Female sterilization is one of the most effective forms when it comes to contraception – it is the most effective form for women. This is when women are operated on to prevent pregnancy from ever happening. This is a choice not to be made lightly as it cannot be undone.

What is female sterilization?

female sterilizationThis is the process of blocking or cutting the fallopian tubes. These are what carry the eggs to the womb, from the ovaries. By stopping the egg from travelling down and into the womb, it means that the sperm cannot reach it to be able to fertilize it. The operation is minor and many women are often sent home the next day. This is also something that some women will have done during a cesarean section of their last child.

This is something that all women can have and is something that women will consider if they know that they do not want children – or want any more. This is something that many women over the age of 30 will consider but there are some surgeons who are willing to consider younger candidates as long as they know that children are not for them.

How common is the procedure?

This is something that became popular during the 1960s, as a way to prevent any more children. There are thousands every year who will decide that sterilization is for them. This is because it is minor surgery and presents fewer risks than many other options.

It is possible to reverse the surgery but this is little more tricky and is not commonly done. This is not usually offered as free healthcare anywhere in the world. It also depends on the reasons behind the female sterilization and the method that was used – cutting or blocking.

The process to sterilization

Before female sterilization can take place, there are many steps that a woman will need to go through. First of all, counseling is considered. This gives the patient a chance to find out more about the sterilization and to ask any questions about the procedure. This will also give a doctor the chance to determine whether you are happy about the full procedure and whether it really is something that you want.

You will need to take a pregnancy test before the operation is done. This will help to rule out that you are pregnant already. If you are too early to be tested, you will need to wait until the levels of HCG are high enough in your body. The problem with sterilization while pregnant is that it can lead to an ectopic pregnancy, which becomes life threatening.

You will also be asked to continue taking contraception until the day of the operation and afterwards. This is because female sterilization can happen at any stage of your menstrual cycle and there is a risk of pregnancy leading up to and just after the operation. You will usually be asked to take the contraception until your next period – if you are opting for the tubes being cut – or the next three months – if you are opting for blocking the tubes.