How female sterilisation is done
Female sterilisation is done in hospital. You'll usually have general anaesthetic so that you are asleep during the operation.
You’ll have a pregnancy test on the day to make sure you're not pregnant.
The operation is usually done using keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) and takes 20 to 30 minutes.
The doctor will:
- make 2 or 3 small cuts in your abdomen, near your belly button
- put gas into your abdomen, to make it easier to see your organs
- use a long, thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) to reach your fallopian tubes
- block your fallopian tubes, or remove part of the tubes and seal them
- close the cut in your abdomen using surgical glue or dissolvable stitches
If keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) is not possible, the doctor can make a slightly larger cut. This is called a mini-laparotomy.
After the operation
You can usually go home the same day after female sterilisation.
If you’ve had a general anaesthetic, a friend or family member needs to take you home from hospital. You’re also recommended to have someone to stay with you overnight after a general anaesthetic.
The doctor or nurse will tell you how to look after the wound and stitches at home, and discuss pain relief with you.