Permanent Birth Control Options

Permanent birth control options are appealing for a variety of reasons. Some people choose to be sterilized because they have already had all the children that they want. Other people have come to the conclusion that having children just isn't for them. For yet other people, a medical reason necessitates a sterilization. Once a person decides to undergo permanent birth control, it can be quite convenient. There's no more need for a woman to take a pill every day, or for partners in a monogamous relationship to use a condom every time they would like to have intimate relations.

1. Tubal ligation Tubal ligation is a procedure that women undergo when they would like to receive permanent birth control. Tubal sterilization prevents an egg from entering into a woman's uterus. This procedure also prevents sperm from entering the fallopian tubes, which is where fertilization usually occurs. This procedure is generally a minor surgical operation. Small incisions are made in a woman's abdomen and her fallopian tubes are clipped or sealed shut. The incisions are then stitched closed. The healing time is minimal, but some rest and recovery is needed.
2. Vasectomy A vasectomy is a sterilizing procedure performed on men. This procedure involves severing the tubes that carry semen, which are known as the vas deferens. A vasectomy is performed in  doctor's office with the man wide awake. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. A small incision is made in the man's scrotum, and the vas deferens are "snipped." The incision is then closed with stitches and the man has very little recovery time. A man who has had a vasectomy will still produce sperm but his sperm will be free of semen.

Once these permanent birth control procedures are performed, there is still a period of time before a person is sterile. Follow doctor's orders and abstain from sexual intercourse as long as the doctor advises.