Sterilization
                     STERILIZATION
WHAT IS STERILIZATION?
Sterilization is a permanent method 
of a birth control. Sterilization 
procedures for women are called 
tubal sterilization or female 
sterilization. The procedure for men 
is called vasectomy. Sterilization is 
considered a safe procedure with few 
complications.
Source: www.acog.org
DOES STERILIZATION 
PROTECT AGAINST 
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED 
INFECTIONS (STIS)?
Sterilization does not protect against 
sexually transmitted infections (STIs), 
including human immunodeficiency 
virus (HIV). A latex or polyurethane 
condom should be used to protect 
against these infections if you are at 
risk of getting an STI (read How to 
Prevent Sexually Transmitted 
Infections).
Source: www.acog.org
HOW DOES TUBAL 
STERILIZATION WORK TO 
PREVENT PREGNANCY?
Tubal sterilization closes off or 
removes the fallopian tubes. This 
prevents the egg from moving down 
the fallopian tube and keeps the 
sperm from reaching the egg.
Source: www.acog.org
HOW EFFECTIVE IS 
TUBAL STERILIZATION?
Sterilization is a highly effective way 
to prevent pregnancy. Fewer than 1 
in 100 women get pregnant within 1 
year of having the surgery.
Source: www.acog.org
ARE THERE RISKS 
ASSOCIATED WITH TUBAL 
STERILIZATION?
In the rare chance pregnancy does 
occur after tubal sterilization, there is 
an increased risk that it will be an 
ectopic pregnancy. But the risk of 
ectopic pregnancy occurring in 
women after tubal sterilization is 
lower than in women who do not use 
any birth control. Other risks are 
specific to the type of procedure.
Source: www.acog.org
BENEFITS OF TUBAL 
STERILIZATION
It is effective right away. You do not 
need to use a backup method of birth 
control.
Source: www.acog.org
RISKS OF TUBAL 
STERILIZATION
As with any type of surgery, there is a risk 
of bleeding, problems with wound healing, 
infection, and complications from the 
anesthesia used. 
Other organs in the pelvis can be injured 
during the surgery. Your risk of these 
complications is increased if you also have a 
serious health condition. Health conditions 
may include diabetes mellitus, obesity, or a 
previous abdominal or pelvic surgery.
Source: www.acog.org
HOW DOES A VASECTOMY 
WORK TO PREVENT 
PREGNANCY?
The vas deferens is one of two tubes 
that carry sperm from the testicles. 
Sperm becomes part of a man's 
semen. In a vasectomy, the vas 
deferens tubes are tied, cut, clipped, 
or sealed to prevent the release of 
sperm into the semen. 
Source: www.acog.org
DOES A VASECTOMY AFFECT 
SEXUAL FUNCTION?
After a vasectomy, a man's sexual 
function does not change. Because 
sperm normally make only 5 percent 
of semen, there will be little change 
in the amount of fluid that is 
released.
Source: www.acog.org
BENEFITS OF 
VASECTOMY
Vasectomy is generally considered to 
be safer than female sterilization and 
requires only local anesthesia. Also, 
there is no increased risk of ectopic 
pregnancy if the vasectomy fails.
Source: www.acog.org