Contraception

Sterilisation

Alsosterilizationpermanent contraceptionsterilizedsterilisedgetting sterilised

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

Sterilisation is a surgical procedure intended to permanently prevent pregnancy, by blocking or removing the fallopian tubes or by cutting the tubes that carry sperm.

At a glance

  • Sterilisation is surgery intended to permanently prevent pregnancy.
  • The two main forms are vasectomy and tubal procedures.
  • Both are more than 99% effective.
  • Reversal is not always possible or funded.
  • It does not change hormone levels or protect against infections.

In detail

The two main forms are vasectomy, for people with testicles, and tubal procedures, for people with ovaries and a uterus. Both are more than 99% effective and involve no ongoing hormones or daily routine.

Because it is meant to be permanent, clinicians discuss it carefully, including long-acting reversible options that are similarly effective. Reversal is not always possible or funded. Sterilisation does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or change hormone levels.

In a sentence

  • After their third child they talked to the doctor about sterilisation.
  • The clinician explained that sterilisation should be thought of as permanent.

Where the word comes from

From the Latin "sterilis", meaning barren. The American English spelling is "sterilization".

Not to be confused with

  • LARC

    LARC methods are equally effective but can be removed whenever the user wants.

Common questions

Can sterilisation be reversed?

It is meant to be permanent. Reversal is not always possible, may not work and is often not funded, so clinicians discuss the decision carefully.

Does sterilisation affect hormones?

No. It does not change hormone levels. It also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Related terms

Sources

  1. ACOGSterilization for Women and Men
  2. Planned ParenthoodSterilization