- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Sterilisation
Sterilisation is an almost permanent and entirely effective method of contraception. It involves cutting or at least blocking the fallopian tubes, eggs travel to be fertilised by sperm. Many women choose this method due to its high success rate, but it does mean that they can no longer have children. Therefore it is a decision not to be taken lightly, as it is possible to reverse the procedure but this doesn’t always work. Most women who choose to undergo sterilisation procedures will be over the age of 30, and already have children. It is these women who need a more permanent form of contraception, as they no longer wish to have more children.
A woman must prepare before a sterilisation operation. She must also discuss the entire process and implications with a specialist beforehand. This procedure is not easily undone, therefore it is important that anyone considering it is made aware of all the facts before making a firm decision. A local GP or gynaecologist can help answer any questions and outline the procedure before referring someone on to a specialist to have the procedure performed. It is also important to ensure that the woman who is to be sterilised is not pregnant. This means that a pregnancy test must be taken, and the woman must continue using contraception up until the sterilisation, and for a while after. If there is a fertilised egg in a woman’s uterus once the procedure has been performed, it can become trapped and develop into an ectopic pregnancy which can result in severe harm to the patient.
The procedure is performed by making a cut in the wall of the abdomen to allow access to the fallopian tubes, and then either blocking or entirely cutting the tubes themselves. Inserting metal or plastic rings or clips can block the tubes. These hold the tubes tightly and don’t allow anything to pass. This type of procedure is more easily reversed. The tubes are only removed if this method has proven unsuccessful. Removing the fallopian tubes requires a much more invasive operation that cannot be reversed, therefore it is considered a last resort.
Sterilisation is an ideal method of contraception for many candidates, as it doesn’t affect hormone levels or menstruation as many chemical contraceptives do, and it is extremely effective. It is a relatively simple procedure and can help deal with a lot of worries for couples who do not plan to have children.