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contraception : surgical methods
Tubal Ligation
sterilization for women

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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.

What if I have sex before my tubal sterilization surgery, and I don't use birth control?
For 72 hours AFTER unprotected sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant. For up to 7 days AFTER unprotected sex, you can have an IUD put in. Not all clinicians know about emergency contraception. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you who prescribe emergency contraception, CALL the toll-free hotline 1-888-NOT-2-LATE or 1-800-584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free.

surgical methods
tubal sterilization
vasectomy

Last Update: 09/10/2004