NDSU Student Health Service
Choices Program

Your Reproductive Health - Sterilization

 

Surgical Sterilization

Surgical sterilization is a permanent, generally irreversible surgical procedure performed by a health care professional to prevent pregnancy. It is advised only for individuals who are absolutely certain that they do not want any or additional children.

Reversal of sterilization is expensive, not readily available, often requires major surgery, and the results are not guaranteed.

Surgical sterilization does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted infection (STIs).

There are several methods of female sterilization. Tubal ligation is the most common procedure. In this procedure, the physician inserts a small instrument called a laparoscope through a small incision made in the abdomen. Each fallopian tube is then sealed or "tied," which prevents the passage of an egg.

The procedure in male sterilization is called a vasectomy. Through a small incision in the scrotum, the physician seals the ducts (vas deferens) that carry sperm. A backup method of birth control should be used until it has been confirmed that any remaining sperm in the ducts have been completely ejaculated.

How Effective is Surgical Sterilization?

• Tubal ligations (female sterilization) are 99% effective.
• Vasectomy (male sterilization) is 99.9% effective.

  Sterilization is considered one of the safest contraceptive methods, but it does involve a surgical procedure.
  There is always the possibility of complications such as bleeding, infection, and possible damage to surrounding organs.

Possible Side Effects of Sterilization

• Some women may experience pain at the surgical site.
• Possible risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.
• Some men may experience tenderness or swelling of the testicles.
• Psychological reactions are possible, including regret.