Abstract
Sterilization can be an empowering decision for the right person at the right time in their life. There are good alternatives, such as the intrauterine device, which provide better prevention of pregnancy without the risks associated with surgery. This article discusses the pros and cons of female and male sterilization and provides advice on how best to facilitate informed, patient-centred family planning.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Benn
Sterilisation of young, competent, and childless adults . BMJ (2005 ) 350 : p. 1323 –5
2.Curriculum document—Women's Health. RCGP (2007 ) Available via www.rcgp-curriculum.org.uk/PDF/curr_10_1_Womens_Health.pdf [date last accessed 30.04.08]
3.
Curtis
K.M.
Regret following female sterilization at a young age: a systematic review . Contraception (2006 ) 73 (2 ): p. 205 –10
4.
5.
Hillis
S.D.
Higher hysterectomy risk for sterilised than non sterilised women . Obstetrics and Gynaecology (1998 ) 89 : p. 241 –6
6.
Hillis
S.D.
Post sterilisation regret . Obstetrics Gynecology (1999 ) 93 : p. 889 –95
7.Information to patients about male and female sterilisation . RCOG website . Available via www.rcog.org.uk/resources/public/pdf/PI_sterilisation_women_men.pdf [date last accessed 30.04.08]
8.
Jamieson
D.
The risk of pregnancy after vasectomy . Obstetrics Gynecology (2004 ) 103 : p. 848 –50
9.Male and female sterilisation—evidence based guidelines no 4. RCOG (2004 ) Available via www.rcog.org.uk/resources/Public/pdf/sterilisation_full060607.pdf [date last accessed 30.04.08]
10.
Nardin
J.M.
Techniques for the interruption of tubal patency for female sterilisation . Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2002 ) Issue 4
11.
Peterson
H.B.
Sterilisation . Obstetrics Gynecology (2008 ) 11 (1 ): p. 189 –203
12.
Peterson
H.B.
The risk of ectopic pregnancy after tubal sterilisation . New England Journal of Medicine (1997 ) 336 : p. 762 –7
13.
Roberts
H.
Good practice in sterilisation . BMJ (2000 ) 320 : p. 662 –3
14.
15.
Schmidt
J.E.
Requesting information about and obtaining reversal after tubal sterilisation . Fertility and Sterility (2000 ) 74 : p. 892 –8
16.