Many people have probably heard about sterilization, but did you know that sterilization is different from contraception? Sterilization is not only done for women; men can also undergo the procedure. To clear up any doubts about male and female sterilization, let’s take a look at this article.
What is contraception?
Contraception (birth control) refers to techniques and methods used to prevent fertilization or to block pregnancy. Contraception has been used since ancient times and is a safe and effective method for planning and preparation.
The use of contraception is called family planning. Some cultures do not support or restrict access to contraception methods because they believe it is morally, religiously, or politically undesirable.
The most effective method is sterilization, by cutting the vas deferens (vasectomy) in males and tubal ligation in females. Other methods include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants, followed by hormonal methods
such as birth control pills, contraceptive patches, vaginal rings, and hormone injections. Less effective methods include fertility awareness and barrier methods
such as condoms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges. The least effective methods include spermicides and withdrawal.
Sterilization is highly effective but is usually a permanent form of contraception, unlike other methods which are temporary and reversible when discontinued. Safe sexual practices, such as using male or female condoms, can also prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Other contraceptive methods do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy if used within 72 to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse.
Some believe abstinence is a form of contraception, but abstinence-only sex education may increase the risk of teenage pregnancy if not combined with contraception education.
Because of non-compliance, in Thailand, the Prevention and Solution of Teenage Pregnancy Act B.E. 2559 allows individuals aged 10 to 20 to receive free subdermal contraceptive implants at public hospitals nationwide.
What is sterilization?
Sterilization is a medical method involving various techniques intended to permanently prevent an individual from reproducing. Sterilization methods include both surgical and non-surgical procedures
and are available for both males and females. The purpose of sterilization is permanent, making reversal difficult or nearly impossible.
What is male sterilization?
Vasectomy, or male sterilization, is a surgical procedure for permanent contraception that involves cutting or tying the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the urethra
and thus prevent fertilization. Vasectomy is usually performed in medical clinics or veterinary clinics for animals. The procedure is simple with small incisions, so patients typically do not need to stay in the hospital afterward.
There are several techniques surgeons may use to cut the vas deferens, all involving blocking at least one side to reduce concerns. For those afraid of needles, needle-free anesthesia may be used. “No-scalpel” or “open-ended” techniques may reduce recovery time.
Vasectomy usually takes less than half an hour due to its simplicity. Patients can go home after a short recovery (usually less than an hour). Because it is minimally invasive, many patients can resume normal sexual activity within a week with little to no pain.
Since it is a permanent contraception method, reversal is difficult. Men are advised to consider the long-term emotional and physical effects before undergoing sterilization.
Young unmarried men are generally not recommended to use this method as it almost permanently eliminates the chance of having children. This method is rarely used in dogs (which are usually neutered) but is commonly used in bulls.
What is female sterilization?
Female sterilization surgery, or tubal ligation (tubal ligation, tubectomy), is a medical procedure performed to make a woman sterile by blocking or cutting the fallopian tubes,
which prevents eggs from being fertilized. It is a form of permanent contraception. After sterilization, hormone production, sexual desire, and menstrual cycles remain normal.
Tubal ligation is about 99% effective in the first year. Effectiveness decreases in subsequent years due to the possibility of the cut fallopian tubes reconnecting or forming new openings,
which can lead to unintended pregnancy. It is difficult to detect if the tubes have reconnected unless pregnancy occurs. If pregnancy happens, there is a 15-20% chance it will be ectopic.
Summary: What is sterilization?
Therefore, sterilization is permanent contraception intended to prevent an individual from reproducing. Men undergo cutting or tying of the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the urethra during ejaculation.
Without sperm, fertilization cannot occur. Sperm make up about 10-15% of semen volume, so after male sterilization, semen volume remains the same. The method is highly effective, with about 99% contraception success.
For women, sterilization involves blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization. Effectiveness is about 99% in the first year but decreases afterward due to possible reconnection of the tubes,
which can cause unintended pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, there is a 15-20% chance it will be ectopic. For consultation on male sterilization, visit Dr. Beer Clinic click here to find a branch near you or inquire further via Line OA.
