Female sterilization is a surgical procedure that blocks the fallopian tubes. This prevents sperm from reaching the female egg. It also prevents the egg from reaching the uterus. The woman continues to have periods after sterilization.
Sterilization is meant to be permanent.
It should be used when the woman is sure she wishes not to get pregnant ever again. There are many different ways to perform this surgery. Often the surgery can be done in the out-patient setting and the woman does not have to stay over night in a hospital. To reach the fallopian tubes, a surgeon must make a small cut into the woman's abdomen. Then the tubes are either cut or closed off.