Sabrina is pregnant with her second child. She and her husband have been discussing sterilization. They do not want to have any more children and would like to adopt a permanent method of family planning. Sudha is undergoing a second cesarean section. She and her husband have also decided on sterilization.

What does sterilization in a woman involve? Sterilization is a surgical procedure that is done to prevent a woman from getting pregnant. It is a very effective method. 50 % of women who undergo sterilization have it immediately after the birth of a baby. If sterilization is being considered, the decision is best made well before the birth of the baby. This gives enough time to plan and discuss the procedure with the obstetrician. The couple should be absolutely certain that they do not want any more children in the future. If there is any chance that they may want to have children in the future, reversible forms of birth control, like an intrauterine device or birth control pills, would be a better option.

What is female sterilization?

Tubal ligation (also known as “tying the tubes”) is a safe and permanent method of family planning which for most women is free from problems.

The fallopian tubes arise from both sides of the uterus. The egg and the sperm meet in the tube and fertilization occurs there. If both the tubes are blocked by the process of sterilization, the egg cannot enter the tube and the sperm cannot reach the egg. Many women are concerned that the eggs will collect inside them and will make them fat! This is just a myth: remember that the human egg is microscopic and disintegrates in 48 hours.

The surgery does not affect either partner's ability to have or enjoy sex. Many couples say that sex improves after sterilization because there is no fear of an unwanted pregnancy.

When is sterilization done?

Usually, postpartum sterilization (sterilization immediately after a vaginal delivery) is done within 1–2 days of birth. It is best to have a paediatrician assess the health of the baby before the procedure is done.

When the sterilization is combined with a cesarean section, the tubal ligation is done at the same time as the cesarean. This does not add any extra complication to the cesarean and there is no increase in recovery time.