Permanent methods

Permanent methods of contraception involve male or female sterilisation.

Female sterilisation (tubal occlusion) involves cutting, sealing or blocking the fallopian tubes (which carry an egg from the ovary to the uterus (womb)).

Male sterilisation (vasectomy) is done by cutting and sealing or tying the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis).

While there is no official age limit for sterilisation, doctors will want to be sure that a person is 100% sure about having the procedure. If a young person requests sterilisation some doctors may not want to refer them, or may suggest that they get counselling first to make sure they have thought everything through.

If sterilisation is something you are considering, you may first want to find out about long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, which are very effective and are reversible. The main types are the contraceptive implant, contraceptive injection, intrauterine device (IUD) and the intrauterine system (IUS).

Further information on sterilisation and contraception

For detailed information on male and female sterilisation, please see the NHS website.

See the FPA website for a range of downloadable leaflets on contraception.