What is tubal sterilization?
Tubal sterilization is an operation which blocks the tubes carrying a woman's
egg to her uterus. Worldwide, it is the most commonly used method of birth
control. Often the operation is performed through a laparoscope. This instrument
is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. The tubes are visualized
so the surgeon can place rings on, or apply clips to, the tubes or burn
the tubes. After a tubal sterilization the egg cannot reach the uterus,
and the man's sperm cannot reach the egg. This operation should be
considered permanent. You must be certain you do not want to deliver more
children and will not change your mind.
Complete information about this surgical procedure is available from
your clinician.
Advantages:
- Tubal sterilization is an effective contraceptive when no more children
are desired.
- It is a fairly simple operation which is safe and permanent.
- Nothing must to be taken daily or used at the time of sexual intercourse.
- Tubal sterilization will not affect your sex drive or ability to enjoy
sex.
- It is cost-effective in the long run.
Disadvantages:
- Tubal sterilization requires minor surgery (an operation).
- There may be some pain or discomfort for several days after the operation.
- You must have someone accompany you on the day of the surgery.
- There is no easy way to check after tubal sterilization to see if it
is "still working."
- Tubal sterilization is very effective but not 100% effective. The failure
rate is 1-5% during the first 10 years after the operation. If you think
that you are pregnant after having a tubal sterilization, return to the
clinic immediately. Should a pregnancy occur, there is an increased chance
that the pregnancy will be outside of your uterus (an ectopic pregnancy).
- It is difficult to reverse this operation if you want to become pregnant
at a later time. 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 an abortion when she has her operation.
- Sterilization will not protect you from HIV or other infections. Use
a condom if you or your partner may be at risk.
- In most states a consent form and a 30-day waiting period are required
before scheduling the procedure.
Where can I go to get this operation?
You can get a referral to a clinician who does the tubal sterilization
operation from your primary care provider, health department, family planning
clinic or local medical society. Or you can call the national organization
involved in sterilization training and service (AVSC) at 212-561-8000.
