Female sterilization is surgery performed on women to prevent pregnancy and it may be done by means of bilateral tubal ligation, where the fallopian tubes on both sides are blocked. There are many different methods such as cutting, tying, sealing, or attaching a ring, clamp or clip on the fallopian tubes to block it. Since it is a permanent form of birth control, a woman should be absolutely sure about wanting this procedure before going ahead with it.
Female sterilization will not result in amenorrhea (no period) or anovulation (no ovulation). A woman will still ovulate and menstruate every month and a tubal ligation will not reduce sexual desire.
How does Female Sterilization Work?
During ovulation, an ovum or egg is released by the ovary, which makes its way into the fallopian tube. In a woman with regular periods, ovulation usually occurs 12 to 14 days before the beginning of the next period. During intercourse, sperms travel up the vagina, through the cervix and uterus, to reach the tubes.
If intercourse takes place around the time of ovulation, a sperm may fertilize the ovum while it is in the fallopian tube. The fertilized ovum then travels down through the tube to reach the uterus, where it attaches itself and starts to grow as the fetus. If fertilization does not take place, the ovum is destroyed and the uterine lining is shed as menstruation.
Since fertilization takes place within the fallopian tubes, after tubal sterilization the sperm is unable to reach the ovum and thus pregnancy is prevented.
Article reviewed by Dr. Greg. Last updated on May 26, 2010
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