Although the vasectomy procedure is the safest and most inexpensive option for permanent sterilization, female sterilization is still used about three times as often.

In addition, despite the vasectomy being the most effective form of contraception available, other less-reliable contraceptive methods such as the birth control pill and the intrauterine device, are used more frequently. The vasectomy is also much more cost-effective when compared to other methods used long term.

Below are comparisons of various forms of contraception, including the most reliable and overall inexpensive form of sterilization, the vasectomy.