Surgical & Permanent Contraception: What You Should Know
What Is Permanent Birth Control?
Permanent birth control means a person chooses not to have biological children in the future. These should always be viewed as a permanent option. Changing your mind later requires another costly surgery that is not guaranteed to work.
Types of Surgical or Permanent Contraception
1. Tubal Ligation ("Getting Your Tubes Tied")
A surgical procedure where the fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or sealed to prevent eggs from meeting sperm.
Often done through a laparoscopy (a tiny camera-assisted surgery).
Can be done in different ways: clips, rings, burning/sealing (cauterization), or full removal of the tubes (salpingectomy).
It’s permanent, and should not be consideredreversible, so it’s important to be very sure about the decision.
2. Salpingectomy
A type of tubal ligation where the entire fallopian tubes are removed.
Some people choose this because it eliminates the risk of ovarian cancer.
Prevents pregnancy and may be recommended for medical reasons, like endometriosis or infection.
3. Endometrial Ablation
A procedure where the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is removed or destroyed.
This is not a birth control method, but pregnancy afterward can be dangerous or impossible — so it's usually paired with permanent contraception.
Often done to treat heavy periods, and only for people who do not wish to become pregnant in the future.
4. Hysterectomy
A surgery to remove the uterus — and sometimes the cervix, fallopian tubes, or ovaries too.
After a hysterectomy, you no longer have periods and cannot become pregnant.
This surgery is usually done for serious medical conditions like cancer, severe fibroids, or extreme pain — not as a first-choice contraceptive.
Things to Know
These options are typically for adults, especially those who are done having children or have a medical need.
Many providers won’t recommend permanent contraception to young people unless there’s a serious medical reason.
Some people who’ve had these procedures say they feel relief, empowerment, or frustration—the emotional side matters too!
Always speak with a trusted healthcare provider if you (or someone you care about) are considering one of these procedures.
✅ Fact: Tubal ligation is considered a permanent procedure. While reversal is possible in some cases, it’s expensive, not always successful, and often not covered by insurance.
❌ Myth: "You can’t get pregnant after a tubal ligation."
✅ Fact: While extremely rare, pregnancy can still happen if the tubes grow back together or the procedure fails. That’s why it’s called “permanent,” not “guaranteed.”
❌ Myth: "Hysterectomy is a form of birth control."
✅ Fact: A hysterectomy does prevent pregnancy, but it's typically done for serious medical reasons and not as a routine contraceptive method.
❌ Myth: "Surgical contraception affects your hormones."
✅ Fact: Procedures like tubal ligation don’t change hormone levels, because the ovaries are left intact. Only removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) causes hormonal change
❌ Myth: "You must have a partner’s permission for a tubal ligation."
✅ Fact: Legally, you do not need a partner’s permission for any medical decision involving your own body. Unfortunately, some providers may still ask.
❌ Myth: "Hysterectomy means you’re no longer “a woman.”
✅ Fact: Not true. Your gender identity doesn’t depend on your uterus. Having a hysterectomy doesn't change who you are.
❌ Myth: "You can’t get a tubal ligation if you don’t have children."
✅ Fact: Some providers may hesitate, but there is no legal requirement that you have children to get sterilized. Advocating for your own wishes is key.
❌ Myth: "A tubal ligation protects you from STIs."
✅ Fact: It doesn’t. You’ll still need to use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
FAQ's
1. What is the difference between tubal ligation and salpingectomy? Answer: Tubal ligation seals or cuts the fallopian tubes, while salpingectomy removes them entirely. Both prevent eggs from meeting sperm, but salpingectomy may also reduce cancer risk.
2. Can I still get pregnant after a tubal ligation? Answer: It’s rare, but yes — around 1 in 200 women become pregnant after a tubal ligation due to failure or regrowth of the tubes.
3. Does tubal ligation change my period or hormones? Answer: No. Your ovaries and uterus remain, so hormone levels and your menstrual cycle usually stay the same.
4. Can someone under 30 get a tubal ligation? Answer: Legally, yes. However, many doctors are cautious with younger patients. It's helpful to prepare with research and a clear explanation of your reasons.
5. Is a hysterectomy the same as menopause? Answer: Not always. If the ovaries are removed, it causes menopause. If just the uterus is removed, your periods stop but your hormones remain.
6. How long is the recovery time after surgical birth control? Answer: Most people recover from tubal ligation or ablation within a few days to a week. Hysterectomy recovery may take 6–8 weeks.
7. Does endometrial ablation prevent pregnancy? Answer: No, it’s not considered birth control. Pregnancy is still possible and can be dangerous after ablation — permanent birth control is often recommended alongside it.
8. Can I reverse my decision if I change my mind later? Answer: Some procedures (like tubal ligation) may be reversible, but not always. Others (like salpingectomy and hysterectomy) are permanent. It’s best to be 100% sure.
