Sterilization

Intro
• Sterilization is a permanent form of birth
control that is extremely effective at
preventing pregnancy
• Both men and women can be sterilized
• For women, a tubal ligation; for men, a
vasectomy
 How to use it - Women
• Incision:
– Tubal Ligation: Laparoscopy, Mini-laparotomy,
and Laparotomy (less common/more recovery time)
– General, regional, or local Anesthesia
– Fallopian tubes can be closed off with clip, cut & tied, or cauterized
– Can be done after a C/S
– Procedure takes 10-45 mins
– 1-2 days to few weeks recovery time
– Effective immediately after surgery
• Non-incision:
– Hysteroscopic sterilization (Essure ) doesn’t involve surgery/anesthesia
– small metal coils are placed in fallopian tubes via scope through cervix & uterus
– inserts cause scar tissue to grow that block tubes
– Procedure takes about 30 mins
– Same day recovery
– Placement verified by X-ray
– Takes several months for the scar tissue to form & become effective.
 How to use it - Men
• Incision:
– vasectomy takes about 20 minutes.
– local anesthetic
– incisions into the scrotum & tubes (vas deferens) from
each testicle are severed. The open ends are then closed
off
– Use second form of BC for a while after
– Tenderness/bruising around the incision site
• No-scalpel vasectomy
– tiny puncture, tubes tied off, cauterized, or blocked.
– no scarring/stitches,
– Fast recovery/few complications.
 Advantages and disadvantages

• Pros:
– Its Permanent.
– Do it once, and never have to think about it again
– No hormones introduced into body
– No effect on menstrual cycle or body’s hormone
production
• Cons:
– Is Permanent!
– May be difficult to reverse
– Invasive procedure
– Higher cost
– Does NOT protect against STD’s
 Risks, Complications and/or
Contraindications
• tubes may reconnect themselves
– this could lead to a pregnancy
– about 5 out of 1,000 women become pregnant within
a year after the procedure & small risk remains until
menopause
• Possible complications with surgery
– bleeding, infection or reaction to anesthesia
• Essure method:
– coils may move out of place.
– the uterus could be damaged during insertion
 Costs & will insurance pay?
• Costs:
For Women: $500 - $5,000
For Men: $1,000
• With Medicaid: Free
• With insurance:
– Free for women under most plans
– For men, co-pay or pay a percentage of cost
• Payment assistance:
– Some hospitals & clinics may offer assistance to low-
income women