The effectiveness of the permanent birth control procedures, in preventing pregnancy, ranges between 98 and 99.8 percent. They are more effective than any of the temporary birth control methods. The following article provides information on available options for permanent birth control.
The factors affecting the need for permanent birth control may vary from psychological to economical. Even the government has taken effective measures to popularize such methods, as these can lower the chances of unwanted pregnancy, and control the ever-expanding population. The pills or oral contraceptives, are capable of preventing pregnancy for a temporary period. There are quite a few popular surgical and non-surgical techniques. However, you need to consider many things before going ahead with one of these methods, as some of them may not be reversible. The various options are given below:
Surgical Techniques
There are certain surgical techniques that have been designed for both men and women. The techniques are highly sophisticated, and are performed only by experienced surgeons. The person is suggested complete rest for successful recovery. The surgical methods are listed below:
Intra Uterine Devices
An IUD is a copper device shaped like the alphabet ‘T’. It is inserted through the cervix and implanted in the uterus of a woman for blocking the pathway of sperms. The other variation of IUD is known as ‘hormone IUD’. This device releases the hormone progestin in a specific dose. The duration for suppressing pregnancy is maximum 5 years. Copper IUD is much more efficient than hormonal IUD as the fluid secreted from it prevents pregnancy for a long duration. IUD removal is also possible. When a woman wants to get pregnant, she can get it removed by an expert. Therefore, this is not exactly a permanent solution.
Vasectomy
It’s one of the popular techniques adopted by men to control fertilization. Vasectomy involves a minor surgery to block the pathway of sperms. The duct known as vas deferens carries sperms outside for ejaculation. It’s a double tubing thin structure that opens to the ejaculatory duct. Severing these two tubes prevents the flow of sperms to the ejaculatory duct, thereby stopping them from coming out from the opening of the urethra. The vas deferens is either incised or the opening of the tubes is sealed by stitching, burning, or tying. A man can then successfully have intercourse with his partner without worrying about her getting pregnant.
Tubal Ligation
This is one of the techniques for women. Tubal ligation is also known as tubectomy. It involves pinching a portion of the Fallopian tube for sterilizing a female. The isthmic portion of the Fallopian tube, lying closest to the uterus is either ligated or incised. There are several ways to perform this occlusion technique on the Fallopian tube. These include clamping by clips, partial salpingectomy, tying silicone rings, or electrocoagulation (also known as cauterization). The block created in the Fallopian tube prevents the flow of sperms towards the eggs, thereby preventing fertilization.
Non-surgical Techniques
Non surgical techniques are highly sophisticated and involve hysteroscopic sterilization. The Fallopian tubes are plugged up without any incision. The general process is placing micro-inserts in the Fallopian tube through the pathway of the uterus. Ideally, the size of the insert is similar to that of a rice grain. The tissue gradually grows and creates hindrance to the pathway of the sperms.
The Essure
This non surgical technique is one of the most popular option. It involves insertion of flexible and soft inserts through the pathway of the uterus, Fallopian tube, and vagina. The tip of the device is placed outside the Fallopian tube to ensure visual conformation by the doctor. The technique is painless, and doesn’t involve the administration of anesthesia. You only need to undergo the Essure Confirmation Test every three months, after insertion of the device.
Adiana Method
This technique is designed for women, and was approved by FDA in the year 2009. This non-invasive technique requires only 15 – 20 minutes for successful completion. For this procedure, the flexible and slim instrument is slipped through the vaginal or cervix opening into the uterus. The energy released by the instrument creates a small lesion on the Fallopian tube. The insert can be placed at the location where the energy is applied. New tissue is generated around the area of the Adiana insert, which in turn blocks the flow of sperms towards ovum. This way contraception is guaranteed.
Do consult your doctor to learn about the pros and cons of each of these techniques, before opting for any of these methods. Awareness of these diverse range of techniques, before deciding on an option, would help in effective family planning.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
