Female sterilisation (tubal occlusion)

If you are sure your family is complete, sterilisation can be done at the time of caesarean section. You should think of this a permanent method.

If you are considering this option, you need to discuss as early as possible in your pregnancy with your healthcare team. So, they can assess whether this would be a suitable method for you and to become part of your birth plan. 

Female sterilisation is a procedure to permanently prevent pregnancy. The fallopian tubes are blocked or sealed to prevent eggs reaching the sperm and becoming fertilised. Eggs will still be released from the ovaries as normal, but they will be absorbed naturally into the woman's body.

It is more than 99% effective. That means fewer than 1 out of 200 people who have female sterilisation will get pregnant each year.

Advantages:

• Suitable for breastfeeding women.
• Permanent method if family complete.
• Does not affect your hormone levels.

Disadvantages:

• Sterilisation reversal is not available on NHS & can be difficult.  
• Success rates vary, depending on factors like age and method that was used. 
• Does not protect you from STIs.
• Small risk of complications, infection, damage to other organs.
• If pregnancy occurs after sterilisation, it is likely to be an ectopic pregnancy.