Content

Description

Sterilization of a woman is a surgical procedure that serves as permanent contraception (birth control) for a woman.

It is performed by ligation of the fallopian tubes, or by inserting small coils.

Female sterilization (Tubal ligation)

Facts

  • General anesthesia
  • One-day surgery
  • Procedure lasts up to 60 minutes
  • Recovery after 2-3 days

Female sterilization is a surgical procedure under general anesthesia, which is now mainly performed laparoscopically. It can also be performed as part of a caesarean section in childbirth. 

  • The gist is the interruption of the fallopian tubes, so that there is an obstacle for the mature eggs in their journey to the uterus.
  • This leaves the woman infertile, but the ovaries continue to produce hormones and the menstrual cycle is maintained.
  • Hysteroscopic sterilization is performed by inserting tiny coils (for example: Essure) into the fallopian tubes, which will outgrow the surrounding tissue within three months and cause sterility.
  • Recovery after the operation is in 2-3 days.

This is a permanent condition as a result of which a woman can no longer conceive naturally. It is therefore the most reliable contraception for women. A similar procedure for men is a vasectomy.

The ideal candidate is a woman who is no longer thinking about having another child and wants safe and reliable contraception, while maintaining regular sexual activity with a permanent sexual partner.

Sterilization is not suitable for women who are still planning to have children. Since the procedure does not protect against the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the use of condoms is more recommended for women with multiple partners.