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Female Sterilization

sterilization, family planning, reproductive health, contraceptive

At A Glance:

  • Also known as tubal ligation.
  • Prevents pregnancy permanently.
  • Surgery is usually fast, and recovery is easy.
  • Does not cause hormonal changes.
  • 99% effective.
  • One of the leading contraceptive methods among women in the Philippines.

What Is It

In simpler terms, sterilization is a medical procedure that terminates the body’s ability to reproduce. It’s also known as tubal ligation because the procedure involves permanently blocking or closing off the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. It’s irreversible and a permanent method of contraception, making it suitable for those who are sure that they never want to have children or do not want to have any more children. In the Philippines, sterilization is the second most preferred contraceptive method among women, right after the oral contraceptive pills.

Consult your doctor before deciding to undergo the sterilization procedure because once it’s done, it means no babies and no going back.

How It Works

Image from: https://www.famplan.org.hk/en/health-info/contraceptive-methods/female-sterilization

Sterilization for both men and women prevents pregnancy by stopping the sperm cell and egg cell from meeting, which are the necessary components for fertilization to occur and form a baby. For women, the procedure for sterilization involves tying or cutting the fallopian tubes so that the egg cell does not reach the uterus.

The sterilization process is irreversible and does not affect the body’s natural hormone production.

How To Use It

After the procedure, there’s nothing much you have to do. Once you have recovered, you can have sex for the rest of your life without having to worry about the risk of getting pregnant.

Since sterilization is irreversible, it should be thought of very well and discussed thoroughly with your healthcare provider first before making a decision.

The Positives

  • Lasts forever
  • Highly effective
  • Doesn’t interrupt sex
  • Isn’t affected by other medications
  • Hormone-free

The Negatives

  • Lasts forever.
  • May cause pain, bleeding, infection or other complications after surgery.
  • Pregnancy could be very dangerous if it happens.
  • Sterilization is sometimes reversible, although the procedure is complicated and rarely successful.
  • Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Common Misconceptions

  • Does not make women weak.
  • Does not cause hormonal imbalance.
  • Does not change women’s sexual behavior or sex drive.
  • Does not cause any changes in weight, appetite or appearance.

It’s also important to note that there are other forms of long-acting contraceptions that are as effective but also reversible such as copper IUDs.

Sources:

https://psa.gov.ph/content/contraceptive-use-philippines

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/sterilization

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