Sterilisation

Female sterilisation

Female sterilisation can be considered as a method of contraception, but it is a permanent method. Sterilisation is an operation, usually carried out under general anaesthetic, where the fallopian tubes are blocked. Creating this block prevents the woman’s egg from reaching sperm and becoming fertilised, instead, the eggs will still be released and absorbed naturally into the woman’s system. Female sterilisation is more than 99% effective, but there’s still a small risk that the operation won’t work and blocked tubes can re-join immediately or even years later. The sterilisation is difficult to reverse and should be considered as a permanent option.

Learn more about female sterilisation

Remember, female sterilisation is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.

Male sterilisation (Vasectomy)

Male sterilisation (otherwise known as a vasectomy) is a minor operation that stops a man being able to get women pregnant. The procedure involves blocking or sealing the tubes that carry sperm from a man’s testicles to the penis and is usually carried out under local anaesthetic. The man is still able to ejaculate (cum) but there will be no sperm in the semen. A vasectomy is more than 99% effective and it is difficult to reverse, so it should be considered as a permanent option, particularly as the reversal is generally not available on the NHS. It is also important to note that the procedure is not effective straight away and can take 20 or more ejaculates to clear any residual sperm from the tubes.

Lanarkshire residents can access information and vasectomies appointments via the Sandyford Clinic in Glasgow.

Remember, male sterilisation is only effective in preventing pregnancy, to protect yourself against STIs and BBVs, condoms should also be used, which can be accessed for free via the Lanarkshire C Card Scheme.