Which specialist performs female sterilisation?

Female sterilisation is a procedure intended to prevent pregnancy by blocking, sealing or otherwise interrupting the fallopian tubes. An OB-GYN reviews your medical history, previous operations, medicines, allergies and pregnancy plans before recommending an approach. The procedure may be scheduled on its own or performed during another planned operation, such as a caesarean birth, depending on your circumstances and local practice.

A gynaecologist with surgical training may perform the operation, while an anaesthetist manages the anaesthetic when one is needed. The clinic team should explain how the procedure is performed, whether it can be reversed, expected recovery, alternative contraception and the possibility of pregnancy outside the uterus if pregnancy occurs later.

Book a consultation with an obstetrician-gynaecologist and bring a list of medicines, allergies and relevant medical records. Use the appointment to discuss your certainty about permanent contraception, other methods, anaesthesia, the planned technique, consent, transport home and time away from usual activities. Follow the clinic's instructions about eating, drinking, medicines and washing before the procedure.

Afterward, follow the discharge instructions and attend any planned review. Mild soreness, tiredness or light bleeding can occur after some approaches, but the exact recovery depends on the technique and whether another operation was done at the same time.

Contact the operating team promptly if pain is worsening or not controlled by the recommended medicine, the wound becomes increasingly red or swollen, discharge develops, or you develop a fever. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, fainting, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, trouble breathing or a painful swollen leg.

If you miss a period or have pregnancy symptoms after sterilisation, arrange medical assessment promptly. Severe one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or fainting with a possible pregnancy needs urgent attention because a pregnancy can rarely develop outside the uterus.

Ask which OB-GYN will perform the procedure, what technique is planned, what anaesthetic will be used, and whether it will be combined with another operation. You can also ask how long recovery may take, when to resume exercise and sex, what contraception to use until the procedure is effective, and who to contact if symptoms develop.