Does an obstetrics and gynaecology specialist perform female sterilisation?

Female sterilisation, also called tubal ligation, is a procedure intended to prevent pregnancy by blocking or interrupting the fallopian tubes. An obstetrics and gynaecology specialist assesses your health, explains the approach, and obtains informed consent. The operation may be planned separately or discussed around another gynaecological or childbirth-related procedure, depending on your circumstances. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Consider whether you feel certain about not becoming pregnant in the future. Ask about long-acting reversible contraception and partner vasectomy as alternatives, and discuss what happens if your circumstances change. Tell the specialist about previous abdominal surgery, medical conditions, allergies, and medicines. Confirm the anaesthetic plan, recovery arrangements, and contraception advice for the period before the procedure.

After sterilisation, contact your care team for increasing wound redness, fever, worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or heavy bleeding. Seek urgent care for collapse, severe pain, or breathing difficulty. If you later have pregnancy symptoms, take them seriously and contact a clinician promptly because pregnancy after sterilisation needs assessment.

Ask how the tubes will be treated, what alternatives are available, how recovery may affect work and exercise, and what symptoms require urgent review.