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Tubal Sterilization
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Tubal sterilization is an operation which blocks the tubes carrying a woman's egg to her uterus. This is the most commonly used method of birth control worldwide. Often the operation is accomplished through using a laparoscope. This instrument is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. The tubes are visualized so the surgeon can place rings, apply clips or burn the tubes. After this operation your eggs will have no way to get to your uterus, and the man's sperm will have no way to get to your egg. The effectiveness of tubal sterilization differs slightly by the method of sterilization and by the woman's age. This operation should be considered permanent. You must be certain you do not want to deliver more children and will not change your mind.
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What are the advantages of Tubal Sterilization?
- Tubal sterilization is an extremly effective contraceptive.
- It is a fairly simple operation which is safe and permanent.
- Nothing needs to be done at the time of intercourse.
- There is nothing to remember on a daily basis.
- There are no hormones and no creams or foams involved.
- Tubal sterilization will not affect your sex drive or ability to enjoy sex.
- It is cost-effective in the long run.
- This procedure may help protect against ovarian cancer.
What are the disadvantages of Tubal Sterilization?
- Tubal sterilization requires surgery (an operation).
- There is some pain or discomfort for several days.
- It is best to have someone accompany you on the day of surgery.
- There is no easy way to check after tubal sterilization to see if it is "still working."
- Tubal sterilization is very effective but definitely not 100% effective. The failure rate is as high as 1-5% in the 10 years after the operation. If you think that you are pregnant at any time in the future, return to the clinic immediately. Should a pregnancy occur, there is an increased chance that it will be outside of your uterus (called an ectopic pregnancy).
- It is difficult to reverse this operation if you later want to become pregnant. The operation to reverse tubal sterilization is highly technical, expensive, and its results cannot be guaranteed.
- Regret after tubal sterilization is greater if a woman is under 25 when her operation is done, if she divorces or remarries, if a child dies, or if a woman has just had a baby or abortion.
- Sterilization will not protect you from HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Use a condom if you or your partner may be at risk.
- A consent form and a 30-day waiting period maybe required before the procedure can be scheduled.
Where do I go and get this Operation?
- Some clinicians perform this operation; others do not.
- You can get a referral to a clinician who does the tubal sterilization operation from your primary care clinician, health department, family planning clinic or local medical society. Or call the national organization involved in sterilization training and service (Engender Health). Their number is 212-561-8000.
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