Sterilisation

During this surgical procedure, the two sperm ducts are severed so that no more sperm cells can enter the seminal discharge. Since the seminal ducts are located directly under the skin of the scrotum, sterilisation can be performed by a urologist or surgeon on an outpatient basis and under local anaesthesia. Generally speaking, a stay in hospital is not necessary.

The sexual receptivity, erection and orgasm with seminal discharge are all still very much possible.

Advantages

You no longer need to think about contraception. The procedure is much easier on men and less risky than sterilising a woman.

Disadvantages

The procedure means a definitive renunciation of (further) biological children. Attempts to reverse the procedure are not always successful. If the decision to sterilise was not carefully made with full conviction, mental problems can occur and this can lead to potency disorders.

Reliability

After the procedure, sperm may remain in the seminal discharge for some time. Only if the doctor has informed you after several examinations of the seminal discharge that no more sperm threads have been found, you are safely protected against (further) fatherhood.

Accessibility

The procedure is performed in specialist practices (urology and surgery), in the clinic and in centres of the pro familia (Bremen, Rüsselsheim, Saarbrücken). A detailed consultation with the doctor or at a pro familia consultation centre should take place before the sterilisation, since the final decision not to be able to have a child deserves to be considered carefully.

Before sterilisation procedure is carried out, you must be informed about the type of procedure, its consequences and possible side effects or complications and have freely agreed to the procedure.

Costs

The statutory health insurance companies no longer bear the costs of sterilisation for personal life planning. The only exceptions are medically necessary sterilisations. Private health insurance companies usually only cover the costs, if there are other health reasons. The costs amount to approx. 300 to 400 €.

In the woman's case, the fallopian tubes are closed or partially or completely removed in rare cases. The fallopian tubes lie in the abdomen and are connected to the uterus like two soft tubes.

After the procedure, the egg cell only reaches the point of interruption and is absorbed by the mucous membrane of the fallopian tube. It can no longer unite with a sperm cell.

The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis by a specialist in gynaecology, in an operative centre or in a clinic. Sometimes an inpatient stay of a few days is necessary.

The sexual receptivity does not change. In the course of the procedure (rarely) complications can occur, such as anaesthetic accidents, internal bleeding, injury to the intestine, etc. There are now also newer surgical procedures, which do not require an incision with a scalpel.

With the Essure method, a soft, flexible microspiral of plastic and metal is inserted into each fallopian tube via the vagina and uterus. The plastic fibres stimulate the growth of connective tissue, which closes the fallopian tubes. Contraceptive safety comes in picture at the earliest after three months and must be checked by the doctor with the help of an X-ray examination. Not much data is available on this method as yet.

Advantages

You no longer need to think about contraception.

Disadvantages

The procedure is definitive and means the renunciation of (further) biological children. Attempts to reverse it are difficult and the chances of success are low.
In rare cases, a disturbance in the hormone production of the ovaries can occur after sterilisation. This can lead to spotting before and after the period, for instance.
If the decision to sterilise was not carefully made with full conviction, mental problems can arise.

Reliability

Pregnancies after sterilisation are extremely rare.

Accessibility

The sterilisation of the woman is carried out in clinics, surgical centres or in hospital and almost always under general anaesthesia.
A detailed consultation with the doctor or at a pro familia consultation centre should take place before the surgery, since the final decision not to be able to give birth to a child deserves to be considered carefully.
Before sterilisation procedure is carried out, you must be informed about the type of procedure, its consequences and possible side effects or complications and have freely agreed to the procedure.

Costs

The procedure is no longer paid for by statutory health insurance companies. The only exceptions are medically necessary sterilisations. Private health insurance companies usually only cover the costs, if there are other health-endangering reasons. The costs for the sterilisation of the woman amount to 500 to 1,000 €, and goes up to approx. 1,200 €, if you opt for the Essure method.