Sterilization is final. It seems a bit of an all-or-nothing medieval solution but, as we said, there is a contraceptive method for everyone. It is a permanent method of contraception, suitable for people who are sure that they will never want to have children or who do not want to have more children. The sterilization can be done to men and women and there are different types of procedures, although all have the same end, no more babies and no return. Before you decide on sterilization, you should contact an independent counselor or talk to your gynecologist. There are other forms of long-term contraception that are efficient, and also reversible, you must also consider them before deciding.

Only sometimes it is possible to reverse the operation, but there are no guarantees. Reversal involves a complicated surgery that may not work.

The most common forms of female sterilization are surgical and non-surgical techniques. Both methods completely eliminate the chance of a sperm encountering an egg in the matrix, but the ways of doing so are slightly different. One way is by tying and cutting the tubes and this is called tubal ligation. You can also seal the fallopian tubes using an instrument with electric current or close them with clips, staples or rings so that the sperm do not come in contact with the ovule. You can also put a medical device (micro implant) inside the fallopian tube through the vagina with a special catheter.

The latter blocks the tubes so nothing enters or leaves. A small flexible metal insert is placed inside the fallopian tubes through the vagina using a special catheter. The device acts by stimulating the formation of scar tissue around the spiral. This blocks the fallopian tubes and prevents you from getting pregnant. You will need to use another contraceptive method during the first 3 months, but once it is done it is permanent.

Sterilization is performed in a hospital, usually under general anesthesia. Surgical sterilization requires a considerably longer recovery time due to the invasive manner in which the procedure is carried out. The operation only affects the potential fertility of a woman and has no effect on her libido or her ability to have sex. It is important that you talk to your doctor first to advise you about the risks and benefits. It is also important that you know about alternative long-acting reversible methods such as the IUS, the IUD, and the implant that have similarly low failure rates.

It is a permanent contraceptive method for women, suitable for people who are sure of not wanting to have more children.