Sterilisation

Reliability

Over 99% effective.
Failure rate  ranges from 1 in 200 to 1 in 500 depending on the method used.

How does it work?

Female sterilisation is a permanent method which blocks or cuts the fallopian tubes so that eggs cannot travel down the tubes and meet the sperm. It requires a small operation under general anaesthetic in hospital.

Possible Side Effects

• discomfort or pain for a short time after the operation
• wound infection
• those taking COC before sterilisation may have heavier periods afterwards
• the tubes may rejoin so that the method does not work.
• involves a general anaesthetic and its associated risks.

Advantages / Benefits

• Reliable
• No need to remember contraception.
• No hormones used.
• Permanent

Suitability

• For those who have completed their families.
• For those who want a permanent contraceptive method and are sure they do not want more children.

Who can provide it?

Your GP or Sexual Health clinic can refer you to the hospital. Gynaecologists who will do the operation.

Comments

• It is not generally possible to make the tubes open again once the operation is done. If in any doubt, it is better to consider other methods.
• Counselling is important.
• You may need to stay in hospital one or two nights.
• You will need to use contraception until your operation and for at least seven days afterwards. After hysteroscopic sterilisation you will need to use contraception for at least three months.