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Sterilisation
What am I?
Permanent sterilisation procedures are available for people with ovaries and fallopian tubes, such as tubal ligation. This involves an operation to cut, seal or block the fallopian tubes (which connect the ovaries with the womb) to prevent eggs from reaching a location where they can be fertilised.1 Vasectomy, also called male sterilisation, stops sperm being ejaculated from the penis during sex2
Effectiveness3
| Perfect use | Typical use |
|---|---|
| N/A | 99% |
- Allows you to enjoy sex spontaneously without worrying about getting pregnant
- Usually permanent (if that’s what you want)1
- Requires surgery – which can mean there is a small risk of infection or other complications, including internal bleeding and damage to other organs1
- Doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – condoms or other barrier methods should be used as well1
- It may be possible to reverse sterilisation, but it is not easy and there is no guarantee that you will be fertile again1,2
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NHS Inform. Sterilisation. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception/sterilisation/ Last accessed May 2025
NHS. Vasectomy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/vasectomy-male-sterilisation/ Last accessed May 2025
NHS. What is female sterilisation? Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/female-sterilisation/what-is-it/ Last accessed May 2025