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Tubal Sterilization
What is a tubal sterilization?
Tubal sterilization is an operation that blocks the tubes
carrying a woman's egg to her uterus. It is the most commonly used
method of birth control worldwide. Often the operation is accomplished
by using a laparoscope. This instrument is inserted through a small
incision in the abdomen. The tubes are visualized so the surgeon can
place rings, apply clips, or burn the tubes. After this operation, your
eggs will have no way to get to your uterus, and the man's sperm will
have no way to get to your egg. The effectiveness of tubal sterilization
differs by the method of sterilization and by the woman's age. This
operation should be considered permanent. You must be certain you do not
want to deliver more children and will not change your mind. Complete
information about this surgical procedure is available from your
clinician.
What are the advantages?
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Tubal sterilization is an
effective form of contraception when no more babies are desired.
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It is a fairly simple
operation that is safe and permanent.
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Nothing needs to be done at
the time of intercourse.
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There is nothing to remember on a daily basis.
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There are no hormones and no creams or foams involved.
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Tubal sterilization will not affect your sex drive or ability to enjoy
sex.
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It is cost-effective in the long run.
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This procedure may help protect against ovarian cancer.
What are the disadvantages?
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Tubal sterilization requires
surgery (an operation).
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There is some pain or
discomfort for several days after the operation.
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You need to have someone accompany you on the day of surgery.
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There is no easy way to check after tubal sterilization to see if it is
"still working."
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Tubal sterilization is very effective but definitely not 100 percent
effective. The failure rate is as high as 1 percent to 5 percent in the
10 years after the operation. If you think that you are pregnant at any
time in the future, return to the clinic immediately. Should a pregnancy
occur, there is an increased chance that it will be outside of your
uterus (an ectopic pregnancy).
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It is difficult to reverse this operation if you later want to become
pregnant. The operation to reverse tubal sterilization is highly
technical and expensive, and its results cannot be guaranteed. Most
insurance companies will not pay for reversal.
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Regret after tubal sterilization is greater if a woman is younger than 25
when her operation is done, if she divorces or remarries, if a child
dies, or if a woman has just had a baby or abortion when she has the
operation.
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Sterilization will not protect you from HIV or other sexually transmitted
infections. Use a condom if you or your partner may be at risk.
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In most states, a consent form and a 30-day waiting period are required
before the procedure can be scheduled.
Where do I get this operation?
Some clinicians perform this operation; others do not. You can
get a referral to a clinician who does the tubal sterilization operation
from your primary care clinician, health department, family planning
clinic or local medical society. Or, call the national organization
involved in sterilization training and service (AVSC) at 212.561.8000.
What if I have sex and don't use birth
control?
Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency
contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? Did you know that for
five to seven days after sex, you can have an IUD inserted so you won't
become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about these options.
If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of
clinicians near you who prescribe emergency birth control, call the
toll-free number 888.NOT2.LATE or 800.584.9911. Some of these sources of
help are free.
The North Dakota Department
of Health, Division of Family Health, does not assume responsibility for
the content obtained from external hyperlinks accessed from this website.
Any links to external sources are outside of our domain. Information on
external websites does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of
the North Dakota Department of Health or the Division of Family Health.
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