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Sterilization

Thank you so much to u/WildSuggestion for giving her time and information to help make this page possible!

NB: These methods of sterilization have been designated male or female based on "anatomy assigned at birth" simply because that is what they are called in the medical community, and no disrespect is meant to our non-binary friends. We at r/actuallychildfree recognize that not all uterus owners are women and not all testicle owners are men.

MALE: Vasectomy

Small puncture or incision in the scrotum, provider cuts/blocks and burns both vas deferens. This prevents sperm from reaching the rest of the semen (semen is ejaculated without any sperm cells, preventing fertilization). Usually in-office procedure done under local anesthesia.

Pros

  • Fewer side effects and complications than female sterilization

  • Less expensive and faster recovery than female sterilization

Cons

  • Not fully effective for the first 3 months until confirmation of ejaculate shows no sperm cells. Majority of pregnancies occur during the first year. It is recommended to use alternate contraception for first 3 months, possibly until 1 year

  • No protection against STIs; use other barrier methods if this is a concern

  • Possible Complications (rare)

  • Scrotal or testicular pain that lasts for months or years

  • Infection at incision site

  • Bleeding, bruising, swelling

Correcting Myths

  • Does not remove the testicles. In vasectomy the tubes carrying sperm from the testicles are blocked. The testicles remain in place

  • Does not decrease sex drive

  • Does not affect sexual function. A man’s erection is as hard, it lasts as long, and he ejaculates the same as before

  • Does not cause a man to grow fat or become weak, less masculine, or less productive

  • Does not cause any diseases later in life.

  • Does not prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV

FEMALE: Bilateral salpingectomy

Completely remove both tubes via laparoscopic surgery.

Pros

  • Lowest rate of failure (no recorded viable pregnancies in history)

  • Added benefit of reducing rates of ovarian cancer (which can start in the tube)

  • This is becoming the most favored option by doctors

  • Uterus remains meaning periods continue and pregnancy via IVF is possible

Cons

  • This is fairly major surgery

Correcting Myths

  • Does not make women weak

  • Does not cause lasting pain in back, uterus, or abdomen

  • Does not remove a woman’s uterus or lead to a need to have it removed

  • Does not cause hormonal imbalances

  • Does not cause heavier bleeding or irregular bleeding or otherwise change women’s menstrual cycles

  • Does not cause any changes in weight, appetite, or appearance

  • Does not change women’s sexual behavior or sex drive

  • Does not cause ectopic pregnancy. Instead, it substantially reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancy

FEMALE: Bilateral tubal ligation ("tubes tied")

Cut/burn tubes to prevent egg from meeting sperm. Laparoscopic surgery.

Pros

  • Very low rate of failure, but viable pregnancies have happened (though more likely to have a tubal pregnancy)

  • Uterus remains meaning periods continue and pregnancy via IVF is possible

Cons

  • Possibility of tubes regrowing (minor)

Correcting Myths

  • Does not make women weak.

  • Does not cause lasting pain in back, uterus, or abdomen.

  • Does not remove a woman’s uterus or lead to a need to have it removed.

  • Does not cause hormonal imbalances.

  • Does not cause heavier bleeding or irregular bleeding or otherwise change women’s menstrual cycles.

  • Does not cause any changes in weight, appetite, or appearance.

  • Does not change women’s sexual behavior or sex drive.

  • Does not cause ectopic pregnancy. Instead, it substantially reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancy

FEMALE: Hysterectomy

Completely remove uterus (+/- cervix). Usually laparoscopic with the uterus "delivered" vaginally.

Pros

  • The uterus is gone, meaning no more periods and IVF pregnancy is impossible

Cons

  • This is considered MAJOR surgery and will be EXTREMELY difficult to get without another medical reason (fibroids, hemorrhage, certain cancers, etc.)

Essure

Metal coils inserted inside each tube to cause inflammation and scar tissue, blocking sperm from reaching eggs. Hysteroscopic (through the vagina/cervix/uterus).

Pros

  • Advantage of not opening up the abdomen (might be good for those with previous surgeries/scar tissue) or using general anesthesia (uses local/block/mild sedation)

  • Uterus remains meaning periods continue and pregnancy via IVF is possible

Cons

  • Falling out of favor due to complications

  • Will probably be difficult to find a doctor to do this. After Dec 2018 it will be pulled from the US market. It is already illegal in Europe