femalesterilisation
Sterilization is nowadays better possible than before, because the fallopian tubes are no longer cut but are closed with a ring.
What is female sterilisation?
Your fallopian tubes are cut, sealed or blocked by an operation. This stops the egg and sperm meeting.
What is the operation like?
There are several ways of blocking the fallopian tubes: tying (ligation); removing a small piece of the tube (excision); sealing (cauterisation), or applying clips or rings. The laparoscopy is the most common method of female sterilisation. You will be given a general anaesthetic, or possibly a local anaesthetic. A doctor will make two tiny cuts, one just below your navel and the other just above the bikini line. They will then insert a laparoscope which lets the doctor clearly see your reproductive organs. The doctor will seal or block your fallopian tubes, usually with clips or rings. The time you stay in hospital after sterilisation depends on the anaesthetic and the method used. It can be as little as one day. To avoid pregnancy you must use contraception right up to the time you are sterilised and until you have your first period after the sterilisation.
How will I feel after the operation?
If you have a general anaesthetic you may feel unwell and a little uncomfortable for a few days. This is quite usual, and you may have to take things easy for a week or so. You may have some slight bleeding and pain. If this gets worse, see your doctor. Your ovaries, womb and cervix are left in place so you will still release an egg each month, but it is absorbed by the body. Your sex drive and enjoyment of sex should not be affected. For many women it is improved, as they no longer fear an unplanned pregnancy. Occasionally some women find that their periods are heavier, but this is usually because of their age or stopping the combined pill, which may have lightened their periods. You can have sex as soon as it is comfortable to do so after the operation but you will need to use contraception until your first period after the operation.
When is female sterilisation effective?
If you do not want to become pregnant you must continue to use your present method of contraception until your first period after sterilisation.