All of us who need birth control want to find the method that is best for us. And every woman has different needs when choosing a method. Whether you’re thinking about getting sterilized, you are sterilized, you’re a concerned partner, or you’re just someone who’s curious about it, you may have many questions.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear about sterilization for women. We hope the answers help you decide if it is right for you.
What Is Sterilization?
Sterilization is a form of birth control. One type of sterilization commonly referred to is tubal ligation. All sterilization procedures are meant to be permanent.
During a sterilization procedure, a health care provider closes or blocks a woman’sfallopian tubes. Closing the tubes can be done in several ways.
One way is by tying and cutting the tubes — this is called tubal ligation. The fallopian tubes also can be sealed using an instrument with an electrical current. They also can be closed with clips, clamps, or rings. Sometimes, a small piece of the tube is removed.
Sometimes, very small metal coils are inserted in the tubes. Scar tissue grows around them and blocks the tubes. The brand name for this type of sterilization is Essure.
Learn about the different procedures and what to expect with each of them.
How Does Sterilization Work?
Eggs are made in a woman’s ovaries. One egg is released each month. It passes through one of the fallopian tubes toward the uterus. Sterilization blocks each tube. Pregnancy cannot happen if sperm cannot reach the egg.
How Effective Is Sterilization?
Effectiveness is an important and common concern when choosing a birth control method. Sterilization is nearly 100 percent effective.
Most kinds of sterilization for women are effective right away. But it takes about three months before Essure is effective.
Keep in mind that sterilization provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Latex or female condoms can reduce your risk of STDs.
How Safe Is Sterilization?
Most women can be sterilized safely. But like any medical procedure, there are risks.
One possible risk is that the tubes may reconnect by themselves — but this is rare. When women get pregnant after being sterilized, about 1 out of 3 has a pregnancy that develops in a fallopian tube. This is called ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is serious and may be life threatening.
The Signs of Ectopic Pregnancy
The signs of ectopic pregnancy include
- irregular bleeding from the vagina
- pain in the abdomen or tip of the shoulder
- sudden weakness or fainting
If you think you may have an ectopic pregnancy and can’t reach your health care provider, go to a hospital emergency room right away.
Other risks depend on the type of sterilization. Talk to your health care provider about whether sterilization is likely to be safe for you.
What Are the Benefits of Sterilization?
Sterilization is safe and, because it lasts for life, it is simple and convenient. It allows a woman to enjoy sex without worrying about pregnancy. Many women and men report that they have more sexual pleasure because they don’t have to think about unwanted pregnancy anymore.
Sterilization does not change your hormones. The hormones that affect hair, voice, sex drive, muscle tone, and breast size, are still made in the ovaries. Those hormones still flow through the body after sterilization. It will not cause symptoms of menopause or make menopause happen earlier. And most women who have been sterilized will still have normal periods — some women may experience a change in their menstrual cycle with Essure.
Sterilization may be right for you if
- You don’t want to have a child biologically in the future.
- You have concerns about the side effects of other methods.
- Other methods are unacceptable.
- Your health would be threatened by a future pregnancy.
- You don’t want to pass on a hereditary illness or disability.
- You and your partner agree that your family is complete, and no more children are wanted.
- You and your partner have decided that sterilization is better for you than vasectomy is for him.
What Are the Disadvantages of Sterilization?
Many of us like to weigh the benefits against the risks of any procedure. Now that you’re familiar with the benefits, let’s look at the possible disadvantages.
Sterilization may not be a good choice for you if you
- may want to have a child biologically in the future
- are being pressured by a partner, friends, or family
- are using it to solve problems that may be temporary — such as marriage or sexual problems, short-term mental or physical illnesses, financial worries, or being out of work
You should consider any possible life changes, such as divorce, remarriage, or death of children. You don’t need your partner’s permission to be sterilized, but it may be helpful to discuss it with your partner or anyone else who could be part of the decision-making process.
There are risks with any medical procedure, including sterilization. It’s important to understand the risks before being sterilized.
Considering Other Birth Control Options
It is important to consider other methods before you choose sterilization. IUDs and the implant are as effective as sterilization, simple to use, offer long-term protection, but are not permanent.
Can Sterilization Be Reversed?
If you are thinking about reversal, sterilization may not be right for you. Reversals require complicated surgery and cost thousands of dollars. Even though tubes can sometimes be rejoined, there are no guarantees. For many women, reversals are not possible because there is not enough of their tubes left to reconnect.
How Do I Get Sterilized? How Much Does It Cost?
If you are interested in getting sterilized, talk with a health care provider. Contact your localPlanned Parenthood health center, your gynecologist, family doctor, a local hospital, or a local public health department. Sterilization can be performed in a medical office, hospital, or clinic.
There may be state or federal requirements for sterilization, such as age restrictions or waiting periods. Ask if there are any restrictions when you make an appointment.
After Birth, Miscarriage, or Abortion …
About 1 out of 2 sterilizations are performed shortly after childbirth or abortion. You need to make arrangements with your health care provider in advance if you want to combine sterilization with other procedures.
Nationwide, the cost of sterilization ranges from $1,500 to $6,000. (The cost of vasectomy is much less.) Some clinics and doctors adjust fees on a sliding scale according to income. If you need to have your procedure in a hospital, it may be more expensive.
Private health insurance policies may pay some or most of the cost. In nearly all states, Medicaid covers sterilization.
