Surgical Sterilization (cont.)
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a form of sterilization of a man. A vasectomy ensures that no
sperm will exit from his penis when he ejaculates during sexual intercourse.
A vasectomy is usually performed by either a urologist or a general surgeon.
Under local anesthesia, the vas deferens (tubes that carry sperm from the
testicles into the urethra, also known as spermatic ducts) from each testicle is
severed. The open ends are then closed off. A vasectomy can be performed in the
clinic and involves making two small openings in the scrotum. After a
vasectomy, the man may feel tenderness or bruising around the incision site.
A vasectomy does not interfere with the ability of a man to have an erection
or the quantity of his ejaculation fluid.
After a man has a vasectomy, another second form of birth control should be used until his ejaculate
fluid is found to be free from sperm. This usually takes 10 to 20 ejaculations.
Vasectomy reversals are possible, but they tend to be expensive and are not
always successful. A vasectomy should be considered a permanent form of birth
control.
A vasectomy does not protect a man or his partner from
sexually transmitted
infections.
Tubal ligation
Tubal ligation is also known as "having one's tubes tied," or having a
"tubal." Tubal ligation is for women, and like a vasectomy, should be considered
a permanent form of birth control.
A tubal ligation is performed under general, regional, or local anesthesia
and can be performed as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon or ob/gyn uses one
of several procedures in order to access a woman's Fallopian tubes (which run
from the top part of her uterus to each ovary). A laparoscopy is a procedure in
which a small incision is made just below the navel. A viewing tube
(scope) can then be inserted through this incision to view and reach the
Fallopian tubes. A minilaparotomy is a small incision in the lower abdomen that is sometimes used
for tubal ligation most commonly in the postpartum period (after childbirth).
Once the physician has access to a woman's Fallopian tubes, they are closed
off by using a clip, cutting and tying, or cauterizing (burning) the tubes. The
procedure takes anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes.
Side effects of a tubal ligation may include infection, bleeding
(hemorrhage), and those associated with being under general anesthesia.
A tubal ligation blocks a woman's Fallopian tubes. As a result of the
procedure, about 1 inch of each tube is blocked off. An egg can no longer travel
down the tube to the uterus, and sperm cannot make contact with the egg. Tubal
ligation should have no effect on a woman's
menstrual cycle or
hormone
production.
A woman's tubal ligation can be surgically reversed, usually with more
success than in men who have had a vasectomy.
A tubal ligation does not protect a woman or her partner
from sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs).
It is also not an absolute method of birth control because about 2% of women
become pregnant
after a tubal ligation.
Next: Hysteroscopic sterilization »
- Hysterectomy - Learn about hysterectomy procedures and options available for women. There are many types of hysterectomy surgeries including a total, radical, laparoscopy assisted vaginal hysterectomy, supracervical, and oophorectomy. The type of hysterectomy procedure will depend upon the reason for the procedure.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) - Learn and become aware of common STDs in women, including descriptions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of each type of infection.
- Natural Methods of Birth Control - Natural methods of birth control are non-mechanical and non-hormonal. They are also considered fertility awareness methods and there are a variety of choices for natural birth control.
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