1. Wot Wud U Do
  2. Sterilisation

Sterilisation

A surgical procedure, to cut or seal the tubes that carry sperm or to block the fallopian tubes, to permanently prevent pregnancy

How effective are they?

Female sterilisation: More than 99% effective. Around 1 in 200 women will become pregnant in their lifetime after being sterilised.

Male sterilisation or vasectomy: Around 1 in 2,000 men can become fertile again in their lifetime after a vasectomy

What are the advantages?

  • Doesn’t effect your sex drive, but your semen wont contain sperm,
  • It doesn’t affect your hormone levels and you’ll still have periods,
  • Long term contraception,
  • Doesn’t interrupt sex.

What are the risks?

  • Doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections,
  • There’s a small risk that the operation won’t work – blocked tubes can rejoin immediately after surgery or years later.

You should talk to your doctor or health professional about your circumstances and provide information before you decide on using this method of contraception

What makes them less effective?

  • Your ball sack (scrotum) may become bruised, swollen or painful and some men have ongoing pain in their testicles,
  • You’ll need to use contraception for at least 8 to 12 weeks after the operation (male) or 3 months (female),
  • Potentially can wait several months to get the procedure ,
  • It’s very difficult to reverse, so be sure it’s right for you,
  • As with any surgery, there’s a small risk of infection.
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