Female and Male Sterilisation

How effective?

Female sterilisation has a lifetime failure rate of one in 200. Male sterilisation (also known as vasectomy) has a lifetime failure rate of one in 2000.

How it works

The fallopian tubes in women or the vas deferens (tubes carrying the sperm) in men are cut or blocked to stop sperm reaching an egg so preventing fertilisation. Female sterilisation usually involves a general anaesthetic

Advantages

Vasectomy is a quick and simple operation often carried out under local anaesthetic. Sterilisation is permanent with no long or short-term side effects. Once the operation has worked you don’t have to think about contraception

Disadvantages

After a vasectomy, it takes a few months for the sperm to disappear from the tubes. Contraception must be used until a semen test shows that no sperm are left. There is a small rate of ectopic pregnancy if female fertilisation fails.

Comments

Sterilisation should not be chosen if you are in any doubt. Counselling is important.  You may experience discomfort or some pain for a short time after the operation. It is important to rest and avoid strenuous activity for a while after the procedure