Surgical Contraception: Tubal Ligation Or Vasectomy, Are They Risky?

What is Surgical Contraception?

If you are looking for a permanent method in preventing pregnancy, surgical contraception may be a good option.

This method permanently prevents the egg and the sperm from meeting, and it can be done in both men and women under general or local anaesthetic. 

Vasectomy is the surgery that is done in a man. During the operation, the tube (also known as vas deferens) that carries sperm from a man's testicles to the penis is cut, blocked or sealed. This procedure prevents sperm from reaching the semen (the seminal fluid that is ejaculated from the penis during sex). As a result, a woman’s egg will not be fertilized due to the absence of sperm in the semen.

Tubectomy is the surgery that is done in a woman. It involves blocking or sealing the fallopian tubes that carry an egg from the ovary to the womb. This procedure prevents the woman’s eggs from meeting the sperm and become fertilized. Even though the fallopian tubes are blocked, the ovaries will continue to release eggs as normal, but the eggs (unfertilized) will be absorbed naturally into the woman's body.

How Effective Is Surgical Contraceptive In Preventing Pregnancy?

Surgery is a highly effective method of contraception, but it is only intended for people who have decided to avoid pregnancy permanently. If you are looking for long-acting and reversible contraception, you may want to consider other options such as a contraceptive implant, contraceptive injection, intrauterine device (IUD) and intrauterine system (IUS).

Surgery also does not protect a couple against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, consistent and correct use of condoms may be required to reduce the risk for STDs, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Ask your healthcare provider if you want to know more about surgical contraception.