does tubal ligation work?
- During a tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes (tubes that carry egg cells from the ovaries to the uterus) are closed.
- This prevents sperm from meeting and possibly fertilizing the egg.
How is tubal ligation done?
- A tubal ligation is done in a hospital, using local freezing (similar to the freezing in a dentist’s office) or general anesthesia (you will be “asleep”).
- The doctor makes a small incision(s) (cut) in the abdomen to reach the fallopian tubes.
- The doctor then closes each tube by using a clamp, cutting, and tying the tubes, or by cauterizing (sealing with heat) the tubes.
- Sometimes, a doctor may insert steel coils into the fallopian tubes through the vagina and cervix.
- This is a day surgery, meaning you will go home the same day.
Are there any risks to tubal ligation?
There is very little risk of sterilization when an experienced doctor performs the procedure. A doctor or health care provider will explain any risks.
Do I have to pay for tubal ligation?
Tubal ligations are covered by the provincial health care plan.
How long is the recovery from a tubal ligation?
- You will need to rest for about two days.
- You will need to be slow and gentle with your movements for about a week.
- You may need to avoid heavy lifting and heavy exercise for several weeks.
Does tubal ligation work right away?
Yes, tubal ligation works right away.
How soon can sex happen after a tubal ligation?
Your doctor will talk about when sex can resume. Usually, it is about one week after the operation or when you feel comfortable.
Will sex be different after a tubal ligation?
Sex, including orgasms, should feel the same after recovery from tubal ligation.
Will tubal ligation stop my period?
No, a tubal ligation does not stop the menstrual cycle. You will still get your period.
Will a tubal ligation protect against STIs including HIV?
- No, tubal ligation is only for pregnancy prevention.
- Use safer sex supplies such as condoms and sex dams every time you have sex to reduce the risk of STIs (sexually transmitted infections) or HIV.
Can tubal ligation be undone so I can get pregnant in the future?
- Tubal ligation is considered a permanent method of birth control.
- Tubal ligation reversals may not work, are expensive, and are not covered by the provincial health care plan.
- Tubal ligations are not recommended unless you are sure you want this permanent change. If you are unsure, talk with your healthcare provider about alternative birth control options.
Where can I get a tubal ligation?
- Talk with your healthcare provider for information. They can discuss options and make a referral.
- If you need a regular health care provider, call the Family Doctor Finder at 204-786-7111 or 1-866-6908260, or visit gov.mb.ca/health/familydoctorfinder.
Where can I get more information?
- From your health care provider, community health clinic, or public health nurse. If you need a regular healthcare provider, call the Family Doctor Finder at 204-786-7111.
- From the Facts of Life (SERC): E-mail your questions to thefactsoflife@serc.mb.ca.
- From a Teen Clinic if you are 21 or younger
- Online at serc.mb.ca or our youth website, www.teentalk.ca
Sexuality Education Resource Centre 2023
To view or download a PDF version of the information about vasectomy, click here: Vasectomy 2023
To view or download a PDF version of the information about tubal ligation, click here: Tubal Ligation 2023