Legal Age for Vasectomy

Filter Blogs By

Legal Age for Vasectomy

Some men want children; others don’t. Then there are those who decide they are done after having one, two, three, or more. 

When men decide they don’t want any more kids, they don’t have many options for birth control.  Condoms are not desirable because they have to be used correctly every time. Therefore, many men opt for a vasectomy. A vasectomy is a form of permanent birth control for men. The penis can still ejaculate semen, but the sperm is absorbed by the body, making pregnancy unlikely to occur. In fact, a vasectomy has a 99.99% effective rate. 

This sounds appealing to many men, so you may wonder: when can you get a vasectomy? In general, the minimum age is 18 in the United States. No state allows vasectomies before this age, as the person is still considered a minor. Read on to learn more about vasectomies at various ages.

Age 18

This is the minimum age at which a vasectomy can be performed. However, some doctors may refuse to perform a vasectomy at such a young age if they believe the person may change their mind or they have a medical condition that makes such a procedure risky.

Age 21

Some doctors may think that having a vasectomy at 21 years old is too young, even though it is legal. That’s because men who get vasectomies in their 20s are more likely to have regrets than any other age group. 

Age 25

Doctors are more likely to feel comfortable performing vasectomies on men over the age of 25 due to the fact that many have had children by then or are in long-term relationships. However, it is not uncommon for doctors to counsel men about other options or perhaps delay their vasectomy for a few more years, just in case. 

After Age 25

Vasectomies become much more common after age 25. The average age is 35, although men in their 40s, 50s, and beyond have the procedure done regularly. The average man gets a vasectomy after having 1-3 children. 

Is There an Upper Age Limit?

Generally speaking, vasectomies are safe for all male adults, regardless of age. Anyone in good health can get one, although the risk of complications increases for those who take certain medications. Certain complications include:

• Infection
• Hematoma
• Vasectomy failure leading to pregnancy

Contact Us Today

While any man over the age of 18 can legally get a vasectomy in any part of the United States, it’s a decision that needs to be thought about carefully. Vasectomies can be reversed, but it’s not easy to do so. Think carefully about whether or not children will be a part of your future. If you are considering a vasectomy, our New York urologist at Lazare Urology can help. We’ll answer your questions and make sure you know what to expect. To schedule a consultation, call (718) 568-7516 or book an appointment online. We serve the Brooklyn area.