Permanent Birth Control
When a woman or a couple becomes
certain they want no more children, or
no children at all, permanent birth
control or sterilization is an option.
The next question is who should get
sterilized, the man or the woman?
Option One: Vasectomy
- The vas deferens, which carries the
sperm from the testicle to the penis is
cut on each side.
- Simple 30 minute operation.
- Performed under local anesthetic.
- Very safe, complications rare.
- Reversal easier: 40 to 90 percent of
the time, the vas can be sewn back
together.
- Subsequent pregnancy rate is 18 to 60
percent.
- No long-term side effects.
Option Two: Tubal Ligation
- The fallopian tubes connecting the
ovaries to the uterus are cut, burned
or blocked so that the egg cannot
travel to meet the sperm in the vagina.
- Requires operating room, specialised
equipment, anaesthetist and
gynecologist.
- Five times more major complications
than vasectomy.
- Reversal is a lengthy costly operation
involving major abdominal surgery.
- Reversal more difficult: in 30 to 60
percent of cases, tubes can be sewn
back together.
- Subsequent pregnancy rate is 40
percent.
Important Considerations Before TubalLigation
- Your feelings if one of your children
died; or if your partner died and you
remarried.
- Your financial resources; your support
network; your work goals.
- Partner's co-operation in birth control
and his feelings about vasectomy.
- Your energy level, major health
problems, age.
- Your feelings as a woman and the role
of children in your life.
- Your goals for work, schooling or
training.
- Your beliefs about birth control and
abortion.
Long-Term Complications And PossibleSide Effects Reported
- Heavier menstrual periods.
- Increased menstrual pain.
- Increased risk of hysterectomy.
- Scar tissue in the pelvic area.
- Premature menopause.
