Research
Did you know that both methods of permanent contraception, namely vasectomy and tubal ligation, are almost equally safe and rarely cause any complications and risks? Indeed, as noticed by Blocker (2022), “tubal ligation does not affect hormones or periods, so there are no long-term side effects if the surgery is uncomplicated” (para. 9). Moreover, such a procedure can even reduce a female’s future risk of ovarian cancer by 25% to 50% (Blocker, 2022). This is a surgical intervention, and the anatomical changes include a woman’s fallopian tubes becoming cut and tied (Saladin, 2021). Since they connect the uterus to the ovaries, there is no more passageway for unfertilized eggs to meet up with sperm.
Vasectomy is an effective method of permanent contraception for men. Unfortunately, this procedure is “associated with the risk of any prostate cancer and advanced prostate cancer” – this is a major risk that every man must be informed of (Xu et al., 2021, p. 962). At the same time, it is essential to note that not all researchers agree with the aforementioned connection between surgery and cancer (Blocker, 2022). The anatomical change is that the sperm cannot pass up the vas deferens, meaning that the patient’s semen no longer contains sperm (Blocker, 2022). While 1% of women can become pregnant after undergoing tubal ligation, vasectomy is more effective; both interventions are reversible, but surgeons do not recommend considering this an option.
Critical Thinking
It is vital for all people to be aware of these two contraception methods for several reasons. First, some males and females consider birth control quite irresponsibly, which leads them to have children they do not want. Proper consideration of contraception would address a number of issues involving overpopulation and child maltreatment. Second, people have to be informed of all the risks, complications, and consequences of the discussed interventions because having a reversal surgery is extremely costly and rarely effective. Women and men have to be more responsible and care about their health, which also includes whether they want to have children or secure themselves from unplanned conceiving.
References
Blocker, K. (2022). Vasectomy vs. tubal ligation: Understanding permanent birth control options. Web.
Saladin, K. S. (2021). Anatomy & physiology: The unity of form and function (9th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
Xu, Y., Li, L., Yang, W., Zhang, K., Ma, K., Xie, H.,… & Gong, K. (2021). Association between vasectomy and risk of prostate cancer: A meta-analysis. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, 24(4), 962-975.