Many people, both men and women, avail themselves of surgical procedures destined to allow them to enjoy the freedom of sexual relations without the constant pressure of making sure adequate contraceptive measures are in place. There are many reasons for this including but not limited to not wanting to perpetuate a genetic issue or some form of hereditary disease, having had enough children, or simply not wanting to have children at all.
Tubal ligation is considered to be a permanent form of birth control used by women who for one reason or other wish to avoid pregnancy for the rest of their fertile years. While tubal ligation reversal surgery is available it is not given as much widespread press as vasectomy reversals.
The surgical procedure known as a vasectomy is the male version of a tubal ligation in that the tubes that transport sperm from the place of manufacture, the testicles, through the penis and out into the vagina, in a liquid known as ejaculate, are severed or ligated. Vasectomy reversals usually result in a return to normal sperm function and release since it's just a matter of reconnecting the vas deferens. Of course each case has its own unique issues and not all vasectomy reversals work. Sperm quantity generally returns to normal in three to six months after successful vasectomy reversals as it takes that long for the testicles to make new sperm.
While it's certainly not a good idea to get a vasectomy if prior to getting it you have any thoughts about possibly wanting to father children in the future, vasectomy reversals are available should life situation drastically change and producing sperm again is desired.
Done properly, having a vasectomy guarantees that for the male sexual interactions will not result in an infant. While there are a dizzying array of contraceptive options available for women to choose from these days, only tubal ligation is as effective and permanent a solution for females as vasectomy is for males. Careful thought and consideration needs to be given before committing to this surgical sterilization procedure. Tubal ligation, whether facilitated through clamping, cutting, blocking or tying, keeps the egg, once released from the ovaries, from getting into the uterus and possibly being fertilized. The procedure also keeps the sperm from traveling into the fallopian tubes past the point of tubal ligation.
Usually done by means of laparoscopic surgery, tubal ligation surgery involves a small incision just below the navel, then the insertion of the small, thin surgical instruments through a tiny tube to complete the procedure. Performed under general or local anesthetic this is generally done on an outpatient basis.
In 2002 a new non-surgical method of blocking the Fallopian tubes became available. This procedure involves placing a small coil in each Fallopian tube effectively creating a barrier. Just as effective as the surgically performed tubal ligation this can be performed in the physician's office but does require the patient to wait three to six months before full protection until tubal ligation is achieved. Because the surgery is required in order to remove the coils this is also considered a permanent form of tubal ligation.
The initial cost of tubal ligation may seem an off setting amount as it runs anywhere from $1,000.00 to $3,000.00 but when viewed over the long term may actually be more cost effective for women who don't intend on getting pregnant. Barring unforeseen circumstances t should be a one time fee. Some private insurance companies cover the cost, so it's a good idea to check, particularly if cost is a major consideration in the decision whether to undergo a tubal ligation or not.