Female sterilisation

What is female sterilisation?

This involves an operation on the fallopian tubes, so that the egg cannot travel down them to meet the sperm. The body's natural cycle continues. An egg, which is smaller than a pencil dot, will still be released each month and so you will not feel different.

What is the operation like?

Female sterilisation There are several ways in which the operation can be done. The two main methods are by mini-laparoscopy and laparoscopy.

Mini-laparotomy usually involves a general anaesthetic and a couple of days in hospital. A small cut is made in the abdomen usually just below the bikini line. The fallopian tubes are reached and blocked either by tying (ligation) and removing a small piece (excision) or sealing (cauterisation), or by applying clips or rings. Nowadays, this operation is only occasionally suggested.
The most common method used is laparoscopy. This means reaching the fallopian tubes via one or two tiny cuts, one just below the navel, the other in the bikini line. A laparoscope is then inserted. This is a thin, telescope-like instrument the size of a pencil, with magnifying lenses which let the surgeon see the reproductive organs clearly. The fallopian tubes are sealed or blocked, usually with rings or clips.
Occasionally the tubes are reached through a cut in the vagina.

The operation is done in hospital or a specialist clinic. The time you stay depends on the anaesthetic and the method used. It can be as little as one day.

What happens next?

If you have a general anaesthetic you may feel unwell for a couple of days. The cut in your abdomen may feel uncomfortable. This is all quite normal but you may have to take things easy for a week or so. Slight bleeding or pain may occur. If they are severe, see the doctor.

When can I have intercourse?

You will certainly be advised to continue using your present method of family planning until your operation. In some cases you may also be advised to continue this method until your next period. You can have intercourse as soon as it is comfortable after the operation. However, if it was done through a cut in the vagina, you must not have intercourse until you have healed. Female sterilisation is effective at once. Your periods should continue as normal since the ovaries, womb and cervix are left in place. Occasionally some women find that their periods get heavier: this is related to your previous family planning method (eg the contraceptive pill) in relation to your age. Your sex drive and climax shouldn't be affected.

Are there any problems?

If a woman gets pregnant after being sterilised, there is a possibility of this being an ectopic pregnancy. This is when a fertilised egg settles outside the womb, usually in a fallopian tube, and starts to grow. This is rare but serious. You should see your doctor straightaway if you have any sudden lower abdominal pain as well as a light or delayed period.