What is Female Sterilization: How Is It Performed?

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Once a female is done with family planning and decides not to have any more kids in future she may opt for female sterilization. 

What Is Female Sterilization?

Female sterilization a permanent solution to prevent pregnancy and enjoy intimacy with your partner without fear of getting pregnant. This procedure works by blocking the fallopian tubes. Although it is complex and much expensive procedure in comparison to vasectomy or male sterilization it is common in developing countries and about 51% of females opts female sterilization as family birth control method. There are two main types of female sterilization procedures:  Surgical and non-surgical. A female may opt for surgical and non-surgical female sterilization depending on her choice, health condition and budget.

What Is Female Sterilization

Difference between Surgical and non-surgical female sterilization

The female sterilization procedures work by blocking or sealing the fallopian tubes. The key difference between surgical and non-surgical female sterilization procedures is that surgical female sterilization is invasive and non-surgical female sterilization procedure do not involve incision. The surgical female sterilization procedure is known as tubal ligation. In tubal ligation the fallopian tube is sealed or blocked. In other words this procedure is referred to as tying fallopian tubes.  This  process involves  minimally invasive surgery known as laparoscopy.  Tubal ligation can also be done just after cesarean or vaginal delivery.  Non-surgical processes on the other hand use devices that are inserted through the vagina and uterus in the fallopian tubes to seal the fallopian tubes.

Difference between Surgical and non-surgical female sterilization

How the method of female sterilization works?

The procedure of female sterilization works by sealing or blocking the fallopian tube. The female sterilization procedures prevent the egg from reaching the uterus and keep the sperm away from the reach of the egg.  Immediately after the tubal ligation is done it become effective. However, the non-surgical female sterilization procedures  sometimes take 3 months to become effective. The results of both the procedures are almost permanent with little risk of failure. Learn how the female sterilization procedures are performed.

How is tubal ligation performed

First of all the patients is given anesthesia. Then the abdomen is filled with gas to make a small incision in order to assess the reproductive organs with the help of a laparoscope. The fallopian tube is seed by the doctor by:

How is tubal ligation performed

Removing sections of the tube

Cutting and folding the tubes

Blocking the fallopian tubes with clips or bands

Few sterilization process requires only one instrument and one incision while other procedures may require two. It is advised to discuss what procedure your doctor planning to opt in advance.

How is non surgical sterilization done?

 Essure is device used for non surgical female sterilization.  It consists of two metal coils. One of the coils is inserted in each fallopian tube. Eventually a scar tissue is formed around the coil that blocks the fallopian tubes. 

Use of non-surgical sterilization is restricted because patients have report of bleeding, pain and allergic reactions. Also there have been instances when the implants have punctured the uterus or has shifted of the place.

Effectiveness female sterilization process

Female sterilization procedures are above 100% effective. It is a good option for the females who want a permanent and effective birth control solution.  For most of the females this procedure is safe and has very low failure rates.  Female sterilization procedures do not have side effects as in other  contraceptive methods intrauterine devices,  implants or birth control pill.  It does not have any effect on your Menstruation cycle,  hormones or sexual desires.

What are the disadvantages of female sterilization procedures?

Female sterilization procedures are permanent this is why it is not a good option for females who are looking for temporary birth control solutions. Although some tubal ligation procedures are reversible but reversals may not work. Non surgical sterilization procedures are never reversible. Talk to your doctor about the options and tell about your future plans. Getting an IUD implanted may be a better choice if you may plan baby in future as removal of IUD restores female fertility. Unlike some birth control options such as condoms, female sterilization procedure do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. Also, female sterilization procedures are not an option if you have only one fallopian tube, is allergic to contrast dyes or have one or both the fallopian tubes closed or obstructed.

Certain risks are always involved in any kind of medical procedures. However, bleeding and infection are rarely side effects of tubal ligation. It is always suggested to talk to your doctor about the risks involved before opting for any procedure.

* Please note that using inserts for female sterilization have been found serious this is why Essure has been taken off the market.

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