Sterilization

What is Sterilization?

Sterilization in women is a permanent form of birth control or contraception to prevent pregnancy. Sterilization works by blocking or sealing the fallopian tubes to prevent the eggs from reaching the sperm and getting fertilized. The fallopian tubes are usually blocked by applying rings, clips, or by tying, cutting and removing a small piece of the tube. One of the most common methods of sterilization in women is tubal ligation.

Things to Know About Sterilization

Sterilization has been more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Sterilization is very difficult to reverse, so you need to make an informed decision before proceeding.
Use of contraception to prevent pregnancy will no longer be required once you have undergone sterilization; however, you will need to use some form of contraception until your next period or for 3 months after the operation.
It does not affect the level of your hormones and you will continue to have periods.
It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you may need to continue using condoms to prevent STIs.
There is a small risk of complications, as with any surgery.
There is a rare chance of pregnancy if the fallopian tubes fuse back together.
There is an increased risk of ectopic or tubal pregnancy if you get pregnant after the operation.

Preparing for Sterilization

Some of the steps involved in preparation for sterilization include:

Counseling with your doctor is important to discuss the operation in detail and clarify any doubts or questions you may have.
Discuss with your partner about your decision to undergo sterilization.
You will need to use contraception until the day of surgery and until your next period after surgery.
Before surgery, you will have to undergo a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant.

Methods of Sterilization

Sterilization is most often performed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic tubal ligation or removal of fallopian tubes involves:

Your surgeon inserts a laparoscope (a thin, flexible fiberoptic tube with a small camera and light attached at the end) through a small surgical cut under the umbilicus.
Another small surgical cut is made at the lower abdomen to apply rings or clips to block the fallopian tubes. Alternatively, the entire fallopian tube may be removed.
This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and you can go home the same day.

Postoperative Care and Instructions

Post procedure, you will be monitored for an hour to ensure you are recovering as expected and that there are no complications. Usually, most people are discharged the same day of the procedure. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled a week after the procedure to monitor your progress. Other instructions include:

Do not drive any motor vehicle for at least 2 days post procedure while on narcotics.
Avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting until incisions are healed
You may need to use sanitary napkins for slight vaginal bleeding.
You may also experience some pain and medicine will be provided for your comfort
If bleeding or pain gets worse, you should seek immediate medical care.

Risks and Complications of Sterilization

As with any surgery, there are certain risks associated with sterilization, such as:

Bleeding
Infection
Pain
Damage to adjacent organs
Anesthetic complications
Failure of the operation