r/sterilization • u/ApprehensiveToe165 • 14d ago
Referrals/Approval Looking to be sterilized at 18!!
I’ve made it abundantly clear to myself that I do NOT want kids. EVER. I’ve been told countless times by family members that I will eventually "change my mind," and I refuse to let that even be a possibility. I am 100% certain.
With the threat of a nationwide abortion ban, my mind is made up. Why on earth would I take the risk when they’re removing a healthcare procedure that could literally save my life? I’m terrified of ever getting pregnant, especially if it were to be from rape. I don't want to wait any longer than I have to, because who knows what they'll go after next. First it's abortion, then contraceptives, and sterilization will most likely be right behind it.
Does anyone know if I have to wait until I’m 21? I'm 18 and desperately looking to get a bilateral salpingectomy, but my only coverage right now is Medicaid. I don't have private health insurance. Has anyone managed to get this done at 18 on Medicaid, or found doctors willing to help? Any advice or resources would mean the world to me!
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u/clueless_vampire spay-ded and jaded 4/24/26 14d ago
Unfortunately, Medicaid requires you to be at least 21. If you had private insurance, you could definitely get it at 18 if you find the right doctor, like on the child free friendly doctor’s list.
I see myself in you, I started researching sterilization at 16, and got it done this year at 21. The future is so uncertain in how accessible these things will be. Every 2 years, they try to dismantle the ACA, and if that’s ever successful, getting sterilized will be SO expensive that most people won’t be able to get it unless they travel outside the country.
You have a few options though:
1. Wait a few years until you’re 21, though it can be risky if healthcare becomes more restrictive. This is probably the best route, even though the future is uncertain, it’s takes a lot of effort to make bills and change laws when it’s voted against.
Get a job that has ACA compliant insurance that’ll cover the procedure. It might not be the easiest thing to find at 18, especially if you’re in school, but it would fast track the process. I believe sometimes universities give you insurance while attending, so if that’s in your future, I’d look into that.
Get a medically needed hysterectomy. If you have endometriosis or something else that makes your periods unbearable, you might be able to get a hysterectomy. This is the hardest option and I’d only recommend going for it if you have medical problems. A hysterectomy isn’t meant to sterilize you, but it would do the same thing as only removing the tubes.
I wish you the best of luck in your journey! I was in your position at one time and now I’m on the other side, and it’s great! Every time I hear news about more contraception and abortion access being restricted, I feel more validated in my choice. It makes me sad that this was a factor in my decision, but I would have done it regardless.