Sterilization in men and women: What you need to know

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Tran Thi Mai Huong - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Sterilization is a sure-fire, long-term contraceptive method applied in many countries around the world. In Vietnam, because of many misconceptions, people still have a hesitant view of this method. The following article will provide you with basic information about sterilization methods in men and women.

1. What is sterilization?

Sterilization is a safe, permanent and effective method of contraception. The method of sterilization in women is tubal ligation and in men it is vasectomy. Both methods above do not affect the health, sexual problems and psychophysiology of both men and women.

2. Female sterilization - Tubal ligation

2.1. What is tubal ligation?

Tubal ligation is a method of permanent birth control in women, usually performed in women over 30 years old, have had 2 or more children and do not want to have more children. Basically, a tubal ligation is the blockage of the fallopian tubes so that the egg cannot travel into the uterus and thereby prevent the egg from contacting the sperm. There are many procedures for tubal ligation such as tying, cutting, clamping with forceps, knotting,...
Tubal ligation is a safe and effective method of contraception, but it is not absolute. The odds of becoming pregnant within 1 year after this procedure are less than 1 in 100 women. After 10 years, pregnancy rates range from less than 1 to less than 4 out of 100 women, depending on the type of method used. Tubal ligation will not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, genital warts, HIV, etc. Therefore, it is still a good idea to use condoms when having sex to prevent STIs. prevent the spread of these diseases.

2.2. Tubal ligation has any health effects?

Tubal ligation is an effective and safe method of contraception. The method only affects the fallopian tubes, not the ovaries. The ovaries are the site of hormone secretion and regulation of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, tubal ligation does not affect hormones, menstrual cycle and sexual activity.
After tubal ligation, you may feel abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, irregular menstrual cycle and heavier menstrual bleeding than usual,...In particular, there is a possible risk. What happens after this procedure is that the fallopian tubes fuse together and lead to an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. However, this rate is quite low, only about 0.01 to 1%.

3. Male sterilization - Vasectomy

3.1. What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a male sterilization procedure that involves cutting or tying the vas deferens to prevent sperm from escaping. It takes about 2-4 months for semen to be completely sperm-free. Use another method of birth control or avoid sex until the semen is free of sperm.
Vasectomy is carried out as follows: creating one or two small holes in the skin of the scrotum, the vas deferens is pulled through the opening, then a small segment of the vas deferens is removed and the ends are sealed with a vasectomy. laser or electrocautery. This method is contraindicated in subjects with blood clotting problems, scrotal abnormalities such as inguinal hernia, varicose veins and sequelae of the spermatic cord.

3.2. Does vasectomy have any effect?

A vasectomy is generally considered safer than female sterilization and requires only local anesthesia. Risks of a vasectomy may include bleeding or infection. Like tubal ligation in women, a vasectomy cannot prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, tubal ligation and vasectomy procedures are performed by a team of experienced, qualified and skilled medical doctors. The process meets international standards, ensuring sterility, safety, and high efficiency. In addition, Vinmec also focuses on investing in a system of modern machinery and equipment, helping to bring the best health care services to patients.

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Articles refer to the source Acog.org