Female surgical sterilization (also called tubal sterilization, tubal ligation and tubal occlusion) is a low-risk, highly effective one-time procedure that offers lifelong protection against pregnancy.
This procedure blocks the fallopian tubes and thereby prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing the eggs. The ovaries continue to function normally, but the eggs they release break up and are harmlessly absorbed by the body.
Tubal sterilization is performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic under local or general anesthesia using various techniques. Menstruation continues as before, with usually very little difference in length, regularity, flow or cramping.1
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Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 09, 2011