Empowering Women: Understanding the Options and Benefits of Female Sterilization

Female sterilization is one of the safest contraceptive methods. It is even safer than taking birth control pills. However, the procedure should be well considered, as it is difficult to reverse. In addition, the operation, which takes place under general anaesthesia, can lead to side effects such as injury to the peritoneal ligaments. In general, the procedure is much more complicated than sterilization in men – this involves almost no risks. Find out more about the process, risks and costs of female sterilization here.

Artificial infertility

Sterilization is an intervention that creates artificial infertility. Thus, the OP is to be regarded as a method of contraception. Female sterilization is also known as tube sterilization. In men, on the other hand, it is called a vasectomy.

In women, after sterilization, ovulation continues as usual. However, the egg no longer migrates through the fallopian tube towards the uterus but into the abdominal cavity. There, it is broken down by the body. Sterilization is considered a very safe contraceptive method. Statistically, only 1 in 1,000 women become pregnant after the procedure (Pearl Index: 0.1). This makes the method even safer than contraception using the birth control pill. This has a pearl index of 0.1 to 0.9.

Hormone production, the menstrual cycle and sex drive are not affected by a successful procedure. Some women even feel a lot more desire for sex after the operation because they are no longer afraid of an unwanted pregnancy. Others, on the other hand, suffer from the fact of being sterile. Therefore, it is essential to take enough time to make the decision.

 

process of sterilization

In contrast to vasectomy in men, female sterilization is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 60 minutes. This means that the typical risks of general anaesthesia, such as cardiovascular disorders, respiratory problems, hoarseness and sore throat, as well as nausea and vomiting, also exist with this procedure. The operation can be performed either on an outpatient or inpatient basis.

The procedure is often done using a laparoscopy, more rarely through an abdominal incision. There are also different methods of sterilization itself. The fallopian tubes are usually closed with a plastic or metal clamp (clip method) or sclerosed with heat (thermocoagulation). In some cases, a section of the fallopian tubes is also severed.

A method used at times was the so-called Essure method. During a hysteroscopy, soft micro-spirals were inserted into the fallopian tubes. The growth of connective tissue was stimulated by the spirals, which meant that the fallopian tubes could become blocked after three months at the earliest.

The method is no longer used, and the sale of the medical device has been discontinued. The reason for this was some intense side effects. According to the manufacturer, women who have already used the product can continue to use it. However, medical advice should always be sought in the event of symptoms.

Female sterilization: side effects and complications

While male sterilization has few risks and few side effects, women can experience significantly more complications, including the following:

• heavier, irregular periods
• ectopic pregnancies
• Damage to the peritoneal ligaments

Damage to the peritoneal ligaments can result in insufficient supply to the ovaries. This, in turn, can lead to premature menopause.

 

undo sterilization

Every woman should think carefully about whether she wants to be sterilized or not. The procedure can only be reversed with difficulty – much more complex than in men. Since sterilization is also associated with more risks in women, the procedure is usually only recommended if alternative contraceptive methods are not an option for the person concerned or if there is a medical indication.

In general, specific methods are more accessible to reverse sterilize than others. Therefore, you must seek medical advice on this topic before the operation. During the procedure – fertilization- the ovaries’ scarred areas are removed, and the ends are sewn together again. Since this requires a lot of experience, specialized doctors only offer the surgery.

Reversal is only sometimes successful.

Even if fertilization is successful, the chance of conceiving is lower than before sterilization. Depending on the method used, between 30 and 75 per cent of the affected women become pregnant again. However, after the procedure, the risk of an ectopic pregnancy is increased. If there is a desire to have children despite sterilization, artificial insemination is sometimes preferred instead of fertilization.

Many doctors do not initially advise sterilization for younger women because the desire to have children can change with age. Since sterilization is not always successful and the operation is associated with risks, the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure should always be carefully weighed and discussed during a medical consultation.

Does health insurance cover the costs?

The costs of female sterilization are generally no longer covered by health insurance. This applies mainly if the intervention is based only on personal life planning. Exceptions are tube sterilizations that are medically necessary. Here, the costs are borne by the health insurance company. Private health insurers usually only cover the costs if the procedure is carried out for health reasons—sterilization costs between 500 and 1,000 euros.

Medical reasons can exist, for example, if the birth of a child would be too dangerous for the woman because of her physique. Other health reasons, such as dangerous hereditary diseases for which women should not have children, are also accepted.