Hesperian Health Guides
Permanent Methods of Family Planning
HealthWiki > Where Women Have No Doctor > Chapter 13: Family Planning > Permanent Methods of Family Planning
Contents
Sterilization (the operation for no more children)
There are operations that make it almost impossible to have children. Since these operations are permanent, they are only good for those who are certain that they do not want any more children.
To have one of these operations, you must go to a health center or hospital. The surgery is fast and safe, and does not cause side effects.
Cutting the tubes that carry sperm (Vasectomy)
More Information
reproductive system in a person who can cause pregnancyA vasectomy is a simple operation in which the tubes that carry the sperm from the testicles to the penis are cut. The testicles are not affected. This operation can be done in any health center where there is a trained health worker. It takes only a few minutes to do.
This operation does not change the ability to have sex or to feel sexual pleasure. Semen still comes out of the penis, but there are no sperm in the semen. The tubes may still have sperm in them for as long as 12 weeks after the operation, so use another method of family planning during that time.
Cutting the tubes that carry the eggs (Tubal Ligation)
A tubal ligation is a slightly more difficult operation than a vasectomy, but it is still very safe. It takes about 30 minutes.
A trained health worker inserts a tool through the skin near the belly button to cut or tie the tubes that carry the eggs to the womb. It does not change a person’s menstrual cycle or ability to have sex and sexual pleasure.