Contraception
Permanent Sterilization
Tying Your Tubes
How does it prevent pregnancy?
- The fallopian tubes are blocked, sealed, or completely removed to prevent the eggs reaching the sperm and becoming fertilized.
- Eggs will still be released from the ovaries as normal, but they’ll be absorbed naturally into the woman’s body.
How effective is it?
- 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Advantages of Tubal ligation or removal:
- It should be effective immediately.
- It protects you from pregnancy around the clock for the rest of your life.
- It does not affect your hormone levels and you’ll still have periods.
- It will not affect your sex drive or interfere with sex.
- It decreases the risk of ovarian cancer.
Potential downsides of Tubal ligation or removal:
- Sterilization procedures like tubal ligation are meant to be permanent, so it usually can’t be undone.
- Sterilization does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you may need to use condoms as well.
- There’s a very small risk of complications, including internal bleeding, infection or damage to other organs.
- If you get pregnant after the operation, there’s an increased risk it’ll be an ectopic pregnancy.
Typically, tubal ligation is done as an outpatient procedure through laparoscopy.
Is sterilization right for me?
- Sterilization is permanent — you should only get sterilized if you’re totally sure you don’t want to be able to get pregnant for the rest of your life.
- It’s safe for most people to get sterilized.
Sterilization may not be a good choice for you if:
- There’s any chance you’ll want to get pregnant in the future.
- You’re being pressured by your partner, friends, or family.
- You hope sterilization will solve problems that may be temporary — like marriage or sexual issues, short-term mental or physical illnesses, or money problems.
Meet with one of our board-certified specialists who will work together with you to choose the best birth control options.
If you desire permanent birth control, our specialist will review with you in detail the procedure and what to expect following your surgery.
If you are interested in permanent sterilization and are considering tubal ligation, schedule an appointment at County Obstetrics and Gynecology.