A lot of people play around a number of different bith control methods before finally settling to a particular method. Some settle for temporary birth control measures like oral contraceptive pills, hormonal patches, intra-uterine devices, condoms, etc. However some people may be extreme enough to permanently want to stop their ability to bear child or produce offspring. For these extreme people, may their reasons be just of personal preference, or due to underlying medical conditions, sterilization may be the only solution.



Sterilization

Sterilization is the surgical procedure done to render a man or woman unable to procreate. This is considered a permanent contraception method. Here are a list of sterilization methods being practiced:

For males:

lVasectomy. In this procedure, the vas deferens, the tubes which connect the testicles to the prostate, are cut and closed. This prevents sperm produced in the testicles to enter the ejaculated semen (which is mostly produced in the seminal vesicles and prostate). Although the term vasectomy is established in the general community, the correct medical terminology is deferentectomy, since the structure known as the vas deferens has been renamed the ductus deferens.

For females:

lTubal ligation. This procedure is also known popularly as "having one's tubes tied". The Fallopian tubes, which allow the sperm to fertilize the ovum and carry the fertilized ovum to the uterus, are closed. This procedure generally involves a general anaesthetic and a laparotomy or laparoscopic approach to cut, clip or cauterize the fallopian tubes. A less commonly used approach is the Essure office procedure of inducing scarring and occlusion of the tubes by the effects of micro-inserts placed by a catheter passed through the cervix and uterus.

lHysterectomy. In this procedure, the uterus is surgically removed, permanently preventing pregnancy and some diseases, such as uterine cancer.

As sterilization is a permanent method of contraception, reversing its effects is impossible. However, there have been rare cases where the effects have been reversed, and the ability to bear child or to procreate is restored.

Pros and cons

The good thing about sterilization is that you are no longer required to take do anything before, during, or after sexual intercourse. The effects of this method is immediate. Vasectomy does not affect a man's ability to gain an erection. Nor does tubal ligation affect a woman's hormone production.

This procedure is not suggested to people who are young and may have plans of having a child in the future as there is no guaranteed success in reversing the effects of this birth control method.

On the down side, this contraceptive method will not protect you from any sexually transmitted disease. And because the procedures will require surgery, it may take a few days of recuperation before one can engage in sexual activities again. Also, because this method requires surgery, one is succeptible to surgery related risks like infections. Because this procedure is non-reversible, people who change their minds after having the operation done will have to live with the regret of not being to create life ever.

Permanently stopping one's ability to create a life is a heavy decision to make. It should never be done on impulse or just because you're being pressured to do so. It is best to think it over well before making a choice.