Sterilization in women consists in bandaging the fallopian tubes (carrying the ovum from the ovary to the uterus), and in men - the vas deferens (carrying sperm from the testicles to the urethra). Although germ cells continue to be produced in the body, fertilization under such conditions is impossible. The method of medical sterilization of a woman is the subject of our article.
Efficiency
Male sterilization is a very reliable method of contraception with a failure rate of about 1 case for 2000. Female sterilization is less effective with the likelihood of pregnancy after surgery, both in men and in women it is possible to restore the ability to conceive with spontaneous reunification of bandaged structures. Female sterilization is a simple operation, consisting in blocking the lumen of the fallopian tubes in one of the following ways:
• the imposition of surgical clips;
• ligation of the fallopian tubes;
• removing a small piece of pipe;
• cauterization (cauterization).
There are two most common methods of surgical sterilization of women. Both types of surgery are performed under anesthesia.
• Laparoscopic sterilization
This minimally traumatic method is most common. The operation is performed through two punctures of the abdominal wall - in the navel and above the growth line of the pubic hair. The laparoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity, and the lumen of the fallopian tubes is blocked by one of the methods. After 6-8 hours a woman can return home.
• Mini-laparotomy
This operation may require several days of hospitalization. Sterilization is carried out through a small incision in the lower abdomen at the border of pubic hair growth. This method is suitable for women after surgery on the abdominal organs and obese.
After operation
A woman should be protected from pregnancy before surgery and the first time after it. The benefits of sterilization include:
• permanent effect;
• lack of influence on sexual activity;
• rapid impact of the effect;
■ no risk to health.
Disadvantages:
• the need for surgical intervention under anesthesia;
• minor bleeding, pain and discomfort after surgery;
• increased risk of ectopic pregnancy in case of failure of the operation;
• sometimes - a long wait for the intervention itself.
Vasectomy involves the intersection or dressing of the vas deferens, which carry the sperm from the testicles into the urethra. This small intervention is performed under local anesthesia. On the skin of the scrotum, a small incision is made through which the vas deferens. The incision is so small that it does not even require suturing. The vas deferens dissect, or a small portion of each of them is removed. The procedure takes only 10-15 minutes.
After operation
A man can begin to have sex soon after surgery. To prevent edema and bleeding, avoid heavy physical exertion and wear supporting underwear. It was not noted any influence of the operation on the intimate life of a man. Since spermatozoa make up only a small part of the seminal fluid, changes in the volume of the ejaculate are also not observed. Benefits:
• high efficiency;
• ease of implementation;
• permanent effect;
• lack of influence on sexual activity;
• No risk to health. Disadvantages:
• the need for small surgical intervention;
• small edema and possible hemorrhage;
• In rare cases - massive swelling and bleeding;
• the formation of a granuloma - a small soft nodule in the scrotum;
• Lack of instantaneous effect.
Postoperative control
A few months must pass before all the spermatozoa disappear from the semen. For control after 8 weeks after the operation, take two samples of sperm with a difference of 2-4 weeks. In some cases, the disappearance of spermatozoa can take longer. Until then, other methods of contraception should be used. Since sterilization is considered an irreversible method of contraception, it is suitable only for couples who are sure that they do not want to have more children. The method is not recommended in the following situations:
• if the couple doubts in their decision;
• for psychiatric illnesses;
• emotional stress, conflict in a relationship;
• with the concomitant disease of the urogenital tract, which makes it difficult to carry out the intervention.
Consultation
When applying for sterilization, the couple should receive full information about the nature of the method. Although the law does not require the signing of an application by both partners, some doctors insist on this. Anyone who is subject to sterilization, necessarily signs also consent to the operation. Although sterilization is considered an irreversible method, it is still possible to restore fertility (the ability to conceive). The success of the operation depends on the specific situation and time of the past from the moment of sterilization. Many researchers are trying to find a way of reversible blockade patency of the fallopian tubes. In particular, silicone plugs and new clips have been created, but a reliable reversible sterilization method has yet to be developed.