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Types of Sterilization

Sterilization for women is a permanent surgical procedure that is intended for life-long protections against pregnancy. 

Procedure: 

  1. Minilaparotomy: small incision in the abdomen for access to the fallopian tubes which are cut or blocked
  2. Laparoscopy: insertion of a long, thin tube containing lenses into the abdomen through an incision. This enables access to cut or block the fallopian tubes
Action: The goal of this procedure is to prevent the eggs from being released from the ovaries, thereby hindering fertilization

Effectiveness: Most effective contraceptive method however there is a small risk of failure. Less than 1 pregnancy occurs in women per 100, during the first year after the procedure. In the years until menopause, this risk slightly increases to 2 pregnancies per 100 women. 

Fertility: Sterilization is not generally reversible so women lose fertility after this procedure. Even if reversed via expensive surgery, this might not restore fertility

Protection against STIs: None

Benefits: Women opt for sterilization because it has no side effects on the woman's hormones nor their menstrual cycle. This means there is no changes to weight, appetite, sexual behavior or lasting pain. Additionally, this procedure requires no maintenance, meaning it is effective without intervention by the woman, removing any risks that are associated with schedule-based contraceptives

Side Effects: There are no side effects of sterilization aside from surgical and anesthesia complications that are not innate to the contraceptive itself

Vasectomies are simple surgical procedures that are intended for life-long protections against pregnancy. 

Procedure: A puncture or small incision in the scrotum, where the two vas deferens are cut or blocked via heat or cauterization

Action: By closing of the vas deferens, sperm cannot mix with semen making ejaculation nonviable, thereby hindering fertilization

Effectiveness: Most effective contraceptive method however there is a small risk of failure. Less than 2 pregnancies occurs in women per 1000, during the first year after the procedure. Three months after a vasectomy, if the man get their semen examined for viability, this risk decreases to 1 pregnancy per 1000 women. A small risk remains until their partner reaches menopause, with 4 pregnancies per 1000 over the next 3 years. 

Common reasons for failure in a vasectomy: 
  1. Vasectomies are not fully effective for the first 3 months after the procedure, so the couple needs to use protection for this time period
  2. The provider made a mistake in the procedure
  3. The cut ends of the vas deferens rejoined
Fertility: Although vasectomies are intended to be permanent, in most cases they can be reversed, restoring fertility, after the procedure

Protection against STIs: None

Benefits: Men say they like vasectomies because they are safe and permanent. It has fewer side effects and complications than contraceptive methods for women. Additionally, this method does not effect sex-life for men or performance

Side Effects: There are no side effects of sterilization aside from surgical and anesthesia complications that are not innate to the contraceptive itself

For more information please visit the link below to the Family Planning Handbook for Providers.

 (1) Huff, M. B. (2009). Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 22(2), 135–135. Link.
 (2) Tubal Ligation, Cleveland Clinic, 2023.
Link. 

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