With numerous birth control options, it may get difficult to choose the best method. However, there is less scope for confusion, if you are opting for sterilization methods. These methods are available for both men and women and are considered to be almost permanent in nature. Even though, reversing a sterilization procedure is possible, its effectiveness may vary. This article will provide you with some information about female sterilization options.
Female Sterilization Methods
As a medical term, sterilization can be defined as the procedure of making a male or female infertile. While men undergo the procedure of vasectomy for sterilization purposes, in case of women it is tubal ligation, which is also referred to as tubal occlusion or tubal sterilization. Apart from tubal ligation, female sterilization can be achieved through use of 'Essure', which is a latest entrant in this field. Female sterilization is usually opted by those women, who do not wish to have any more kids or by those, for whom pregnancy may prove fatal. Even those with certain medical conditions, like genetic disorders, are advised to get sterilized, so as to avoid pregnancy.
Tubal Ligation
The basic concept behind the working of female sterilization options is to block the sperm from meeting the ovum. This is achieved by blocking the passage of the ovum to the uterus. It is the fallopian tubes that carry ova from the ovaries to the uterus. These tubes are found on either sides of the uterus. In tubal ligation, these tubes are blocked with clips or rings, so that the ova fail to travel to the uterus and the sperms fail to reach the ova. In some cases, the fallopian tubes may be burned or cauterized, for achieving the same purpose. Nowadays, this type of female sterilization is often done as laparoscopic procedures. It is said that the effectiveness of this method is around 99.5%.
Essure
While tubal ligation is a surgical method of female sterilization, there is one new non surgical method, which has been approved by the FDA during 2002. It is a spiral coil-like device that is used for blocking the fallopian tubes. Unlike the tubal ligation method that required incisions, this device is inserted through the vagina. This is done with the help of a device called hysteroscope (a viewing instrument), which is passed through the vagina and up into the fallopian tube. The spring-like device is inserted into the fallopian tube, where it expands with time. Within three months, scar tissues form around the device, thereby blocking the fallopian tube completely.
This procedure can be done in the doctor's office, under local anesthesia. It is found to take around 30 to 40 minutes for an experienced doctor to complete this procedure. However, follow ups are needed to ensure the effectiveness of this method. In most cases, complete blockage of the fallopian tube is confirmed after three months with special X-ray techniques. Till then, the woman will be advised to use other birth control methods. It is said that this method is 99.74% effective in preventing pregnancy.
The above said are the common female sterilization options. In some rare cases, hysterectomy or removal of uterus serves the purpose of sterilization, though this procedure is not done for the same. Hysterectomy is usually done in extreme cases, as those with uterine cancer. So, this method is not a female sterilization option. This Buzzle article is only for informational purposes and should not used as replacement for expert medical advice. So, it is always better to contact your gynecologist and clear your doubts with regard to sterilization and birth control. Discuss with the doctor and choose the method that is best suited for you.
Female Sterilization
Female surgical sterilization (also called tubal sterilization, tubal ligation, and tubal occlusion) is a low-risk, highly effective one-time procedure that offers lifelong protection against pregnancy. About 700,000 women undergo this procedure each year in the United States.
BASICS OF FEMALE STERILIZATION
Female surgical sterilization procedures block the fallopian tubes and thereby prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing the eggs. The ovaries continue to function normally, but the eggs they release break up and are harmlessly absorbed by the body. Tubal sterilization is performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic under local or general anesthesia.
The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis behind the bladder and in front of the rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth.
Sterilization does not cause menopause. Menstruation continues as before, with usually very little difference in length, regularity, flow, or cramping. Sterilization does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Click the icon to see an image of tubal ligation.
SPECIFIC TUBAL STERILIZATION TECHNIQUES
Laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is the most common surgical approach for tubal sterilization:
The procedure begins with a tiny incision in the abdomen in or near the navel. The surgeon inserts a narrow viewing scope called a laparoscope through the incision.
A second small incision is made just above the pubic hairline, and a probe is inserted.
Once the tubes are found, the surgeon closes them using different methods: clips, tubal rings, or electrocoagulation (using an electric current to cauterize and destroy a portion of the tube).
Laparoscopy usually takes 20 - 30 minutes and causes minimal scarring. The patient is often able to go home the same day and can resume intercourse as soon as she feels ready.
SLIDE SHOW:Tubal ligation - series
Minilaparotomy. Minilaparotomy does not use a viewing instrument and requires an abdominal incision, but it is small -- about 2 inches long. The tubes are tied and cut. Generally speaking, minilaparotomy is preferred for women who choose to be sterilized right after childbirth, while laparoscopy is preferred at other times. Minilaparotomy usually takes approximately 30 minutes to perform. Women who undergo minilaparotomy typically need a few days to recover and can resume intercourse after consulting their doctor.
Essure . The Essure method uses a small spiral-like device to block the fallopian tube. Unlike tubal ligation, the Essure procedure does not require incisions or general anesthesia. It can be performed in a doctor’s office and takes about 45 minutes. A specially trained doctor uses a viewing instrument called a hysteroscope to insert the device through the vagina and into the uterus, and then up into the fallopian tube. Once the device is in place, it expands inside the fallopian tubes. During the next 3 months, scar tissue forms around the device and blocks the tubes. This results in permanent sterilization.
CANDIDACY FOR FEMALE STERILIZATION
Before undergoing sterilization, a woman must be sure that she no longer wants to bear children and will not want to bear children in the future, even if the circumstances of her life change drastically. She must also be aware of the many effective contraceptive choices available. Possible reasons for choosing female sterilization procedures over reversible forms of contraception include:
Not wanting children and being unable to use other methods of contraception
Health problems that make pregnancy unsafe
Genetic disorders
If married, both partners should completely agree that they no longer want to have children and should also have ruled out vasectomy for the man. Vasectomy is a simple procedure that has a lower failure rate than female surgical sterilization, carries fewer risks, and is less expensive.
Even if all these factors are present, a woman must consider her options carefully before proceeding. Women at highest risk for regretting sterilization include:
Women who are younger at the time of sterilization
Women who had the procedure immediately after a vaginal delivery
Women who had the procedure within 7 years of having their youngest child
Women in lower income groups
If a woman changes her mind and wants to become pregnant, a reversal procedure is available, but it is very difficult to perform and requires an experienced surgeon. Subsequent pregnancy rates after reversal depend on the surgeon’s skill, the age of the woman, and, to a lesser degree, her weight and the length of time between the tubal ligation and the reversal procedure. Not all insurance carriers cover the cost of reversal.
ADVANTAGES OF FEMALE STERILIZATION
Women who choose sterilization no longer need to worry about pregnancy or cope with the distractions and possible side effects of contraceptives. Sterilization does not impair sexual desire or pleasure, and many people say that it actually enhances sex by removing the fear of unwanted pregnancy.
DISADVANTAGES AND COMPLICATIONS OF FEMALE STERILIZATION
Failure is rare, less than 1%, but can occur. More than half of these pregnancies are ectopic, which require surgical treatment.
After any of the procedures, a woman may feel tired, dizzy, nauseous, bloated, or gassy, and may have minor abdominal and shoulder pain. Usually these symptoms go away in 1 - 3 days.
Serious complications from female surgical sterilization are uncommon and are most likely to occur with abdominal procedures. These rare complications include bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anesthetic.
No comments:
Post a Comment