Tubal sterilisation
This permanent method of contraception is ideal for the woman who definitely does not want to have any more children. The method involves some kind of interference with the fallopian tubes so that the eggs can no longer pass down into the uterus. There are five main types of procedure and almost all involve the removal of part of the tubes. The success rate is very high (with failure in only 4 in 1,000 cases).
Advantages
• It is permanent-no more worry about unwanted conceptions.
• It is virtually 100 per cent effective.
• It probably has no generalized effects on the woman’s body-none have yet been recognized.
Disadvantages
• It means having an operation and there are dangers in this, albeit few. There is a small surgical complication rate (even in expert hands) but almost all of these get better quickly.
• It is irreversible to all intents and purposes, so you can’t change your mind.
• It can result in heavy or irregular periods in some women and some have PMT for the first time ever.
Morning-after methods
Most people know of the morning-after Pill but there is also the post-coital IUD. Both are forms of very early abortion.
The morning-after Pill must be taken within seventy-two hours of intercourse and contains large doses of hormones. Fitting a coil (IUD) within five days of the unprotected intercourse is an alternative. These methods are only suitable for emergencies and are not used as routine forms of contraception.
Advantages
• They can be used in emergencies to ward off the possible consequences of a ‘mistake’ (i.e. unprotected intercourse). The IUD goes on to act as an on-going contraceptive.
Disadvantages
• The morning-after Pill can produce quite unpleasant side-effects-usually nausea and vomiting.
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