Sterilization, Here's What You Should Know

Sterilization is a permanent method of contraception that aims to prevent a person from having children. This procedure can be performed on both men and women. In men, sterilization is done by vasectomy. While in women, sterilization is done by tubal ligation.

Vasectomy is done by cutting and closing the sperm ducts. This action keeps the sperm from mixing with the semen, so the semen cannot fertilize the egg.

While in tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes, namely the tubes that connect the ovaries and uterus, are tied or closed. This will prevent the sperm from meeting the egg and fertilizing it.

The success rate of sterilization in preventing pregnancy is almost 100 percent. In one study, only 2 to 30 women out of every 1,000 women were known to still be able to get pregnant after undergoing sterilization.

Sterilization does not affect hormone levels, sex drive, and a person's ability to have sex. Before going into further discussion, please note that this article will only discuss female sterilization or tubal ligation.

Sterilization Indication

Sterilization is performed on women who decide they do not want to have children or want to stop having children. Before deciding to undergo sterilization, it is important to first consult with a doctor, considering the effects of sterilization are permanent.

Generally, doctors perform sterilization on women aged 30 years and over and already have children. In patients outside of these two conditions, the doctor will suggest another type of contraception. This is done so that the patient does not regret in the future.

Warning Before Undergoing Sterilization

There are several things that patients who want to undergo sterilization should know, namely:

  • Sterilization cannot prevent sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, continue to have sex in a safe way.
  • Although it is considered permanent, it is still possible to return a tubal ligation or reopen the fallopian tubes so that you can get pregnant again. However, the success rate is very small.
  • The risk of complications due to sterilization will be greater in patients who have diabetes, are overweight (obese), and patients with a history of abdominal or pelvic surgery.

Before Sterilization Procedure

For patients who want to undergo a sterilization procedure, discuss it with their partner first because there are many other contraceptive options. After that, also consult with your doctor whether sterilization is the right choice, considering the effects are permanent.

In the consultation session, the doctor will ask the reason for the patient's sterilization to ensure that there are no regrets in the future. The doctor will also explain the benefits and risks of sterilization, the stages of the sterilization procedure, the possibility of failure, and the right time to undergo surgery.

Sterilization can be done shortly after delivery or at the same time as a cesarean section. In patients who want to undergo sterilization outside of these two conditions, doctors will usually recommend the use of contraception 1 month before sterilization until the procedure is complete.

Prior to undergoing sterilization, the patient will be told to do the following:

  • Stop eating, drinking, and smoking the night before surgery.
  • If using nail polish, remove it before undergoing surgery.
  • Don't forget to bring pads. Bleeding from the vagina may occur after surgery.
  • Do not wear high heels on the day the surgery will be performed. The effects of the anesthetic can cause dizziness when walking.
  • Remove all jewelry that was worn before undergoing sterilization.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid discomfort after surgery.

Sterilization Procedure

Female sterilization aims to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. The following are the stages of the procedure for sterilization or tubal ligation in women:

  • The patient will be first anesthetized with general anesthesia to fall asleep, so that the patient does not feel anything during the operation.
  • The obstetrician will make a small incision around the navel, then the patient's stomach will be filled with carbon dioxide gas to make it bulge. If a tubal ligation is performed after a cesarean section, the doctor will use the incision that has been made to carry out the next step.
  • After the patient's stomach bulges, the doctor will insert a laparoscope, which is a small instrument equipped with a camera and light, to reach the patient's reproductive organs.
  • The doctor will then close the fallopian tube by cutting, folding, or clamping it using special rings or clamps.
  • The doctor will usually make another incision to insert a special tool such as a clamp that is used to close the fallopian tube.

After Sterilization Procedure

After the sterilization is complete, the doctor will monitor the patient's condition every 15 minutes to 1 hour. If no complications occur, the patient can go home a few hours later.

The recovery process for sterilization generally takes 2–5 days. The doctor will ask the patient for control a week after the operation. It is important to remember that contraception should be used until the next menstrual cycle or until 3 months after surgery.

To help the recovery process, the doctor will give a number of suggestions for the patient to do, namely:

  • Do not consume alcohol and drive a vehicle within 24 hours of surgery.
  • The bandage can be removed the next day after surgery, while a new bath is allowed 2 days after surgery. Don't scratch the incision area, and always dry the area carefully after every shower.
  • Don't have sex and lift heavy objects until your doctor allows it.
  • Do normal activities gradually if your condition feels better.

Immediately consult a doctor if you do not recover completely or symptoms appear, such as:

  • Fever of 38 degrees Celsius or more
  • Abdominal pain that continues to get worse up to 12 hours after surgery
  • The incision wound smells bad
  • Bleeding at the incision wound

Sterilization Complications

If the sterilization procedure is performed imperfectly, there is a risk of an extrauterine pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy. This condition is very dangerous because it can cause death, both for the mother and the fetus.

Sterilization can also cause some complications, such as:

  • Allergic reactions to drugs
  • Constant pain in the abdomen and pelvis
  • Damage to the intestines, bladder, and blood vessels
  • Wounds due to incisions are difficult to heal or become infected