Sterilization (surgical procedure)

Sterilization is a surgical technique leaving a male or female unable to procreate. It is a method of birth control.

Related Topics:
Surgical - Birth control

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• A vasectomy in males. The vasa deferentia, the tubes which connect the testicles to the prostate, are cut and closed. This prevents sperm produced in the testicles to be in the ejaculated semen fluid (which is mostly produced in the prostate and the seminal vesicles).
• A tubal ligation in females. The Fallopian tubes, which allow the sperm to fertilize the ovum and would carry the fertilized ovum to the uterus, are closed. This is sometimes referred to as getting one's "tubes tied."
• A hysterectomy in females. The uterus is surgically removed, permanently preventing pregnancy and some diseases, such as uterine cancer.

The closing of either type of tube can be done in several different ways, some of which are more permanent or guaranteed to work than others. The tube can be

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• clamped off
• cut off
• tied off
• blocked
 
Sterilization (surgical procedure): Vasectomy ►