Sterilization has many terms associated with it such as tubes being tied or blocked, salpingectomy female sterilization. It is a surgical procedure that is safe and effective at permanently preventing pregnancy.
What are the types of female sterilization?
Tubal ligation
– a surgical procedure where the fallopian tubes are blocked whether by tying, cutting, closed, or a portion is removed
Bilateral salpingectomy
– a surgical procedure that removes the fallopian tubes entirely. This is the most common method this procedure is now performed in our community.
Essure sterilization
– a former surgical procedure where a tiny coil placed into the fallopian tubes to block them by scarring them, it is no longer available in the U.S.
How does sterilization work to prevent pregnancy?
A sperm must meet an egg in the fallopian tube after the egg is released from the ovary to fertilize the egg then implant in the uterus to cause pregnancy. The sterilization procedure blocks the sperm from meeting the egg for fertilization.
What does the surgery look like?
It is a same-day procedure, outpatient, meaning you do not typically need to stay overnight in the hospital
It takes anywhere between 15-45 minutes to perform
You are placed to sleep through IV sedation and then intubated to control your breathing while small incisions are placed on the abdomen to place ports (channels) to place surgical instruments into the abdomen. The abdomen is inflated with gas so the fallopian tubes and organs can be seen clearly once a camera is placed inside. Then with small tools your fallopian tubes are either blocked via tubal ligation or bilateral salpingectomy they are fully removed.
What requirements are there for sterilization?
You need to be able to proceed with general anesthesia, be a safe surgical candidate for this procedure and desire permanent protection against a future pregnancy. No other requirements are needed. Your provider will review your health and any medical history you have to make sure you are an appropriate candidate for this procedure.
Is sterilization right for me?
This is a personal decision, you should be the only one to choose this for yourself. It is permanent meaning this cannot be reversed and fallopian tubes cannot be transplanted back in if they are removed.
It is not a good choice if there is any chance you want to have pregnant potential in the future. It is also not a good choice if you are being pressured by someone else to be stop having pregnancies but this is not your desire.
If you are not ready for something permanent then looking into an IUD or an implant is reasonable as an alternative as they are also > 99% effective but reversible.
Is sterilization safe?
Sterilization is a very safe procedure, and complications are rare. However, like any medical procedure, it does carry some risks.
Overall, a vasectomy — or male sterilization — is typically simpler and involves fewer risks than female sterilization.
How effective are tubal ligation and bilateral salpingectomy at preventing pregnancy?
They are great, they are permanent. In the literature they are > 99% effective for preventing pregnancy.
