Sterilization is an effective Female Sterilisation, Vasectomy for Male Sterilization and good method of contraception - used globally more often than any other method - for persons wishing to have no more children.
The Pearl indexes for female and male sterilization are approximately 0.1-0.5 and 0.15, respectively.
Sterilization is the only irreversible method of contraception.
Check the local practice, availability and any legal preconditions.
Female sterilization
Female sterilization is performed as a laparoscopic Female Sterilisation day surgery procedure. Sick leave is given for 3-5 days
Laparoscopically, either the uterine tubes are removed or clips are placed in both uterine tubes. Sterilization at the time of section usually involves cutting the uterine tubes and ligating the ends separately so that they become scarred.
Sterilization has no impact on sexual or hormonal functions.
Sterilization does not affect menstruation. If a woman has used hormonal contraception in the past, stopping it will restore her menstrual cycle and flow.
Complications are rare: anaesthesia complications may occur; if a clip becomes detached, pregnancy may occur.
A no-scalpel method has been introduced Scalpel Versus No-Scalpel Incision for Vasectomy, in which the scrotal skin is punctured with sharp-pointed forceps, and the vas deferens drawn out with ring forceps and severed.
Sperm granuloma (usually < 0.5 cm) in the seminiferous tubules or the epididymis is a harmless complication. Infections are extremely rare.
After the procedure, other means of contraception must be used for 3 months and until after 10 ejaculations, and no live sperm can be found in a sample taken 3 months after the procedure.
Male sterilization has no impact on hormonal or sexual functions or ejaculation.
References
[Contraception]. A Current Care Guideline. Working group appointed by The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim, The Finnish Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and The Finnish Association for General Practice. Helsinki: The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim, 2025 (accessed 02 Mar 2025). Available in Finnish at http://www.kaypahoito.fi/hoi50104.