Permanent Methods
These methods are appropriate for women and men who have completed their child-bearing or are absolutely sure that they never want to bear children.
The following methods are not reversible procedures.
Tubal ligation
What is it?
Tubal ligation is generally performed in the hospital with the woman under general anesthesia (fully asleep). A small tube (laparoscope) is inserted through the belly button and the fallopian tubes, which carry the egg to the uterus, are cut, burned, or occluded in some manner. This prevents a sperm from ever reaching an egg.
The procedure generally takes less than a half hour and the woman leaves the hospital within a few hours.
The risks of this procedure are low, but there is a small chance of damage to internal organs.
How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?
Tubal ligations are nearly 100% effective and are not reversible.
Who should use it?
Women who do not want to bear children or have completed child-bearing. Women who can tolerate general anesthesia.
Essure®
What is it?
Essure® is a new permanent method for a woman that does not require an abdominal incision. The procedure can be performed in a clinic without the need for general anesthesia.
A physician inserts a slender tube with a camera (hysteroscope) through the cervix to enter the uterus. After locating the opening to the fallopian tubes, the physician inserts spring-like coils into the fallopian tubes to create scar tissue which blocks them.
Three months after the procedure, a dye test of the uterus and tubes is done to ensure that the tubes are blocked.
The Essure® procedure is less invasive than a tubal ligation, so less recovery after the procedure is necessary.
How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?
The Essure® procedure is nearly 100% effective and is not reversible.
Who should use it?
Women who do not want to bear children or have completed child-bearing and prefer a procedure in a physician’s office that does not require general anesthesia.
See also: www.essure.com
No-Scalpel Vasectomy
What is it?
A vasectomy is a safe, simple procedure for men. The tubes that carry sperm are cut and sealed.
The no-scalpel vasectomy is a technique done through a single tiny opening that heals without stitches; no incision is necessary… The procedure is done in the office with local anesthesia.
Recovery usually involves only a few days of rest before resuming normal activities
How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?
Vasectomy is nearly 100% effective and is not reversible.
Who should use it?
Men who do not want to impregnate a woman or father any more children.
See also: Vasectomy Information
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