Benefits and Risks of Sterilization

Publication Date: February 28, 2019

Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Recommendations and Conclusions

Tubal occlusion by laparoscopy is a safe and effective method of permanent contraception.
Tubal occlusion does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (including HIV).
Compared with abdominal approaches to female sterilization, vasectomy is safer, more effective, and less expensive.
Laparoscopic tubal occlusion is far more effective than short-term, user-dependent, reversible contraceptive methods, such as oral contraceptive pills, injections, and barrier methods.
Long-acting methods of contraception, including IUDs and the contraceptive implant, are at least as effective as tubal occlusion and are associated with lower morbidity and mortality.
Although pregnancy after a sterilization procedure is uncommon, there is substantial risk that any post- sterilization pregnancy will be ectopic.
Patients who have undergone sterilization procedures have a lower ectopic risk than non-contraceptive users.