More than 18% of women ages 15-49 use sterilization as their form of birth control, making it one of the most common forms of contraception. At Capital Women’s Care in Silver Spring and Laurel, Maryland, we offer the minimally invasive procedure known as tubal ligation, in which the fallopian tubes are tied off — preventing sperm from ever reaching an egg.
While you may be tempted by sterilization so you just don’t have to worry about birth control at all, the decision to have the procedure is not one to be taken lightly. The caring providers at Capital Women’s Care are available to help you understand all of your options for birth control, including sterilization, and the pros and cons of each method.
Learn more about the sterilization procedure and its potential implications for the long-term.
Female sterilization brings nearly a 100% guarantee that you won’t get pregnant after your procedure. It’s safe for just about all women and has a very low failure rate.
Sterilization is also without the side effects of hormonal methods of birth control, which can cause weight gain, diminish sexual desire, and possibly raise your risk of developing blood clots.
Sterilization is also permanent: no need to worry whether you’re protected from pregnancy when the next romantic moment happens. It’s both a convenience and peace of mind for women who are sure their families are complete.
For many women, sterilization is the right choice. But, remember, it is permanent. If you’re young or without children, you cut off your chance to ever have a child using your own eggs. If you’re absolutely positive you won’t change your mind in five, 10, or 15 years, sterilization may be your best option. But it can be hard to predict what the future brings.
Sterilization also affects all of your romantic relationships, including the one with your current partner and any future partners. If you have a partner who wants children in the future, but you choose sterilization, you may risk the integrity of that relationship.
While other long-term methods aren’t permanent, they are effective in preventing pregnancy and are hassle-free.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants provide worry-free birth control for 3-10 years, depending on the form you choose. While some IUDs and contraceptive implants use hormones, the Paragard® IUD uses copper to repel sperm.
These long-acting forms of contraception give you almost 100% protection from pregnancy, but you have the option to reverse your decision at any time. When the protection wears off, you can always have another device inserted to continue protection.
Long-acting contraception and sterilization may be effective in preventing pregnancy, but they don’t keep you safe from sexually transmitted diseases. If you have multiple partners, or your partner has multiple partners, you’re at risk of contracting an STD.
The male and female condom are the only forms of birth control that offer some protection against STDs, so even if you do choose sterilization, you may need to use a condom to stay healthy.
The compassionate staff at Capital Women’s Care is ready to answer all of your questions regarding birth control or any other gynecological issues. Call the office in Silver Spring or Laurel, Maryland, today to set up a counseling appointment, or you can request an appointment online.
