An operation to block or cut the fallopian tubes.

Eggs cannot travel down the cut or blocked tubes to meet sperm.

This method is usually only chosen by women who are not intending to have any (further) children. For this reason it is rarely performed on young women.

Over 99% effective. This means that fewer than one in every hundred women who have been sterilised will get pregnant each year.

• Permanent method of contraception.

  

  Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

  In rare cases fallopian tubes can rejoin.