Female Sterilization: Surgical

Female Sterilization: Surgical


Female sterilization is a permanent method of birth control that cannot be reversed. It should only be done if you never want to become pregnant again. Talk to your doctor about your choice for birth control.

What is female sterilization?

Female sterilization is called tubal sterilization or tubal ligation. You may also hear it called “having your tubes tied”. The fallopian tubes are surgically separated and sealed. The egg then cannot travel from the ovary to the uterus (womb). The sperm cannot travel up the tube to fertilize the egg. Pregnancy is prevented. After your surgery, your body will continue to produce eggs, so you will continue to have periods.

Picture of woman showing parts of the female reproductive system, with the left side fallopian tube separated from the uterus.

How is female sterilization done?

Female sterilization is done in the hospital’s outpatient surgery department. Some women may have the sterilization done in the hospital after having a baby.

Several small incisions are made in the abdomen. An instrument, called a laparoscope, is inserted into one incision around the belly button. This instrument has a light that helps the doctor to see in the abdomen. 

Two different methods may be used to separate or cut the fallopian tubes. Both methods permanently destroy a portion of the tube. The tubes are then either removed completely, or the tubes are clipped or banded. This leads to permanent scarring and separation.

How well does female sterilization work?

Female sterilization is 99% effective. This means it prevents pregnancy most of the time.

It is very rare, but pregnancy can still occur. If you become pregnant after sterilization, the pregnancy may grow in the tube rather than the uterus. This can cause severe problems. If you have had female sterilization and think you are pregnant, see your doctor right away to rule out this dangerous condition.

What are the risks?

All surgical procedures have some risks, but serious problems are not common. These may include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Failure to block the fallopian tube (rare)
  • Scar tissue forms
  • Injury to surrounding organs, such as the bowel and bladder
  • Risks with having general anesthesia

More common problems that you may have after treatment are:

  • Slight abdominal or shoulder pain
  • Feeling tired

Call your doctor if you have questions or are having problems after having this procedure done.

© 2002 - January 18, 2022, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk to your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information, call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.