Sterilisation

How can SASH support you?

SASH can provide information and advice on the different sterilisation options, as well as go with you to related healthcare appointments as part of our chaperone service.

What is sterilisation?

Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception that stops someone from getting pregnant or getting others pregnant. It involves a surgical procedure carried out by a healthcare professional.

Sterilisation works by cutting or blocking the pathways through which sperm or eggs travel to prevent fertilisation from happening.

In most cases sterilisation cannot be reversable, and therefore is a decision to be thoroughly considered before being pursued.

Vasectomy (Male Sterilisation)

A vasectomy involves cutting or blocking the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. After the procedure, it can take a few months for the amount of sperm present in the person's semen to dwindle down to none, so it is important for other contraception methods to be used during this period to prevent risk of pregnancy.

Whilst there are cases where a vasectomy can be reversed, this is not always guaranteed so getting a one done should be treated as irreversible.

Tubal Ligation (Female Sterilisation)

Tubal ligation involves 'tying' the fallopian tubes that carry the egg from the ovaries to the uterus. The procedure is immediately effective, preventing eggs from meeting the sperm and stopping fertilisation.

Similar to a vasectomy, tubal ligation should be considered as irreversible as a reversal is not guaranteed.

STI Transmission

Sterilisation only affects a person's ability to get pregnant or get others pregnant and provides no STI protection. Barrier method contraception should be used (alongside PEP or PrEP if there is a risk of HIV transmission) during sexual activity to prevent passing any STIs that might be present from person to person.

For more information, advice, guidance, and also access to our chaperone service to contraception related healthcare appointments, refer yourself for support from SASH.