Female Sterilisation
What We Offer Female sterilisation is a safe, simple and effective method of long-term contraception. It is ideal for women who feel their family is complete or who do not want any children. It is reliable - more than 99% effective - but you should think of it as a permanent step. It is only suitable for women who are completely sure that this is what they want.

One in 5 women in the UK relies on sterilisation or vasectomy as a form of contraception. Most women continue to have normal periods; a few find their periods are a little heavier than before. Sterilisation does not affect your hormones, cause you to put on weight or change your enjoyment of intercourse. It is a safe, simple and effective form of contraception.

Consultation and suitability


Sterilisation is a daycare procedure and it is not necessary to stay overnight. The operation can take place on the same day as your consultation is you wish and it is appropriate.

Yours is the only signature required on the consent form. You will be asked to sign this at the end of the consultation if you decide to proceed with the operation.

You will be asked to provide a urine sample to check that you are not pregnant and a blood sample will be taken. The consultation will include an examination and you will be asked details of your medical history.

Anyone can have a sterilisation but there are some medical conditions that may make the procedure more difficult. If you have or have had any of the following conditions, please let us know:
  • An ectopic pregnancy
  • Fibroids
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Infection of the pelvic area or fallopian tubes
  • Any surgery to the lower abdomen or pelvic area (including caesarean)
  • A waist measurement over 32 inches

Admission


Continue to use contraception right up until the operation. Don't worry if you have your period at the time of the operation.

On the day of the operation, don't have anything to eat or drink from midnight if surgery is in the morning. You could have a light breakfast and drink 5 hours before your appointment time if surgery is in the afternoon. You can drink water up to 2 hours before your appointment/operation time. Don't chew gum or smoke after this time.

Treatment


The operation takes place under general anaesthetic and lasts about 20 minutes. The aim is to block or cut the fallopian tubes which prevents an egg coming into contact with sperm and causing a pregnancy. This is known as a laparoscopy.

With a laparoscopy, two small incisions are made in your abdomen and a narrow instrument like a telescope (laparoscope) is passed through one to allow the surgeon to see into the abdomen. The abdomen is filled with some harmless gas to help the surgeon locate the fallopian tubes. An applicator, passed through the second incision, is used to attach clips to the tubes to block them. The gas is released and the incisions are closed using absorbable stiches.

Aftercare


After the operation, you will be taken to Recovery and given brief details of what happened and then you will be allowed home.

You should have someone with you to accompany you home. Don't drive for 24 hours after the operation; you can start driving again when you feel comfortable doing an emergency stop.

You can rest for a couple of days after the operation but that doesn't necessarily mean staying in bed. Just be guided by how strong you feel. Try and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for about 2 weeks. You can have sex as soon as it is comfortable but continue to use contraception until you have your first period after the operation.

There may be some pain or discomfort for 2-3 days after but this can be controlled with painkillers. If you have a bath or shower, take care to keep the dressing/s dry as dry as possible for the next 48 hours. If they do get wet during this time, replace them straight away.

Effectiveness


There is a very small risk of an ectopic pregnancy. You should see a doctor if you feel you are pregnant or have unexpected abdominal pain or bleeding. Remember to use a reliable form of contraception both before and after the operation until your next full period.

In very rare cases the tubes can come back together again; about 1 in 200 women will become pregnant after the operation.
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