Tubal Sterilization is intended to be a permanent method of contraception. It is recommended for women who do not want children and for women who have completed their families. Tubal sterilization is more than 99% effective.

Sterilization works by closing off the fallopian tubes, which is where a sperm fertilizes an egg. When the fallopian tubes are closed off, sperm is unable to reach the egg, so fertilization and pregnancy cannot occur. No organs or glands are removed or altered in the process. Your body will still produce hormones and your ovaries will still release eggs. More than likely, your menstrual cycles will follow their normal pattern. Tubal sterilization will not cause menopause to start early or give you menopausal symptoms.

Like many of the other birth control methods, sterilization does not protect you against STD’s. Women can resume sexual intercourse after a tubal sterilization procedure as soon as they feel comfortable doing so.

Tubal Sterilization must be considered permanent. It is not usually reversible, and you won’t need to use other birth control methods.

Consider sterilization if any of the following apply to you:

• Other birth control methods are unacceptable for you.
• You are sure you don’t want to have a child in the future
• Your health would be threatened if you got pregnant
• You have a hereditary illness that you don’t want to pass along
• You want to enjoy sex without causing pregnancy
• You and your partner are in agreement that your family is complete and you want no more children
• You have concerns about the side effects of other birth control methods
• You and your partner have decided that having a tubal sterilization procedure would be better for you than having a vasectomy would be for him.

You shouldn’t consider having a sterilization procedure if:

• You are being pressured by anyone. You have to want to have the procedure. Take advice of others, but make the decision yours.
• You haven’t considered possible changes that could happen in your life like death of children, divorce or remarriage.
• You may want to have a child at some time in the future.
• You have problems that might be more temporary in nature like being out of work, short-term illness, financial worries or marriage problems.

If you have more questions about tubal sterilization, call to speak with a health educator – (847) 390-9300 or (847) 553-3939