Sterilization surgery - making a decision

Deciding to have sterilization surgery

A sterilization surgery is a procedure done to permanently prevent future pregnancies.

The following information is about deciding to have a sterilization surgery.

Information

Sterilization surgery is a procedure to permanently prevent reproduction.

Surgery in women is called tubal ligation.
Tubal ligation
Tubal ligation is surgery to close a woman's fallopian tubes. (It is sometimes called "tying the tubes. ") The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries t...
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Surgery in men is called a vasectomy.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is surgery to cut the vas deferens. These are the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to a man's urethra. After a vasectomy, sper...
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People who do not want to have any more children may choose to have sterilization surgery. However, some may regret the decision later. Men or women who are younger at the time they have surgery are more likely to change their minds and want children in the future. Even though either procedure can sometimes be reversed, both must be considered permanent forms of birth control.

When deciding if you want to have a sterilization procedure, it is important to consider:

Whether or not you want any more children in the future
What you might want to do if something were to happen to your spouse or any of your children

If you answered that you might want to have another child, then sterilization is not the best option for you.

There are other options for preventing pregnancy that are not permanent. Talk to your health care provider about all the options available to you before making the decision to have a sterilization procedure.

Open References

References

Curtis KM, Nguyen AT, Tepper NK, et al. US selected practice recommendations for contraceptive use, 2024. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2024;73(3):1-77. PMID: 39106301 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39106301/.

Newkirk GR. Permanent female sterilization (tubal ligation). In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 131.

Rivlin K, Davis AR. Contraception and abortion. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 13.

Wilson CL. Vasectomy. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 111.

Hysterectomy - illustration
Hysterectomy is surgical removal of the uterus, resulting in inability to become pregnant. This surgery may be done for a variety of reasons including, but not restricted to, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids and cancer. A hysterectomy may be done through an abdominal or a vaginal incision.
Hysterectomy
illustration
Tubal ligation - illustration
Surgical sterilization which permanently prevents the transport of the egg to the uterus by means of sealing the fallopian tubes is called tubal ligation, commonly called having one's tubes tied. This operation can be performed laparoscopically or in conjunction with a Cesarean section, after the baby is delivered. Tubal ligation is considered permanent but reversals can be done in many cases.
Tubal ligation
illustration
Tubal ligation - uterine anatomy
Presentation

<strong>Tubal ligation - uterine anatomy</strong><p>The ovaries are connected to the uterus by the uterine tubes (fallopian tubes). The egg travels through the tube to the uterus.</p>

<strong>Tubal ligation</strong><p>Tubal ligation is surgery to tie the tubes (fallopian tubes) of a woman which causes permanent sterility by preventing transport of the egg (ovum) to the uterus. Tubal ligation may be recommended for adult women who are certain that they wish to prevent future pregnancies (permanent sterilization). Tubal ligation is not recommended as a temporary or reversible procedure. Tubal ligation is done in the hospital while the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia). A small incision is made in the abdomen and a small telescope (laparoscope) is inserted. The tubes (fallopian tubes) are tied off and cut apart. The skin incision is stitched closed. The patient is able to return home within a few hours after the procedure. Tubal ligation can be performed immediately after childbirth.</p>

<strong>Before and after tubal ligation</strong><p>Most women recover with no problems. There are no tests required to verify sterility. Most women are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for several days. Oral pain medications can usually manage the pain. Most women are able to return to work within a few days. Sexual intercourse can be resumed as soon as the patient feels ready (usually within a week). </p>

Hysterectomy - illustration
Hysterectomy is surgical removal of the uterus, resulting in inability to become pregnant. This surgery may be done for a variety of reasons including, but not restricted to, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids and cancer. A hysterectomy may be done through an abdominal or a vaginal incision.
Hysterectomy
illustration
Tubal ligation - illustration
Surgical sterilization which permanently prevents the transport of the egg to the uterus by means of sealing the fallopian tubes is called tubal ligation, commonly called having one's tubes tied. This operation can be performed laparoscopically or in conjunction with a Cesarean section, after the baby is delivered. Tubal ligation is considered permanent but reversals can be done in many cases.
Tubal ligation
illustration
Tubal ligation - uterine anatomy
Presentation

A Closer Look

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Tests for Sterilization surgery - making a decision

Review Date: 3/17/2026

Reviewed By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Health Library

Sterilization surgery - making a decision

Information

Tubal ligation

Vasectomy

References

Hysterectomy - illustration

Hysterectomy

Tubal ligation - illustration

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation - uterine anatomy

Hysterectomy - illustration

Hysterectomy

Tubal ligation - illustration

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation - uterine anatomy

A Closer Look

Talking to your MD

Self Care

Tests for Sterilization surgery - making a decision

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