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HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini

Sterilisation for women

Sterilisation for women involves an operation called a tubal ligation to permanently prevent you from having a baby.

The tubes from your ovaries are either cut and tied or blocked with a ring or clip. This is done under a general anaesthetic (you're asleep), usually using an instrument called a laparoscope. It's done through small cuts in your belly.

You may be able to have the operation at no cost depending on factors such as your age, how many children you have, problems with other contraception, and your health.

Your GP can discuss tubal ligation with you and arrange a referral.

You may want to see a private gynaecologist (you can find a private gynaecologist on Healthpages or Healthpoint).

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Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed February 2019.

See also:

Vasectomy

Page reference: 237346

Review key: HICAS-53138