Female sterilisation at Exeter Hospital

What happens during female sterilisation?

Female sterilisation is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes about 20 minutes.  In most cases, it is performed as day case surgery meaning you should be able to go home the same day.

Your surgeon will make a small incision (cut) in the lower part of your abdomen or laparoscopically by making several small incisions (cuts) in your abdomen. They will access your fallopian tubes and either cut or clip them to ensure any eggs cannot move to your uterus. Your surgical wound will be closed using stitches.

Note: Sterilisation does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections. You should continue to use contraception such as condoms if you are not sure of your partner’s sexual health.

Going home after female sterilisation

You will not be able to drive so please arrange for someone to take you home following your surgery.

You may have some pain and bruising in your abdomen. You may also have some vaginal bleeding and feel pain similar to period pain.  These symptoms should settle over the first few days. Take over the counter pain relief medication if needed.

We will give you instructions on how to care for your wound. You may need to return to our outpatient department to have your stitches removed.
Most women recover quickly from laparoscopic sterilisation. As with any operation, there could be complications:

• Pain
• Feeling or being sick
• Bleeding
• Infection of the surgical site (wound)
• Unsightly scarring
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis – DVT)

Specific complication of female sterilisation may include:

• Damage to other organs
• Failed sterilisation (rare)

Note: Sterilisation does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections. You should continue to use contraception such as condoms if you are not sure of your partner’s sexual health.