Contraception: Sterilisation

How it works

• Can be done in both men and women
• In men it is known as a vasectomy
  • Sperm duct is cut and tied
  • During sexual intercourse ejaculated fluid contains no sperm
• In Women there are two types of sterilisation:
  1. Tubal Ligation-tubes from the ovary are cut and tied to prevent ova from reaching the sperm
  2. Tubal Occlusion-clips are clamped on to the tubes to prevent ova from reaching sperm

Effectiveness

• 99.9% for vasectomy
• 99.4-99.8% female sterilisation

Advantages

• It’s permanent and effective
• Safe and simple operation
• Vasectomy is usually an outpatients procedure
• Female sterilisation is done using a local anaesthetic making it easy and less risky
• There is no effect on sexual desire/performance
• No effect on the menstrual cycle

Disadvantages

• Permanent method/ not reversible
• There are risks associated with operations
• Vasectomy is not effective immediately

Side effects

• Can result in psychological trauma if one has a change of heart.

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