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Types of Female Sterility Procedures

There are two major types of female sterilization procedures: tubal ligation and essure. Both procedures are considered permanent sterilization methods and the decision to have them completed should be made with careful contemplation. Sterilization cannot be reversed so it is important to weigh the pros and cons and determine if other forms of birth control may work better for you. Sterilization does not prevent against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV and AIDS.

  1. Tubal Ligation

    • Tubal Ligation is a surgical sterilization, one-time outpatient procedure that involves the cutting or tying of the fallopian tubes. It is also known as "getting your tubes tied." With this form of sterilization, the doctor will close the passageway through the fallopian tubes which keeps eggs from traveling to the uterus. This procedure also inhibits sperm from swimming through the fallopian tube to fertilize an egg. Once the surgery has been completed, sterilization is effective immediately and has a 99.5% effective rate as a birth control means. However, ligations do not protect individuals from any sexually transmitted infections or diseases.

    Tubal Ligation Procedure

    • The tubal ligation procedure is completed in a clinic, doctor's office or hospital and requires local or general anesthesia for the patient. The surgery take about half an hour to complete. During this procedure, the fallopian tubes are either burned, cut or blocked with rings, clips or bands. During the procedure, carbon dioxide gas fills the abdomen to make the abdominal wall push away from the uterus and the fallopian tubes. A small cut is made just below the navel which allows a small telescope-like instrument to be inserted. The second cut, just above the pubic hairline, allows for an instrument that will cut, sew or burn the fallopian tubes. Post surgery, doctors recommend that a patient take a few days off to rest and then only perform light activities for a week. Women can begin sexual activity when they feel comfortable.

    Essure

    • Essure is another form of permanent birth control that takes about ten minutes to complete. This method involves the placement of spring-like coils inserted into the fallopian tubes through the vagina. The body and the inserts will form a natural barrier that inhibits sperm from reaching the egg during the three months post procedure. While the barrier is initializing, another form of birth control must be implemented. After three months, a confirmation test will verify everything is in order. This type of sterilization was approved by the FDA for use in the USA in 2002. Essure can be done in a doctor's office without general anesthesia, but requires follow-up to make sure it worked. Most insurance providers cover the procedure.

    Hysterectomy

    • Hysterectomies are surgical procedure that serve to remove the uterus. Next to obstetrics visits, hysterectomies are the most common surgeries for women, according to MedicineNet. About 300 out of every 100,000 women will have a hysterectomy. During a hysterectomy, the ovaries can be removed thereby preventing the ability to become pregnant.

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