FEMALE STERILIZATION

Sterilization is a permanent form of birth control. For women, being sterilized means that the two tubes that carry eggs from the ovary to the uterus are tied shut, or cut, or blocked in some other way. This prevents sperm from reaching the egg to fertilize it. It is extremely effective.

Having your tubes tied does not affect your hormones. It does not change your menstrual cycle or your feelings about sex. Only the tubes are changed. Your vagina, uterus, and ovaries remain the same. Your breasts, skin, and weight are not affected.

Sterilization surgery usually takes about 30 minutes. If a local anesthetic is used, you can go home after an hour or two of rest at the clinic. If a general anesthetic or spinal is used, the recovery time may be somewhat longer.

The surgery is done through very small incisions in the belly that require only one or two stitches. It can be done in the hospital right after having a baby, or at any time.

Because it is permanent, this method of birth control is not advised for young women whose lives may change so they want to have another child. It is important to think about this very carefully and not to make a decision without getting counseling. Good clinics, hospitals, and doctors who perform sterilizations always offer counseling.

Sterilization does not protect against STDs of any kind.

ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR STERILIZATION?

• A tubal occlusion may be right for you if you are sure you do not want to be pregnant at any time in the future - for example, if you have health problems that can make pregnancy unsafe, if you do not want to pass on a hereditary disease or disability, or if you have all the children you want. Sterilization may also be the answer if you and your partner cannot use or do not want to use the reversible contraceptive methods currently available

VASECTOMY

Vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control for men. The tubes that carry the sperm from the testicles to the penis are cut and the cut ends are closed off. This prevents sperm from getting into the semen that is ejaculated during sex.

This method of birth control is highly effective and has few complications. It is faster, simpler, and less expensive than female sterilization.

A vasectomy does not change your virility or strength or increase your chance of prostate cancer. You still produce male hormones, have erections, and ejaculate.

A local anesthetic is injected near the sperm tubes in the testicles. A tiny incision is made. Each tube is pulled through the incision, cut, and tied off. The whole operation takes about 20 minutes. The incision is so small it does not need stitches.

Vasectomies are done as outpatient procedures at doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals.

A vasectomy does not protect either partner against STDs, including AIDS.

ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR VASECTOMY?

• Vasectomy is an excellent contraceptive option for the man who is in a stable relationship and has all the children he wants. Men whose partners have health problems that may make a pregnancy unsafe frequently turn to vasectomy as the most reliable form of birth control. Similarly, couples who are at risk for passing on a hereditary disease or disability often choose sterilization - and vasectomy is the safer and less expensive form
• If you are young, are not sure about having children, or are considering sterilization in the hope that not having to worry about birth control might steady your relationship, you are not a likely candidate for vasectomy. If you are thinking of storing your sperm in case you may want children in the future, vasectomy is probably not for you at this time. Finally, if you have any reservations at all about vasectomy or if you are under any pressure to have the procedure, postpone the decision