Birth Control Options: Tubal sterilization

WHAT IS A TUBAL STERILIZATION?

Tubal sterilization is an operation which blocks the tubes carrying a woman's egg to her uterus. It 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 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. Complete information about this surgical procedure is available from your clinician.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

• Tubal sterilization is an effective form of contraception when no more babies are desired.
• 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?

• Tubal sterilization requires surgery (an operation).
• There is some pain or discomfort for several days after the operation.
• It is better 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 (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. Most insurance companies will not pay for reversal.
• 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 when she has he operation.
• Sterilization will not protect you from HIV or other sexually transmitted 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 the procedure can be scheduled.

WHERE DO I GO TO 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 (AVSC). Their number is 212-561-8000.

WHAT IF I HAVE SEX AND DON’T USE BIRTH CONTROL?

Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? AND for 5 to 7 days after sex, you can have an IUD put in, so you won’t become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about this. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you that prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number: (1-888) NOT-2-LATE or (1-800) 584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free. PLAN B is the emergency contraceptive pill that causes the least nausea, the least vomiting, and has the lowest failure rate.

The Pill | The Mini-Pill | Birth Control Shot | Abstinence  | Cervical Cap

Breastfeeding | Vasectomy | Female/Male Condom Choices

Contraceptive Film (VCF) | Natural Family Planning  |  IUD's

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) | Vaginal Spermicides

Tubal Sterilization | The Ring | The Patch

Wyoming Health Council

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