Tubectomy
in Women (Voluntary Sterilization)
A Tubal
ligation is an operation in which the Fallopian tubes (where the egg is
fertilized by the sperm) are blocked making egg transportation and
fertilization almost impossible. Menstruation should not be affected by the
operation. Every year thousands of women choose to have this procedure carried
out although it is not recommended for women under 30 or women who have not had
children.
Before
undertaking sterilization the issue should be discussed at great depth with
your partner and doctor who will inform you about any risks. You have to be
absolutely sure that you will not regret the decision later on in life as once
you are sterilized you cannot have any children as it is rarely reversible.
Although
Tubal ligation has a very high effectiveness rate it is not quite 100 per cent
effective against pregnancy. The risk is estimated at one in several hundred
women. This page outlines general information to consider when permanent birth
control is an option.
What
Happens
- A gynaecologist will
usually perform the procedure
- A general anaesthetic
will usually be given and the operation may possibly be done
laparoscopically (a laparoscope is a thin metal 'telescope' that is passed
through a tiny incision in the tummy to let the surgeon see your tubes)
- An instrument is
inserted through another small cut and this instrument places a clip or
ring on each tube.
- An operation where
the Fallopian tubes are actually cut is less common these days. This is
carried out through an incision in the abdomen or through the vagina.
Some
possible problems after sterilization occurs can be:
- mild bleeding or
infection right after operation
- negative reaction to
anaesthetic
- bruising where the
incision is made
- very rare injury to
blood vessels or bowels
Advantages
- No need to worry about birth
control
- Sex is not interrupted
- Sexual pleasure is not decreased
and hormone production and libido should remain the same
Disadvantages
- Rarely reversible
- For some women post sterilization
periods are heavier
- Some pain shortly after operation
- Some change their
mind and regret not being able to have children
Vasectomy
in Males
After
careful consideration, any man can choose to be sterilized by having a
vasectomy, although it is not recommended for very young men or those without
children. The doctor will tell you how the sterilization procedure works and
inform you of any risks involved. Both procedures require surgery but a
vasectomy is a simpler procedure than the sterilization of women. The man must
make absolutely sure of this before he goes ahead in terms of not being able to
father children. Although it is possible to have a vasectomy reversed this
procedure is frequently unsuccessful.
What
Happens
- A vasectomy is an
operation which separates the tubes between the testes and penis.
- Ejaculation can
still occur even though there is no sperm in their semen.
- During the operation
a little cut is made on each side of the scrotum so that a small piece of
the tubes that carry sperm (vas deferens) can be removed or cut and closed
at the ends.
After
the operation most men will be a bit sore and bruised and an athletic
support should be worn for a week or so after the vasectomy. Warm baths are
also very soothing to ease the discomfort.
Contact
your doctor should the following occur:
- bleeding
- blood clot in or
near the testicles
- bruises, swelling,
or tenderness of the scrotum
- increase in
temperature
- infection
- noticeable swelling
- sperm leakage may
form temporary small lumps near testicles
You
can have sex as soon as you feel like it after the operation. There will still
be some sperm left in the tubes that lead to the penis so additional
contraceptive methods must be used until tests show no semen left in the tubes.
Two semen tests, 2 to 4 weeks apart, are needed about three months after
surgery to determine if all the sperm has gone. Two clear tests without any
sperm are needed before you can totally rely on your vasectomy without using
additional contraception
Vasectomies
have a very high effectiveness rate, although it is estimated that about one in
1000 vasectomies fails. Occasionally pregnancies do occur so it is important to
have the surgery carried out by a doctor experienced in performing vasectomies.
Advantages
- No need to worry about birth
control
- Sex is not interrupted
Disadvantages
- Rarely reversible
- Some pain shortly after operation
- Slight chance of minor infection
after surgery
- Some change their mind and regret
not being able to have children
==--==
