Sterilisation

Question 1

What is sterilisation?

Answer 1

Sterilisation procedures are permanent surgical interventions to prevent conception.

Question 2

Before carrying out sterilisation procedure, what is essential to be carried out?

Answer 2

Thoroughly counsel patients about the permanence of the procedure, and ensure they have made a fully informed decision.

Question 3

Does sterilisation protect against STI’s?

Answer 3

No

Question 4

Can sterilisation be reversed?

Answer 4

NHS does not provide sterilisation reversals.

Private reversal procedures are available, but the success rate is low. Therefore, sterilisation should be considered permanent.

Question 5

Name for female sterilisation procedure?

Answer 5

Tubal occlusion

Question 6

How is tubal occlusion typically performed?

Answer 6

Typically performed by laparoscopy under general anaesthesia, with occlusion of the tubes using “Filshie clips”.

Alternatively, the fallopian types can be tied and cut, or removed altogether. This can be done as an elective procedure, or during a caesarean section.

Question 7

How does tubal occlusion work?

Answer 7

Works by preventing the ovum (egg) travelling from the ovary to the uterus along the fallopian tube.

This means the ovum and sperm will not meet, and pregnancy cannot occur.

Question 8

How effective is tubal occlusion?

Answer 8

More than 99% effective (1 in 200 failure rate).

Question 9

What is male sterilisation procedure called?

Answer 9

Vasectomy

Question 10

How does a vasectomy work?

Answer 10

This involves cutting the vas deferens, preventing sperm travelling from the testes to join the ejaculated fluid.

This prevents sperm from being released into the vagina, preventing pregnancy. It is more than 99% effective (1 in 2000 failure rate).