You
might choose sterilization, such as some surgical options for women
who don’t plan to have children in their lifetimes, or who
have already had all the children they plan to have. Surgery will
not prevent STDs but is a highly effective method of birth control.
Two
types of sterilization exist. The first is for women, called tubal
ligation. Tubal ligation might be referred to as getting one’s “tubes
tied.” It is the surgical process of blocking the pathway
of your eggs and preventing fertilization. The process is done
through
laparoscopy. The fallopian tubes may be blocked by tying, clipping,
blocking or cutting them or through an electric current seal. This
procedure is not generally reversible, so you should be quite sure
of your aversion to giving birth before you make the decision.
As with all surgery, minor risks are associated with tubal ligation.
A very rare chance also exists that the fallopian tubes will reopen
and allow a pregnancy to occur with a greater chance of being ectopic,
which is a pregnancy in the fallopian tubes or pelvis and not in
the uterus. Tubal ligation is often recommended for women whose
health
would be seriously compromised or damaged by a pregnancy. If you
are interested, you should consult with your doctor and ob/gyn.
PPH is another method of sterilization that involves filling the fallopian
tube with a titanium plug to prevent the release of eggs.
The other
option for sterilization, a vasectomy, is performed on men. A vasectomy
is the process of cutting a man’s vas deferens
so sperm cannot mix with seminal fluid. That means the tubes that
carry the sperm to the penis are clamped or cut. Vasectomy is a highly
effective method of preventing pregnancy, if you are in a monogamous
relationship with the sterilized fellow. The procedure obviously
does not prevent STDs. The possible complications associated with
the vasectomy include infection near the testicles; bruising, swelling
and tenderness of the scrotum; and small lumps near the testicles
caused by sperm leakage.
These procedures are relatively expensive,
but a vasectomy is considerably cheaper than a tubal ligation.
Your insurance might cover these
procedures if a serious medical risk associated with pregnancy
is present. Otherwise,
you’re probably on your own.
Click below to read about related topics.
Introduction
Behavioral
Barrier
Hormonal Contraception
Surgical
IUD
Emergency Contraception
Same sex safe sex
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