More about natural family planning Back to top Sterilisation Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception which stops the sperm from meeting the ovum. In women it is an operation called a tubal sterilisation and involves the Fallopian tube being clipped or cut. Male sterilisation is called vasectomy. Tubal sterilisation is available from private gynaecologists, private fertility clinics and some public hospitals. Most vasectomies are performed by general practitioners but they are also available from private urologists, private fertility clinics and some family planning clinics.
Failure rates are unclear.
With experience and control the failure rate may be quite low and similar to diaphragm use. As a woman approaches menopause her contraceptive needs may change and she may wish to discuss this with a health care worker. A woman who does not wish to become pregnant at this time should continue using contraception until she has not had a period for two years if under the age of 50, or for one year if over 50 years. After childbirth not all contraceptive methods can be used, but pregnancy is possible as soon as the woman starts having sex again. However, this option should always be discussed with a health care worker before sex is resumed.