Female sterilisation
How to
What is the sterilisation procedure?
The tubal occlusion procedure can be carried out in one of two ways:
A laparoscopy is the most common method. A doctor makes a small cut near your belly button and inserts a laparoscope (a long thin tube with a light and camera on it), so they can clearly see your reproductive organs. The doctor then seals or blocks your fallopian tubes. This may be done by applying clips or rings, sealing, or tying, cutting and removing a small piece of each tube.
For a mini-laparotomy, a doctor makes a small cut in your abdomen, usually just below the bikini line, to reach your fallopian tubes.
If blocking the fallopian tubes has not worked, the tubes may be completely removed. This is called a salpingectomy.
If you have a general anaesthetic you may feel unwell or uncomfortable for a few days and may have to take it easy for a week or so. This is normal.
You may have some pain and slight bleeding from your vagina. You can take painkillers for this. If this gets worse, see your doctor.
Female sterilisation is free on the NHS but you may need to wait several months as waiting lists can be long. You can also choose to pay and go privately.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0087 September 2023
