Surgery to Prevent Pregnancy (Sterilization): What to Know
Surgery to prevent pregnancy is also called sterilization. It's permanent. It should only be done if you're sure that you don't want to have children.
For females, the fallopian tubes are closed off or removed. This prevents the eggs that the ovaries release from entering the uterus. The sperm is unable to reach the eggs.
For males, the vas deferens is cut and then tied or burned (cauterized). The vas deferens is a tube that carries sperm from the testicles. The surgery prevents pregnancy by blocking sperm from going through the vas deferens and penis during ejaculation.
Types of surgeries to prevent pregnancy
For females, the surgeries include:
Laparoscopic tubal ligation. The fallopian tubes are cut, tied off, sealed with heat, or blocked with a clip, ring, or clamp. A small portion of each fallopian tube may also be removed. It's done through several small cuts with instruments that are inserted into the belly.
Postpartum tubal ligation. This is done within a few hours or days after having a baby. The fallopian tubes are cut, tied off, sealed with heat, or blocked with a clip, ring, or clamp. A small portion of each fallopian tube may also be removed. It's done through a single cut in the belly.
Tubal ligation during a C-section. The fallopian tubes are cut, tied off, sealed with heat, or blocked with a clip, ring, or clamp. A small portion of each fallopian tube may also be removed. It's done at the same time as a C-section delivery.
For males, the surgeries include:
Incision vasectomy. One or two small cuts are made in the scrotum. The vas deferens will be pulled out of the scrotum and cut. The vas deferens will be tied off or sealed with heat and placed back into your scrotum. The cut will be closed with absorbable stitches.
No scalpel vasectomy. A punctured opening is made in the scrotum. The vas deferens will be pulled out of the scrotum and cut. The vas deferens will be tied off or sealed with heat and placed back into your scrotum. The opening is small and won't require stitches.
What are the benefits of surgeries that prevent pregnancy?
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They usually work for a lifetime.
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They're generally safe.
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They don't affect the hormones in females like other types of birth control. Because of this, periods won't be affected.
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Sexual desire and sexual performance won't be affected.
What are the disadvantages of surgeries that prevent pregnancy?
Risks from the surgery
Risks are rare. Your health care provider will talk with you about them. They include:
Risks after the surgery
After a successful surgery, you may have other problems.
Risks for females may include:
The procedure not working. Sterilization is nearly 100% effective, but it can fail. In rare cases, the fallopian tubes can grow back together over time. If this happens, a female could get pregnant again.
Ectopic pregnancy. This is a pregnancy that grows outside of the uterus. It can require emergency treatment.
Risks for males may include:
Bleeding and swelling of the scrotum.
The procedure not working. There is a very small chance that the tied or cauterized ends of the vas deferens may reconnect. If this happens, a male could still make a female pregnant.
Other risks may include:
Changing your mind and deciding you want to have children. These surgeries may be reversed, but a reversal doesn't always work.
Lack of protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Questions to ask your health care provider
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How effective are these surgeries?
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What type of surgery is right for me?
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Is it possible to reverse the procedure if I change my mind?
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What can I expect after the surgery?
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
