Types of Sterility Procedures

When a person is contemplating the idea of never having a child again, several procedures are available.  Sterility procedures are designed to eliminate the possibility of conception.  Most procedures are irreversible, so considerable thought must be given before scheduling a sterility procedure.

Vasectomy

A vasectomy is highly successful for most men.  In fact, less than 1 percent of all procedures fail.  In this type of procedure, a doctor will cut, tie, clip or seal the vas deferens, the tube that releases sperm into the ejaculation fluid. A vasectomy can be completed during an office visit and requires about a day for recovery.  This type of procedure may be reversed if the tube was clipped; however, the success rate for vasectomy reversal is low. 

Tubal Ligation

Also known as “getting your tubes tied,” a tubal ligation cuts a woman’s fallopian tubes in such a way that the egg is unable to pass through either one of the tubes into the uterus.  If the egg cannot reach the uterus, it cannot be fertilized and thus, cannot become a baby.  Women still experience menstrual cycles as usual.  For this procedure, a woman schedules an outpatient surgery, and the recovery time is usually a few days.  Tubes, in some cases, can grow back together, reversing this sterilization process.  If the fallopian tubes are removed entirely, the reversal process is not an option.

Hysterectomy

With a hysterectomy, a woman has her reproductive organs removed.  Depending on the reason for the hysterectomy, a woman’s ovaries, uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes may be removed.  Most doctors like to leave functioning ovaries, or at least one ovary, in a women’s body to help produce the necessary hormones.  If both ovaries are removed, a woman will need to begin a hormone regimen.  Removal of the uterus also eliminates menstruation.  This type of sterility procedure is irreversible.  A woman is usually hospitalized overnight to complete this procedure.