Contraception is an important issue for many women. There are many temporary options available, from pills to shots to natural methods. Some of these are perfect choices for those who want to plan their next pregnancy more carefully, but for others a permanent solution is more desirable.
Permanent birth control can give those who do not want children or are finished having children the peace of mind they want.
Permanent Contraception - What to Consider
Choosing to use a permanent form of birth control is not a decision to be taken lightly. There are some serious issues that should be considered before making a final decision to use a permanent form of birth control. You may wish to seek counselling from your physician or gynaecologist when making your personal choice.
What are your reasons for wanting a permanent birth control option? Being tired of taking a pill, using a condom, or other things that are necessary for birth control is not enough to warrant such a landmark decision. Be sure that you have no desire to ever be pregnant or that you have a medical condition that would make pregnancy dangerous for you or your baby.
Are you absolutely certain that you are finished having children or do not want children? Most permanent forms of birth control are reversible, however reversals can create serious complications and do not always work. When deciding on a form of permanent contraception, be sure that you can live with the idea that even if you have a reversal, you may not ever be able to conceive naturally again.
Are you past the age of thirty or have you had at least one child? Some doctors advise their patients who are under thirty years of age or who have not yet had a child to reconsider their choice for permanent contraception. Those who do not meet one of these criteria are the most likely to later regret their decision and attempt the reversal process.
Are you and your partner both in agreement on the birth control options that you are considering? Those who are in a committed relationship should discuss the choice to have sterilization procedures performed. No matter which person will have the procedure done, the choice affects both of your lives and futures. For the health of your relationship, this is a decision to make together.
Can you afford the procedures or will your medical insurance cover them? Although permanent birth control procedures are a one time expense, these procedures can be quite costly and sometimes not covered by medical insurance. If finances are an issue, temporary birth control may be a better choice for the time being.
Permanent Contraception Options
If you have carefully considered the issues and decided that permanent birth control is the right option for you, you have a few different choices available. Your doctor can help you to make the decision about which option is best for you and/or your partner.
Tubal Ligation - This is the classic form of permanent birth control for women. Through a surgical procedure, the fallopian tubes are tied closed or cut to prevent eggs from travelling from the ovaries to the uterus and becoming fertilized. Though a relatively minor procedure, there is still some recovery time and incision scarring as a result of the surgery.
Transcervical Sterilization - This form of permanent contraception is relatively new to the medical world. The procedure is performed by blocking the fallopian tubes by inserting a medical device into the tubes through the vagina and cervix. There is no incision required and recovery time is minimal.
Vasectomy - For some couples, male sterilization is the better or more desirable option. The vas deferens is cut or blocked, which prevents sperm from being released. It is a minor and common procedure which requires little recovery time. Many choose this option as it is much more inexpensive than female sterilization, and may even be free for some in the UK.
Deciding to use a permanent form of birth control can be a difficult decision. However, by taking all the issues into consideration and carefully analyzing what forms would be best for you, it is a decision that you can be comfortable with making. If you have concerns and questions, seek the advice of a medical professional who can help you to determine the best course of action. For many women, permanent birth control is the answer that can give them peace of mind for the rest of their lives.
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