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Tubal Ligation
Laparoscopic (LAP-er-uh-SKAH-pik) tubal ligation (lie-GAY-shun) is one of several forms of sterilization. In the laparoscopic type of tubal ligation, the doctor works with a long metal tube inserted into the abdomen through a tiny incision. This tube, or "laparoscope," has a tiny light and video camera at its tip. With its aid, the doctor ties, cuts, burns, or clips the tubes closed. Be certain you don't want any more children before you get a tubal ligation. Even though the operation can be reversed, there is no guarantee that you will be able to get pregnant again afterwards. Tubal ligation has no effect other than sterilization. You will continue to have monthly periods, and your sex drive will be unchanged.
Risks
There are always risks with surgery. You may bleed more than usual, develop an infection, have trouble breathing, or get blood clots. However, the doctor is prepared to deal with such problems.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is usually done in your doctor's office or in an outpatient surgery center. The operation takes about half an hour.
You'll be awake during the procedure. Your doctor will give you a local anesthetic to numb your scrotum.
After you're numb, your doctor will cut a small opening (an incision) on one side of your scrotum and pull out part of the vas deferens on that side.
You may feel some tugging and pulling. A small section of the vas deferens is removed. The ends of the vas deferens will be sealed by stitching them shut, by searing them shut with heat, or by using another method. Your doctor will then do the same thing on the other side.
Your doctor will close the 2 openings in your scrotum with stitches. After 3 to 10 days, the stitches will disappear by themselves.
Risks
Problems that might occur after your vasectomy include bleeding, infection and a usually mild inflammatory reaction to sperm that may have gotten loose during the surgery (called sperm granuloma).
Another risk is that the ends of the vas deferens may find a way to create a new path to one another. This doesn't occur very often. But if it does, you could be able to cause a pregnancy.
•Long Term Health Risks
Studies on the potential long term health risks to men who have undergone vasectomy remain inconclusive.
However some believe the risk of future prostate cancer is increased. Research indicates that fears of increased risk of heart disease and testicular cancer appear to be unfounded. A 1993 report issued by the National Institutes of Health recommended that further study be conducted on the potential long-term health risk of vasectomy. However, changes in vasectomy procedure were not recommended in the report. This tends to lead many to believe that the actual risk of prostate cancer attributable to vasectomy is extremely low or non-existent.
Women who chose tubal ligation often experience changes in their menstrual cycle. Possible menstrual changes of attributed to tubal ligation include pelvic pain, and additional surgery, although whether either of these complications are true remains a subject of controversy among physicians. Others consider the possibility of a condition many call Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome. According to studies, women who undergo tubal ligation surgically before age 30 face an increased risk of future hysterectomy. Other research suggests that tubal ligation possibly offers protection against ovarian cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).