Sterilization is a surgical procedure that is done to prevent a woman from getting pregnant. It is very effective. Nearly 1 out of every 4 women in the United States relies on sterilization (of herself or her partner) for birth control. It is a permanent method of birth control that, for most women, is safe and free from problems. If you are sterilized and change your mind, attempts to reverse the procedure may not work and are expensive. After a sterilization reversal, many women are still not able to get pregnant, and the chance of having an ectopic pregnancy(outside of the uterus or in the tubes) is greatly increased.

With postpartum sterilization, both fallopian tubes are closed by being tied or sealed with a ring, clip or electric current. The egg then cannot move down the tube and the sperm cannot reach the egg. This kind of sterilization is called a tubal sterilization or tubal ligation. It is sometimes called “tying the tubes.” The surgery does not affect either partner’s ability to have or enjoy sex. Many couples say that sex improves after sterilization because there is no need to use another method of birth control. Sterilization does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you are at risk for getting an STD, you still need to protect yourself by using condoms.

Making the Decision - Sterilization is an important decision. Although there is a slight chance that pregnancy can occur after the procedure, it should be thought of as permanent. You should be certain that you do not want any more children – now or in the future. If there is any chance that you may want to have children in the future, think about reversible forms of birth control. Before choosing sterilization, you should know the risks, benefits and other options. Overall, vasectomy for the man is easier and less risky than most methods of female sterilization. The decision should be discussed with your partner. However, the final choice is yours, and the consent of others is not needed. Avoid making this choice during times of stress – such as during a divorce or after the loss of a pregnancy – and never under pressure from a partner or others.

Benefits - Sterilization offers a number of benefits. A woman no longer needs to use other methods of birth control. This procedure does not affect a woman’s sexual activity or menstrual cycle. However, women who used to use hormonal contraception will no longer have the benefit of shorter and lighter periods. Women who have been sterilized may have a slightly lower risk of cancer of the ovary and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Risks - The risk of getting pregnant after having postpartum sterilization is about 1 in 100 over a 10-year period. If you get pregnant after sterilization, it is more likely to be an ectopic pregnancy. It may rupture the tube and cause abdominal bleeding that may require emergency surgery. See your doctor if you miss a menstrual period after the procedure and think you might be pregnant. All surgeries have some degree of risk, but serious problems are rare with sterilization. Each of the following problems occurs in less than 1% (1 in 100) of women who have this operation:

• Infection
• Major side effects from the anesthesia
• Bowel or bladder injury
• Burn injuries to skin or bowel
• Bleeding from the incisions made in the skin
• Bleeding inside the abdomen
• Complications from anesthesia

You will likely have some pain in you abdomen and fell tired after surgery. Other side effects include feeling dizzy, upset stomach, shoulder pain, cramps, sore throat, discharge like a period and feeling gassy or bloated. Symptoms generally subside within 1-3 days. After that time, you may have minor changes in bowel movements and soreness over incision. Discomfort can be relieved with pain medications.

Follow-up Care - You will be observed for a short time after surgery to be sure that there are no complication. Most women are able to go home within 2-4 hours after surgery. The incision should be kept dry for a few days to promote healing. A bruise around the incision, if present, will fade soon. If the incision appears red or swollen or if the tenderness lasts longer than a few days, your doctor should check to make sure there is no infection. After the incision has healed, a slight scar will remain. After the surgery, you should return to the doctor for a post-operative exam. Keep in mind, you still need to see your doctor yearly for a routine exam.

Contact your doctor immediately if you have a fever (temperture above 100.4), severe pain in your abdomen or pelvic area, fowl smelling discharge from vagina or incision or if incision appears red or swollen. These could signal infection.