Female sterilization means that you can never get pregnant again. The procedure is an operation in which the fallopian tubes are cut and closed.
Female sterilization is a permanent procedure to prevent pregnancy. It works by surgically or nonsurgical blocking the fallopian tubes.
There is a difference between surgical and nonsurgical sterilization? While the surgical procedure requires tubal litigation, cutting and sealing of the fallopian tubes, the nonsurgical procedure involves no incision at all. Instead, devices are inserted through the vagina and uterus into the fallopian tubes to seal them.
Before the operation, the doctor conducts a detailed discussion with the patient to ensure that she really does not want any more biological children, since the operation is very difficult to reverse. He must also inform the patient about possible side effects and risks, and she must agree to the operation before sterilization can be carried out.
Female sterilization: the surgical procedure
There are different ways to do the surgery. Some clinics offer outpatient surgery, while others stay in the clinic for between one and seven days. The patient is given general anesthesia. Then her fallopian tubes are severed and the ends sealed. This is done by scab formation or by plastic or metal clips. From then on, the egg cell only reaches this point and is absorbed by the mucous membrane of the fallopian tube. Sperm cells can no longer reach them, so contraception is very reliable. Sterilization has no effect on sexual experience.
If blocking the fallopian tubes does not work, the tubes may be completely removed – a process called salpingectomy.
Disorders in the hormone production of the ovaries sometimes occur after the operation, which can result in spotting before and after the menstrual period. If the decision against further biological children was not well thought out, the patient can get mental problems because this form of contraception is permanent. In very rare cases, problems with the anaesthetic, internal bleeding or damage to the intestines can occur during the operation. However, the doctor must inform the patient about these risks before the procedure.
How effective is female sterilization
Female sterilization is 99% percent effective in preventing pregnancy. Some studies have shown that some women might still get pregnant after the procedure.
The procedure is irreversible so one needs to be absolutely sure it is right for them. In addition, a condom should be used to prevent STIs.