Permanent contraception, also known as sterilization, is a surgical procedure that prevents a woman from becoming pregnant. It includes tubectomy and vasectomy.
If you are considering contraception, you may be wondering if permanent contraception is the right choice for you. There are many different types of birth control available, and each one has its own set of pros and cons.
Permanent contraception is a great option for those who want to avoid having children in the future, or for those who have health conditions that make other forms of birth control unsuitable. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of permanent contraception available, as well as their benefits and drawbacks.
What is permanent contraception?
Permanent contraception, also known as sterilization, is a surgical procedure that prevents a woman from becoming pregnant.
There are two types of permanent contraception: sterilization and long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).
1. Sterilization is a surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. Permanent sterilization methods include:
- Female sterilization: It is also known as tubectomy. It involves either tying or cutting the fallopian tubes (tubal ligation), which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This prevents the eggs from being fertilized by sperm, and thus, pregnancy cannot occur.
- Male sterilization: It is also known as vasectomy. In this, a segment of vas deferens of both sides is resected, and the cut ends are ligated.
2. Long-acting reversible contraception is a method of birth control that is reversible, meaning it can be removed if a woman desires to become pregnant in the future.
LARC methods include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants.
- IUDs are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. IUDs prevent pregnancy by causing changes in the lining of the uterus, which makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant. IUDs can be removed by a healthcare provider at any time, and a woman can become pregnant as soon as the IUD is removed.
- Contraceptive implants are small rods that are inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a healthcare provider. They release a hormone called progestin, which prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus around the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
What are the benefits of permanent contraception?
There are many benefits of permanent contraception, including –
- Permanent contraception is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
- It does not require regular maintenance like other forms of birth control.
- It can be an excellent choice for those who do not want to have children in the future or for those who have health conditions that make other forms of birth control unsuitable.
What are the drawbacks of permanent contraception?
There are some drawbacks of permanent contraception to consider, including –
- It is a surgical procedure that is not without risk.
- It is a permanent decision and cannot be reversed.
- It may not be covered by insurance.
- It may cause menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.
If you are considering permanent contraception, it is important to discuss your options with a healthcare provider to ensure that it is the right choice for you.
