Sterilization

What is sterilization?

Sterilization is a surgical technique leaving a male or female unable to procreate. It is a method of birth control. For non-surgical causes of sterility.

Which are the common sterilization methods?

Common sterilization methods include:

• Vasectomy in males. Vasectomy is the most reliable contraception methode known today. This method of contraception implies a surgical act which consists of the binding of the vas deferens of each testicle. However, to the difference of the condom, it does not offer any means of protection against the sexually transmitted diseases.

See Annex 1.

• Tubal ligation in females, known popularly as "having one's tubes tied". The Fallopian tubes, which allow the sperm to fertilize the ovum and would carry the fertilized ovum to the uterus, are closed. This generally involves a general anaethetic and a laparotomy or laparoscopic approach to cut, clip or cauterize the fallopian tubes. Less commonly used is the Essure office procedure of inducing scarring and occlusion of the tubes by the effects of micro-inserts placed by a catheter passed through the cervix and uterus.

See Annex 2.

• Hysterectomy in females. The uterus is surgically removed, permanently preventing pregnancy and some diseases, such as uterine cancer.

• Castration in males. The testicles are surgically removed. This is frequently used for the sterilization of animals, with added effects such as docility, greatly reduced sexual behaviour, and faster weight gain (which is desirable in some cases, for example to accelerate meat production.

What are the risks of those methods?

risk for vasectomy:

References

http://www.tubalreversalexperts.com/page.cfm?id=35