Female Surgical Sterilization
Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control. To avert pregnancy, the female egg and the male sperm should be prevented from fusing. This can be done in women through two female sterilization methods; tubal ligation (surgical) and hysteroscopic sterilization, an essure procedure (non-surgical). Tubal ligation is considered to be a safe, reliable and highly effective form of female sterilization. The surgery is done to close a woman’s fallopian tubes. Two common methods of tubal ligation are:
Minilaparotomy: It involves making a small incision in the abdomen. The fallopian tubes are brought to the incision in order to be cut or blocked. The purpose of the procedure is to obstruct the fallopian tubes. Minilaparotomy is easier when done right after childbirth (post-partum period). It can also be done as a non-pregnancy related procedure. Minilaparotomy is considered to be a quick, highly effective, safe outpatient procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia.
Laparoscopy: It involves making a small incision just under the navel and inserting small, thin instruments to perform the procedure. Also termed as 'getting your tubes tied', herein a woman’s fallopian tubes are cut, clamped, blocked or tied with rings, bands or clips to prevent her eggs from traveling down to the uterus from the ovary. The procedure also restricts the male sperm from reaching the fallopian tube to fertilize an egg. An outpatient surgery which is done by administering local anesthesia, the patient may return home the same day and resume normal activities after a week. Slight stomach or shoulder pain, feeling dizzy, nauseated, bloated or gassy are possible symptoms that are likely to last for a few days after the surgical procedure.
Male Surgical Sterilization
Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control. To avert pregnancy, the male sperm and the female egg should be prevented from meeting. This can be done in men through vasectomy, male surgical sterilization procedure. The surgery involves removing a portion of vas deferens or vasa, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles into the urethra. The vasa are tied, cut, clipped or sealed to prevent the release of sperm. Vasectomy ensures that no sperm passes through and gets released to fertilize a woman’s egg during sexual intercourse.
An outpatient surgery, vasectomy is the safest and easiest form of male surgical sterilization. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the scrotum region. A very small hole is made on one side of the scrotum to pull out part of the vas deferens. A small section of the vas deferens will be removed. The procedure will be repeated on the other side of the scrotum. The hole is very small and requires no stitches. In about two weeks the area will appear normal as before. Within a day or two it would be possible for men to resume normal activities. To resume sex, it would be best to wait for two semen tests post surgery as it takes time to clear remaining sperm in the tubes.
Post surgery, it is normal to experience some mild discomfort, swelling and bruising of the scrotum for a few days. Painkillers prescribed by the health care provider will provide relief from associated discomfort. Spermatic granuloma’s, congestive epididymitis and in very rare cases long lasting pain are some of the long term after effects experienced by men post vasectomy.
Hysterosalpingogram
A Hysterosalpingogram or hsg is a diagnostic x-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes. This test allows the gynecologist to observe the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes for any problems such as blockage, endometrial polyps, fibroids, genital tuberculosis or abnormalities in the uterine cavity. HSG is often used in cases where a sterilization reversal is sought. The gynecologist or radiologist uses a cannula to fill the uterus with iodine. This helps in outlining the fallopian tubes so that any abnormalities in the tubes or uterine cavity is observed. In cases of infertility due to tubal blockage, HSG is used to evaluate the location and extent of blockage. The Hysterosalpingogram procedure takes a few minutes and can be moderately uncomfortable for the woman, with possibility of cramps. Women who have tubal disease may develop pelvic infection. In rare cases, the woman develops iodine allergy. Some women notice spotting for a couple of days after the HSG.
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