Complications

Possible complications of female sterilisation

Female sterilisation is usually a very safe procedure. But, as with any operation, there are risks. Your doctor will explain these to you.

Most people who have a sterilisation have no complications. If there are any, they are usually minor and can be treated.

There is a small risk of serious complications, including blood clots, infection or ectopic pregnancy.

Blood clots or DVT (deep vein thrombosis)

Blood clots or DVT (deep vein thrombosis) are possible because of how the blood flows and clots after surgery.

A blood clot that forms in the leg can sometimes travel to your lungs (pulmonary embolism). This can cause serious complications.

To reduce the If your doctor thinks you're at risk of getting blood clots they might suggest wearing compression stockings or taking anticoagulant medicines.

Wound infection or urinary tract infection (UTI)

There's a small chance that your wound could get infected after the operation, or you could get a UTI. This is usually treated with antibiotics.

Damage to a nerve, artery or organ

During the operation itself, there's a small chance of damaging an organ such as your bowel or bladder, or a major blood vessel (artery) or nerve. The surgical team will usually repair this during surgery.

Ectopic pregnancy

If the sterilisation has not worked, you can get pregnant. If this happens, there's a higher chance of having an ectopic pregnancy.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You've recently been sterilised and:

you have a high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery
your wound is swollen and painful, or leaking blood or pus
one of your legs is swollen, throbbing and warm to the touch
you need to pee frequently or there's burning or stinging when you pee
you have abdominal pain and you're vomiting or have lost your appetite
you have difficulty breathing which comes on suddenly
you're coughing up blood

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

you have severe difficulty breathing
you feel pain in your chest or upper back
your heart is beating very fast

These could be signs of a pulmonary embolism or another serious condition.

Find your nearest A&E

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