Permanent Sterilization
Sterilization is the permanent closing of the tubes that normally carry the sperm or eggs with surgery or special devices. A woman or man who has these procedures will no longer be able to conceive children.
These procedures are usually permanent methods of birth control. They can sometimes be reversed to restore the ability to conceive, but the reversal procedures are costly and not always successful. In women, the risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy is increased.
Surgical Sterilization
Surgical sterilization is a safe, highly effective, permanent, and convenient form of contraception.
There are two types of Female Sterilization:
- Tubal Ligation, a one-time outpatient surgery to cut or tie the fallopian tubes
- Hysterectomy, a procedure in which the uterus is removed.
A woman's decision to undergo sterilization must be voluntary and not forced by her family, partner, or healthcare provider.
There may be up to a few months delay between your request for surgery and the day it is performed.
Tubal Ligation
Tubal Ligation, commonly called "getting your tubes tied," is a surgical sterilization technique for women. This procedure closes the fallopian tubes, and stops the egg from traveling to the uterus from the ovary. It also prevents sperm from reaching the fallopian tube to fertilize an egg. A tubal ligation is typically performed using a laparoscope, through a small incision in your belly button. It can also be performed after delivery via C-section. When a tubal ligation is performed after a C-section, it does not require laparoscopy. All forms of tubal ligation require either burning, cutting, clamping or tying the mid section of your fallopian tubes. The surgery is effective immediately. Tubal ligations are 99.5% effective as birth control. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
Tubal Ligation is a relatively simple out-patient surgery. This surgery is usually done in an ambulatory surgery center and is performed under general anesthesia. This procedure usually requires 1 week of decreased activity for recovery.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is another permanent method of sterilization procedure in which the uterus is removed. The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. Other female organs, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes, may also be removed when the uterus is removed. Hysterectomy is usually only done if there are other problems with the female organs, such as fibroids, or abnormal menstrual bleeding.
Learn more about the hysterectomy procedure.
