Not everyone wants to have children and many couples decide after their family is 'complete' that they would like to take 'permanent' steps to prevent further pregnancies.

Are there alternatives to sterilisation?

Many couples assume that if they don't want to have children one of them will need to be sterilised. In recent years, there have been advances in reversible contraception that are as effective as sterilisation at preventing pregnancy and sometimes even more effective. This means that the most suitable method of long-term contraception for each couple can be selected from a range of options. Some of these will have positive health benefits for certain individuals and retain the possibility of reversal if circumstances change - they also avoiding having to have an operation.

The long-acting methods include:

  • Progestogen implant

  • Intra-uterine copper contraceptive device (the coil, or IUD)

  • Intra-uterine system (IUS), which is a 'coil' that releases a small amount of progestogen hormone into the womb.

The medium acting method available is:

  • The progestogen injection, which is given every three months.

You might also want to consider:

  • The combined contraceptive pill. Although this is a method that needs daily motivation, many women value very much the control that it gives them over their 'period' pattern.

  • Some women who are already into their mid-forties, when fertility is much lower, are happy to take a daily progestogen-only pill, particularly those who have used this method with no problems in the past.

More information about all these methods can be found on the PCT website:

The Laurels - Contraception & Sexual Health Service

Also on this website

Last updated: 13 April 2006
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