Sterilisation

Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception suitable for people who are sure they never want children or do not want anymore.

Tubal occlusion is done by cutting, sealing or blocking the fallopian tubes which carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus (womb).

Vasectomy is done by cutting and sealing or tying the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis).

After sterilisation has worked you never have to use contraception again

• About one in 2000 vasectomies will fail
• The overall failure rate for tubal occlusion is about one in 200.
• Sterilisation does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections

You should get full information and counselling if you want to be sterilised.  You may want to find out about other methods of long acting reversible contraception which is as effective and reversible. You can go to your GP or local sexual health clinic