Birth Control

• What is male sterilization?
• What is female sterilization?
• Sterilization FAQs

Sterilization

There sterilization procedures for both men and women. These are permanent and for the most part irreversible (or intended to be).

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What is male sterilization?

Male sterilization is achieved through a surgical procedure, called a vasectomy, that is intended to be a permanent method of birth control (there is no guarantee that it can be reversed).

How is the procedure performed?
A vasectomy is a quick, 30-minute surgical procedure performed in the physician's office in which the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm out of the penis) is cut or tied, and then the ends are cauterized (burned). This prevents sperm from coming out in the ejaculate or getting into the vagina. Recovery from vasectomy usually requires only that the patient refrain from physical activity for approximately 48 hours.

Back-up contraception needs to be used until two follow-up semen tests show no sperm.

Are there any complications?
Complications from a vasectomy are relatively rare but can involve infection, swelling of the scrotum, as well as the possibility of small, inflamed hard nodules at the end of the severed tube (these usually clear up on their own; however, in some cases additional surgery may be required).

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What is female sterilization?

Permanent female sterilization can be achieved through two procedures:

• Tubal ligation: This is a surgical procedure performed in a hospital, usually with no over night stay. It involves cutting the fallopian tubes and then tying and cauterizing the cut ends, so the egg does not get out of the tube into the uterus to be fertilized.
  
• Hysteroscopic sterilization (Essure procedure): A hysteroscope, a lighted telescopic instrument, is inserted into the uterus through the cervix. The hysteroscope is used to insert spring-like coils called micro-inserts in the opening of the fallopian tubes. During the following months, scar tissue will form around the inserts and essentially plug the tubes which will keep sperm from fertilizing an egg. A follow-up visit to the doctor is required to make sure that the tubes are completely blocked.
  
• Back-up contraception must be used until blockage is confirmed. This is a minor surgical procedure and requires anesthesia.

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Sterilization FAQs

Does sterilization protect against STIs?

No!

Does it protect against pregnancy?

Yes.

What are the chances of getting pregnant while using sterilization?

• Failure rates:
  • vasectomy: 1 percent
    
  • Tubal ligation: 2 percent
    
  • Hysterocscopic sterilization: less than 1 percent.

Advantages to using sterilization?

• Permanent protection against pregnancy


• No lasting side effects
  
• Does not affect sexual pleasure

Possible complications:

• As with any surgery, bleeding (usually minimal), infection, scarring
  
• Reaction to the anesthetic that is used
  
• Mild to moderate pain
  
• Swelling of testicles (male)
  
• Tenderness near the testicles (male)

Disadvantages to using sterilization?

• Sterilization is a permanent, surgical procedure and often cannot be reversed.
  
• Sterilization requires that you take time off to have this done, as well as for recovery.

Things you should know:

This permanent method of birth control is intended for individuals who do not wish to ever have children, or already have a family with children and do not wish to ever have another pregnancy. There are methods to reversing the procedures, but the success rate is low. The methods also involve more extensive surgery.


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