Tubal ligation

A permanent contraception method for women.

Home Services Contraception and family planning Tubal ligation

A surgical procedure providing a permanent contraceptive solution

Tubal ligation is a highly effective contraceptive method suitable for women who are sure they don’t want any more children.

Tubal ligation involves a short medical procedure, usually 15-20 minutes long. It is carried out under local anaesthetic and sedation, using simple techniques to seal the fallopian tubes.

After this procedure has been performed, an egg cannot move from the ovary through the tubes (a woman has two fallopian tubes), and eventually to the uterus.

It also has no effect on a woman’s hormones, so will have no effect on a woman and her partner’s sex life.

Frequently asked questions about tubal ligation

How good is tubal ligation at preventing a pregnancy?

Female sterilisation is an excellent way to prevent a pregnancy. It is a way to permanently stop you having any further pregnancies.

If 100 women had the female sterilisation operation and carried on with their normal sex life then fewer than 1 of those women would fall pregnant again.

What are the advantages of tubal ligation?

-The operation works straight away. As soon as you have a female sterilisation it will prevent a pregnancy.

-It is permanent, so you do not need to remember to use contraception again.

-It does not interrupt sex or affect your sex life. After sterilisation you can still experience an orgasm.

-Having a female sterilisation does not have any negative effects on the rest of your health.

-You are likely to continue to have normal periods after sterilisation.

-You can have the operation straight after an abortion.

What are the disadvantages of tubal ligation?

– As it is permanent, you should only choose sterilisation if you do not want children or have completed your family. You cannot change your mind once the operation is done.

– It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections.