MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Sterilization surgery

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Sterilization surgery - making a decision

Contents of this page:
Illustrations	Information

Illustrations

Hysterectomy

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation - series

Information Return to top

Sterilization surgery in women is called tubal ligation.

In men, it is called a vasectomy.

Many people in a long-term, monogamous relationship who have already had several children choose to have such procedures. However, some regret their decision later. The younger the man or woman, the more likely that this happens at some point in the future. Even though either procedure can occasionally be reversed, both must be considered permanent forms of birth control.

There are other effective and long-term birth control options that are not permanent. Before making the decision to have a sterilization procedure, be sure to discuss all other options with your health care provider.

Update Date: 12/31/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.