Female sterilisation

What is it and how does it work?

Permanent method of contraception in which the fallopian tubes which carry an egg from the ovary to the womb are cut, sealed or blocked. This is done through an operation known as a laparoscopy or a mini laporotomy.

The woman's ovaries, womb and cervix are left in place, so an egg will still be released each month, but it is absorbed by the body. However, so as not to become pregnant, you will need to continue to use another method of contraception until your first period after sterilisation. The woman's sex drive and enjoyment of sex should not be affected by sterilisation.

What are the advantages of it?

It is a permanent method of contraception.

Disadvantages

  • female sterilisation involves a small operation and usually a general anaesthetic
  • although uncommon, the tubes may rejoin and you can become fertile again
  • does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections
  • cannot be easily reversed.

Who can use it?

Only for people who are sure they do not want to have any more children or never want to have children. Therefore, you should get full information and counselling if you want to be sterilised. You should not decide to be sterilised if you are your partner are not completely sure or you are under any stress (e.g. after a birth, miscarriage, abortion, or family or relationship crisis). Although there is an operation to reverse sterilisation, it is complicated, expensive (often not available on the NHS) and may not work.

Where can you get advice about sterilisation?

You can go to a Family Planning Clinic, your GP or practice nurse. All treatment you get is confidential and free. NHS waiting lists for sterilisation can be quite long, depending on where you live. You can have the operation done privately.

How effective is it?

There is a very slight risk that sterilisation will not work, as the tubes that carry the eggs can rejoin after sterilisation. Female sterilisation can fail immediately or some years after the operation has been carried out. The overall failure rate of female sterilisations are about 1 in 200, depending on the method used.

Contacts

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Other forms of contraception:

Adapted from information produced by the FPA - www.fpa.org.uk