Sterilization

Overview

Sterilization is permanent birth control. It’s one of the most effective kinds of birth control available, but it’s also the biggest commitment. Sterilization is for people who are sure they will never want to get pregnant or get someone else pregnant. There are sterilization procedures both for people with a uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes (this procedure is called tubal ligation) and for people with testicles and a penis (this procedure is called vasectomy). Neither of these types of sterilization affects sexual pleasure or performance, and you can still orgasm after sterilization.

Quick Facts

A permanent, super effective way to prevent pregnancy.

Effectiveness

Sterilization is super effective—it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy.
Perfect use: Over 99% effective
Typical use: Over 99% effective
What are perfect use and typical use?

Hormones

Sterilization is hormone-free.

Side effects

Possible pain or discomfort right after the procedure.

Cost

As low as $0 (with insurance) or as high as $6,000.

STI protection

Sterilization doesn’t protect against STIs.

Ongoing effort

Nothing you have to do once the procedure is done.

Types of Sterilization - Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is a safe, effective, and permanent procedure for people with uteruses and fallopian tubes. It’s sometimes called “getting your tubes tied.” The fallopian tubes are where the egg and a partner’s sperm meet, which can lead to pregnancy. To keep eggs and sperm apart, a health care provider will close off the fallopian tubes, remove a section of each of them, or remove both fallopian tubes entirely.

How tubal ligation is done depends partly on whether someone is doing it right after having a baby or not. But no matter what type of tubal ligation one has, it will involve some type of anesthesia, and recovery will take a few days.

Types of Sterilization - Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a safe and effective sterilization procedure for people with testicles and penises. Vasectomies prevent pregnancy by permanently closing off the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm. That means sperm cannot get into the vagina during penis-in-vagina sex, and therefore pregnancy can’t happen.