What are tubectomy and vasectomy?
Tubectomy and vasectomy are permanent methods of contraception for couples who are sure their family is complete. A tubectomy closes a woman's fallopian tubes; a vasectomy closes the tubes that carry a man's sperm. Both are short operations, usually with a quick recovery, and both are meant to be permanent, so the decision deserves time.
Who are permanent methods for?
Permanent methods are for couples who feel sure that their family is complete and who do not want another pregnancy. Once done, there is no daily routine, nothing to remember and nothing to replace. Because they are meant to be permanent, they deserve a calm, unhurried decision, made together and never in a moment of stress. This guide is by Dr Mayur Pai, MBBS, MS in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
If you are not yet certain, there are reliable long-acting methods that can be removed whenever you wish; our guide to contraception and family planning explains them.
What is a tubectomy?
A tubectomy, also called tubal ligation, is a short operation on the fallopian tubes, the two tubes that carry the egg from the ovary towards the womb. The doctor closes or blocks both tubes, so that the egg and the sperm can no longer meet. It is carried out in an operating theatre under anaesthesia, usually through a small cut in the lower tummy or near the navel, and sometimes by keyhole surgery (laparoscopy). Tubectomy is carried out at the hospital in Goa, in its own operating theatre.
A tubectomy does not remove the womb or the ovaries. Your ovaries keep working, your periods continue as before, and it does not bring on an early menopause. If a caesarean birth is planned, a tubectomy can sometimes be done during the same operation; this is worth discussing with the doctor well before the birth.
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a smaller operation for a man. The two fine tubes that carry sperm are closed, usually under local anaesthesia, through a tiny opening in the skin of the scrotum. It is quick, and most men go home the same day. The testes are left untouched and keep working as before.
A vasectomy does not affect a man's strength, his hormones, his manhood or his sexual life. Semen is still released as before; it simply no longer carries sperm. One point matters a great deal: a vasectomy does not work straight away. Sperm can remain in the tubes for some time, so another method of contraception must be used until a semen test confirms that no sperm are left.
Which one should you choose?
For some couples a vasectomy is the simpler choice, because it is a smaller operation with a quicker recovery. For others, a tubectomy fits better, perhaps for health reasons or personal preference, or because it can be combined with a planned caesarean. Neither is right for everyone. What matters is a choice you both understand and agree on, made after an honest conversation with the doctor about your health and your plans.
What is recovery like?
Recovery is usually quick. After a tubectomy, most women rest for a few days, keep the wound clean and dry, and avoid heavy lifting for a while. After a vasectomy, most men need only a short rest, supportive underwear and a break from strenuous activity. The doctor will tell you what to expect and when to return to your usual routine, and will see you again to check that the wound is healing well. Call the hospital if there is a fever, increasing pain, or swelling, redness or discharge around the wound.
Can a permanent method be reversed?
Both operations are meant to be permanent. Reversal is a bigger operation, it is not always possible, and it may not work, so please never choose a permanent method thinking it can easily be undone later. If there is any doubt at all, a long-acting method that can be removed whenever you wish, such as a Copper T or a hormonal coil, may suit you better for now. Our guide to preventing an unplanned pregnancy describes these options.
How do you decide together?
Take your time, and talk openly. It can help to ask yourselves a few honest questions. Would we want another child if our circumstances changed? Are we both comfortable with the decision, or is one of us feeling pressured? Are we deciding at a calm time, rather than straight after a stressful event? Have we thought about which of us is better suited to the operation? There are no wrong answers, and it is perfectly all right to take more time.
When you come in, the doctor will talk it through with you both, answer every question, and make sure you have all the information you need before anything is booked. Whatever you discuss stays confidential.
Do permanent methods protect against infections?
No. Neither a tubectomy nor a vasectomy protects against infections passed on through sex. Condoms remain the only method that helps protect against these, so they are still worth using where there is any risk.
Getting started
If you are thinking about a permanent method, call or message us. We can sit down with you both, calmly and privately, answer your questions, and help you decide what is right for your family. Free patient transport is available from across Goa and nearby areas, and you can find all our details on the contact page. This article is for education only and is not personal medical advice; please consult your doctor about your own situation.
Does a tubectomy affect periods or bring on menopause?
No. A tubectomy closes the fallopian tubes but leaves the ovaries working. Periods continue as before, and it does not bring on an early menopause.
Will a vasectomy affect a man's strength or sexual life?
No. A vasectomy does not change his hormones, his strength or his sexual life. Semen is still released; it simply no longer carries sperm.
Does a vasectomy work straight away?
No. Sperm can remain for some time after the operation, so another method of contraception must be used until a semen test confirms that no sperm are left.
Can a tubectomy or vasectomy be reversed?
Both are meant to be permanent. Reversal is a bigger operation and may not work, so please choose a permanent method only when you are both sure. If you have any doubt, a long-acting method that can be removed may suit you better for now.
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This page is for general education and is not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your own examination and reports, so please speak to a doctor about your situation. We do not carry out or offer sex determination of any kind.