Sterilisation
Sterilisation is a form of permanent contraception. It is difficult to reverse (and this is unlikely to be available through the NHS).
Vasectomy
In men, it involves having minor surgery to cut or tie the tube that carries sperm from the testicles (balls) to the penis. This is called a vasectomy and is sometimes also called having “the snip”. The operation is conducted under local anaesthetic (by injection), and takes around 30 minutes. The operation is carried out in GP surgeries, health centres and hospitals. It is not available in our clinics.
Female sterilisation
In females, sterilisation involves having surgery to cut, block or seal the Fallopian tubes. This is called a tubular occlusion or is sometimes also referred to as “having your tubes tied”. It works by preventing eggs from travelling from the ovaries to the womb (uterus) where they would normally be fertilised by a man’s sperm. The operation is usually done in hospital and most women leave the same day.
Gender: In this advice we refer to people who are physiologically male or female. We understand that not everyone with a male body is a man and not everyone with a female body is a woman.
How effective is it?
Male and female sterilisation is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy and is considered a permanent form of contraception. In both cases it is very difficult to reverse, so you need to be certain that this is what you want. If you are not sure, you may want to consider other forms of long- acting reversible contraception such as injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs) or contraceptive implants.
Very occasionally, the sterilisation can fail. Failure rates are around 1 in every 2,000 for men and about 1 in 200 for women.
Who can be sterilised?
You should only go for sterilisation if you are absolutely certain that you do not want children. Many GPs will not refer you for sterilisation if you are under the age of 30 and have not had children.
Where can I get sterilised?
We do not offer referral for sterilisation within Devon Sexual Health, you will need to book an appointment with your GP to discuss this and gain a referral. They will talk you through your options and help you decide if this is right for you. They will then refer you to a hospital, clinic or health centre that performs this surgery. There is usually quite a long waiting list, so you may not receive your surgery for a few months.
Side effects?
There are very few side-effects associated with being sterilised.
Men who have had a vasectomy will still be able to get an erection, ejaculate and there should be no change in sex drive. Most men return to work 2 or 3 days after surgery and can begin having sex again when they feel ready. Additional contraception should be used for 3 months until a follow up test has shown that there is no longer any sperm in the man’s semen.
Very occasionally there can be side effects such as blood collecting in the scrotum, infection or hard lumps forming on the testicles caused by sperm leaking from the cut tubes and reacting with the body’s immune system. Very rarely, the tubes can join back together causing the man to become fertile again.
Women who have been sterilised will still have periods and the same hormone levels as before. Eggs are still released by the ovaries but these are now absorbed back into the body. There should be no change in sex drive or ability to have sex and you can begin having sex again when you feel ready.
Additional contraception should be used until you have a period after the operation. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this. Most women are discharged from hospital on the same day as their surgery and are ready to return to work 5 days afterwards.
There is a low risk of side effects from female sterilisation, such as internal bleeding or infection from the surgery. There is also a small risk of ectopic pregnancy (where a foetus begins to grow in the fallopian tube) if the surgery hasn’t worked properly.
Pros & Cons
- 99% effective.
- It doesn’t affect hormone levels.
- You don’t have to think about contraception.
- Doesn’t protect against STIs.
- It’s permanent (very difficult to reverse).
- Long-acting reversible contraception is just as effective and reversible with some benefits such as lighter or no periods.
- Small risk of complications through surgery.
- Usually only appropriate if you are over 30 and have had children.
Frequently asked questions about
Sterilisation
-
Will I gain weight?
There is no evidence to suggest that sterilisation will have any effect on your weight or contribute to weight gain.
-
How much does sterilisation cost?
Sterilisation is available free of charge through the NHS.
-
How soon after being sterilised can I have sex?
As soon as you feel comfortable doing so. All types of sterilisation involve an element of surgery and you can feel quite sore for some time afterwards so you may want to wait. It’s important to remember to use an alternative form of contraception for around 3 months after surgery for male sterilisation and until your next period for female sterilisation.
-
What age can I get sterilised?
Technically, you can get sterilised at any age. In reality a GP or doctor will be reluctant to refer you for the procedure if you are under 30 and have not had children.
-
Is sterilisation reversible?
Sterilisation is considered a permanent form of contraception. There is a surgical procedure that can be done to reverse it, but this has a low success rate and is unlikely to be available on the NHS. Getting sterilised is a big decision so you may wish to consider other long-acting reversible methods of contraception instead.
-
Can the tubes grow back?
They can although this is very rare. It happens less than 1% of the time for men and women. The failure rates are 1 in 2000 for men and 1 in 200 for women.
-
Do you still get periods when sterilised?
Yes you will still have periods as normal. These might change to become heavier or more painful if you stop taking the birth control pill at the same time.
-
Does sterilisation cause early menopause?
There is no evidence to suggest that sterilisation causes the early onset of female menopause. Sterilisation does not affect the level of hormones in your body.
-
What happens to sperm when you have a vasectomy?
The testes continue to produce sperm and, with nowhere to go, this is reabsorbed back into the body. Very occasionally, sperm that leaks out can react with the body’s immune system and form hard lumps.
-
What happens to the eggs that my ovaries produce after I have been sterilised?
The eggs are very tiny and are reabsorbed back into your body.