Tubal Ligation
Tubal Ligation
AKA
Getting your tubes tied, Female Sterilisation
Efficacy
99.5% typical and perfect
Routine
Forever
STI protection
No
Pros
Permanent, not associated with changes to menstruation or sexual function. Failure rate <1%.
Cons
Very low success rates for reversal, requires general anaesthetic, carries surgical risks, may be hard to access.
How does Tubal Ligation work?
Depending on the method of Tubal Ligation that you elect to have, getting your tubes tied doesn’t necessarily involve tying anything in knots. A surgeon will use one of a variety of methods to block the fallopian tubes, which will prevent eggs from reaching the uterus.
Tip: Be certain before you commit to this method, as it can’t be reversed.
How do I get Tubal Ligation?
Step 1. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the procedure. It’s not always necessary to get a referral for tubal ligation, but it is an invasive surgery, so it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor to discuss any potential risks.
Step 2. You’ll be referred to either a specialist or a proceduralist who will perform the surgery. Make sure to follow their instructions carefully to ensure that you have a speedy recovery.
Step 3. Surgical sterilisation needs a considerably longer recovery time because of the invasive way the procedure is performed. Once complete though, the operation will only affect your fertility potential and should have no effect on your libido or ability to have enjoyable sex.
Explore more methods
MALE CONDOM
(Rubber, Prophylactic)
Condoms are a barrier that’s placed on an erect penis to prevent contact with the vulva and vaginal canal.
FEMALE CONDOM
(Femidom)
The female condom wraps the inside of the vaginal canal and covers the vulva, preventing a penis from coming into contact with either.
DIAPHRAGM
(Caya)
A diaphragm is a small cap that sits at the entrance to your cervix and prevents sperm from getting through.
THE PILL
(Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, Contraceptive Pill)
The pill contains oestrogen and progestogen which work together to prevent ovulation, and to thicken cervical mucous; preventing sperm from getting through.
THE MINI PILL
(Progestogen Only Pill)
The mini pill contains progestogen which prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucous, stopping sperm from getting through into the uterus.
VAGINAL RING
(Contraceptive Ring, Combined Hormonal Ring)
A thin band that contains oestrogen and progestogen which work together to prevent ovulation, preventing sperm from getting through.
IMPLANT
(Rod, Bar, Contraceptive Implant)
A small bar inserted into the upper arm that slowly releases progestogen into your bloodstream; preventing ovulation, and thickening the cervical mucous; preventing sperm from getting through.
INJECTION
(Jab)
A 150mg dose of progestogen hormone, it prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucous which prevents sperm from getting through.
HORMONAL IUD
(Intrauterine System, IUS)
Releases small quantities of progestogen to your reproductive system. This thickens the mucous of your cervix, so sperm can’t get through.
COPPER IUD
(IUD, Non-hormonal IUD, The Coil)
Releases very low levels of copper ions which affect sperm’s ability to move. Also stops fertilised eggs from implanting in the uterine wall.
TUBAL LIGATION
(Getting your tubes tied, Female Sterilisation)
Surgically creating a block so any potential sperm can’t gain passage along the fallopian tubes.
VASECTOMY
(The Snip, Male Sterilisation)
A vasectomy involves cutting and separating the vas deferens, which are the tubes that move sperm from the testicles to the penis.
FERTILITY AWARENESS
(FAM, Rhythm Method, Calendar Method, Period tracking)
A system of monitoring when ovulation occurs and making sure unprotected sex only occurs on days of minimal fertility.
WITHDRAWAL METHOD
(Pull out method, Coitus Interruptus)
The act of withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculating.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION PILLS
(Morning After Pill)
Works by preventing or delaying ovulation, ensuring any viable sperm will be out of the body by the time an egg is released.