Sterilisation

What is sterilisation?

Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception, suitable for women or men who are sure they never want children or don't want more children. Male sterilisation is called vasectomy.

How does it work?

Sterilisation works by stopping the egg and the sperm meeting. This is done by blocking the fallopian tubes (which carry the egg from the ovary to the womb) in women or the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis) in men.

Myths about sterilisation:

• It can easily be reversed. Not true - vasectomy and female sterilisation are difficult to reverse, involving major surgery that isn't available on the NHS.
• Vasectomy is like castration. Not true - vasectomy only involves cutting the tubes that carry sperm to the penis, nothing else is touched.

Male sterilisation

Usually under local anaesthetic, a small cut is made in the skin of the scrotum. The vas deferens are cut and tied or sealed with heat. The operation takes about 15 minutes and can be carried out in a clinic, hospital outpatient department or some general practice settings.

Vasectomy is very effective - about one in 2,000 male sterilisations fails.

Female sterilisation

Under local or a light general anaesthetic, a small cut is made in the lower abdomen. The fallopian tubes are cut and tied, or sealed or blocked, usually with clips.

Around one in 200 females sterilisations fails. The clip method is more effective.

Women considering sterilisation should always be given information about long-acting reversible contraception as these methods are as effective, or more effective, than female sterilisation.

When can I stop using other contraception?

Women should use contraception up to the operation and for four weeks afterwards.

Men will need to use contraception after vasectomy until a semen test shows there are no sperm. This test is usually done around eight weeks after vasectomy.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of sterilisation include:

• After sterilisation has worked you don’t need to think about contraception ever again.
• There are no known serious long-term health risks.

The disadvantages of sterilisation include:

• The tubes may rejoin and you will be fertile again - although this isn't common.
• It cannot be easily reversed.
• It takes at least two months for vasectomy to be effective.

Other things to consider include:

• Sterilisation doesn't protect you against sexually transmitted infections.
• After sterilisation your sex drive and enjoyment of sex should not be affected.

Can anyone be sterilised?

Sterilisation is only for women and men who are sure they don't want children or any more children. It is a permanent method.

Although sterilisation isn’t 100 per cent reliable, and also a reversal can be attempted (although not on the NHS), it should be considered permanent and irreversible for anyone undergoing it. You shouldn't consider sterilisation if you're unsure, under any stress (for example after birth, miscarriage or abortion) or have any family or relationship crisis.

Research shows that more women and men regret sterilisation if they were sterilised when they were under 30, had no children or were not in a relationship.

Where can I be sterilised?

Sterilisation is free on the NHS from contraception clinics, sexual health clinics or general practice.

Advice and support

Call the FPA helpline on 0845 122 8690.