Preventing pregnancy is a common process known in almost every area of the world. Contraception means any type of device used to prevent the egg from fertilizing. There are several different ways both men and women can prevent a pregnancy. For those who are in long term relationships, are finished having children or are considered to be in a high risk category for pregnancy; surgical contraception may be used as a long term or permanent method of preventing a pregnancy.
Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation is a type of female surgical contraception in which the fallopian tubes are obstructed from allowing sperm to fertilize and egg. The fallopian tubes are either cauterized and burned off at the ends, clamped shut or tied in order to prevent a pregnancy. This is a surgical procedure and must be done by a physician or surgeon. Many tubal ligations can be done by laparoscopic surgery---in which a small incision is made in the abdomen and the procedure is completed. General surgery performed after a Cesarean section is also popular and prevents the patient from having to go through additional surgery, anesthesia and healing time. This type of contraception is up to 99.9% effective against preventing a pregnancy.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a popular method of surgical contraception among males. A vasectomy is typically performed outpatient in a hospital or advanced surgical clinic. This procedure is generally done by scalpel, laparoscopy or hemostat method. The male vas deferens are snipped or tied in order to prevent sperm from exiting the body. This type of surgical contraception is proved to be permanent although it can be reversed with a surgical procedure called a vasovasectomy. The recovery time for this procedure is around 24 to 48 hours initially, with long term pain and discomfort lasting around 14 days to a month. Failure rates are less than 1% with this type of contraceptive.
Hysterectomy
Having a hysterectomy should be done with great insight and education as to what the surgery involves. While generally not a form of surgical contraception on its own---it does prevent pregnancy at almost a 100% rate of effectiveness. A hysterectomy is likely performed due to an increased risk of female organ disease or malfunction such as cancer, endometriosis or fibroid tumors. A full hysterectomy is where the entire female reproductive system is removed. A partial hysterectomy may mean removing only one or more reproductive organs such as the fallopian tubes, the uterus or the ovaries.
Essure
Essure is a type of permanent contraceptive that uses small inserts to prevent the sperm for reaching the egg. The inserts are implanted using a type of catheter that goes from the vagina up through the cervix and then into the uterus. This is a minor surgical procedure that involved little to no cutting unless performed by laparoscopy. Essure works by building up scar tissue growth that eventually causes a blockage or tissue barrier that prevents pregnancy. An x-ray test of the fallopian tubes called a hysterosalpingogram is conducted within three months of initial procedure to determine if barrier tissue has formed correctly. Meanwhile, another form of birth control is strongly recommended. Overall this procedure is around 99.74% effective at preventing a pregnancy long term.
Implanon
Implanon is a type of contraception that involves a small incision be made under the skin to implant the device. This type of contraception is good for up to three years and has only a 1% failure rate. Implanon contains progestin, a type of hormone that is used to prevent pregnancy. Because of the use of hormones in this implant, there are some noted side effects such as weight gain, headaches and irregular bleeding.
