What Happens

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.

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• Sexual Health - Mpox and its dangers for Gay Men
• What happens when you visit an STI Clinic
• Ejaculation issues are common sexual problems in men
• The Male Menopause for men in their late 40s to early 50s
• Help and care if you have been Sexually Assaulted
• Mental health issues and self-harm are common amongst gay men