New technologies allow for less invasive sterilization.

Men who want to undergo sterilization now have an alternative to the vasectomy. Vasclip, a device about the size of a grain of rice, was launched in April in the United States. In a procedure that takes less than 10 minutes, the clip is implanted in each vas deferens to stop the flow of sperm. In a typical 30-minute vasectomy, each vas deferens is cut, and the ends are tied, stitched shut, or cauterized.

Though Vasclip received FDA approval in August 2002, its release was delayed until a one-year clinical trial was complete. According to The Vasclip Company, results of the trial indicate lower rates of infection and swelling associated with Vasclip than with a vasectomy. Like the vasectomy, the Vasclip procedure is permanent. However, the company is planning to study the reversibility of the procedure, and remains hopeful since use of the clip minimizes damage to the vas deferens. Currently, Vasclip is available only in the United States.

Women, too, have a new option for permanent birth control. The FDA approved Essure, a device that permits sterilization without surgery, in November 2002. In a procedure that takes roughly 35 minutes to perform, the spring-like device is inserted into each fallopian tube. Body tissues respond to the inserted device, and in about three months enough scar tissue grows to permanently plug the fallopian tubes. In a traditional tubal ligation the fallopian tubes are cut and tied in a procedure that typically requires general anesthesia and four to five days of recovery. The Essure procedure requires only local anesthesia, and women may return home within 45 minutes after the procedure and resume their regular activities within a day or two.

Pior to FDA approval in the United Star Essure was already available in Australia, Singapore, Canada, and at the European Union, and in January it was approved for use in Indonesia. Although the procedure has undergone clinical testing in the United State Europe, and Australia, the FDA has also required that Conceptus the company that developed it, continue a five-year study to ensure that it causes no long-term problems.

Contraceptive Prevalence
Among Married Couples

Other             9.3   12.9
Condom            3.1   15.0
Vasectomy         3.6    7.2
Pill              5.9   17.3
IUD              16.3    7.6
Tubal Ligation   22.0   10.4
None             39.8   29.6

Source: UN Population Division, 2001

Note: Table made from bar graph.