Surgical Sterilization (cont.)
Hysteroscopic sterilization
Hysteroscopic sterilization is a nonsurgical form of permanent birth control
in which a physician inserts a 4-centimeter (1.6 inch) long metal coil into each
one of a woman's two Fallopian tubes via a scope passed through the cervix into
the uterus (hysteroscope), and from there into the openings of the Fallopian
tubes. Over the next few months, tissue grows over the coil to form a plug that
prevents fertilized eggs from traveling from the ovaries to the uterus.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes, can be done in a doctor's office, and
usually requires only a local anesthetic. During a 3-month period after the
coils are inserted, women must use other forms of birth control until their
physician verifies by an imaging test known as a hysterosalpingogram or HSG that
the Fallopian tubes are completely blocked.
Like tubal ligation, this form of sterilization is permanent (not reversible)
and is designed as an alternative to surgical sterilization which requires
general anesthesia and an incision. About 6% of women who have the procedure
develop side effects, mainly due to improper placement of the coils.
This form of sterilization, like other methods of surgical sterilization,
does not protect a woman or her partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's
uterus and, depending on her overall health status and the reason for the
operation, perhaps her ovaries
as well. No woman who has had a hysterectomy can become pregnant; it is an
irreversible method of birth control and absolute sterilization.
If a woman has other chronic medical problems that may be
helped by a hysterectomy (such as abnormally
excessive menstrual bleeding,
uterine fibroids,
uterine growths), than this
may be an appropriate procedure for her to consider. Otherwise, contraception
should be considered a secondary benefit and not a sole reason to have the
procedure.
Previous contributing authors:
Barbara K. Hecht,
Ph.D. and Carolyn Janet Crandall, MD, FACP
Last Editorial Review: 2/2/2009
- 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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