Family Planning
Tubal Ligation (Female Surgical Contraception)
Description: Female sterilization is the most popular form of contraception in the world. It is a safe, effective method of birth control for women who have the desired number of children or who do not wish to have children. Sterilization works by sealing the fallopian tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Eggs are prevented from meeting sperm, so pregnancy cannot occur.
Considerations: It is a permanent, irreversible method, so this option should be adopted by those who either do not want children or have all the children they want.
Female sterilization offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections/HIV/AIDS.
Availability: At all main MSS centres and the government's Reproductive Health 'A' clinics (Family Planning clinics).
Marie Stopes Society centres have carried out innumerable female sterilizations. The service covers consultation/counseling, procedure and aftercare of sterilization process.
The procedure performed by highly trained doctors takes approximately 15 - 20 minutes and is carried out under local anesthetic and sedation using simple techniques to seal the fallopian tubes.
Effectiveness: over 99%.
What Should be Known about the Sterilization Operation
Remember sterilization is a surgical procedure. It is meant to be permanent. After Sterilization, pregnancy is no longer possible. In case of any questions or doubts a meeting with the clinic staff is recommended.
Prior to the operation:
| 1. |
Light breakfast can be taken on the operation day. Soon after the operation, eating and drinking is permissible. |
| 2. |
A bath is essential. Before coming to the clinic, the belly button, belly, and genital area needs to be carefully cleansed with soap. |
| 3. |
Clean, comfortable, and loose cotton attire is advisable. |
| 4. |
Presence of a family member or friend to help return home from the clinic is important. |
After the operation. When you return home:
| 1. |
Rest for one or two days at home is advisable. Resumption of most normal activities within two /three days is possible. Heavy work or lifting of loads is better avoided for two weeks. This will help the wound heal. |
| 2. |
Prevent the bandage from getting wet for one to two days. |
| 3. |
Take the medicine provided by the clinic. |
| 4. |
Sexual activities may be resumed as soon as it is comfortable. This is usually one week after the operation. |
| 5. |
Pulling, scratching or irritating the wound is to be avoided. |
| 6. |
It is normal to have some pain and swelling around the wound after the operation and not be a cause for concern. |
| 7. |
However, if any of the following symptoms occur, the clinic, doctor or health worker must be notified immediately: |
• Fever within one week of the operation
• A constant pain in the belly or one that becomes worse with time
• Pus/discharge from the wound
MYTHS & FACTS
Myth: The weight increases.
Fact: The weight increase is with age and not due to the operation.
Myth: The menses flow increases.
Fact: The irregularity of menses is because of age or some other reason that needs to be diagnosed. It has nothing to do with the operation.
Myth: One can still have children after the operation.
Fact:If the tubes are litigated properly then a woman can not conceive as tubal ligation is a permanent, irreversible contraceptive method.
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