Female Sterilisation

Reliability
Over 99% effective.
Failure rate 1 in 2,000 over a lifetime

How it works
It 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.

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 Family Planning Doctor 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.
• Other contraception must be used before you are sterilised and until you have had your first period after the operation.