View source for Sterilization (surgical procedure)

{{BirthControl infobox |
| name                 = Surgical Sterilization
| image                = 
| width                = 
| caption              = 
| bc_type              = Sterilization
| date_first_use       = ?
| rate_type            = Failure
| perfect_failure%     = under 1
| typical_failure%     = under 1
| duration_effect      = 
| reversibility        = Vasectomy reversal & [[tubal reversal]] may be possible
| user_reminders       = 3 negative semen samples required following vasectomy
| clinic_interval      = None
| STD_protection_YesNo = None
| periods              = 
| benefits             = Permanent methods that require no further user actions
| risks                = 
| medical_notes        = 
}}


{{dablink|For the process of removing or killing all [[microorganism]]s from an object, see [[Sterilization (microbiology)]].}}
'''Sterilization''' or '''Sterilisation''' is a [[surgery|surgical]] technique leaving a male or female unable to procreate. It is a method of [[birth control]].  For non-surgical causes of sterility, see [[Infertility|infertility]].

Common sterilization methods include:
* '''[[Vasectomy]]''' in [[male]]s. The [[vas deferens|vasa deferentia]], the tubes which connect the [[testicle]]s to the [[prostate]], are cut and closed. This prevents [[spermatozoon|sperm]] produced in the testicles to enter the ejaculated [[semen]] (which is mostly produced in the [[seminal vesicle]]s and [[prostate]]). Although the term ''vasectomy'' is established in the general community, the correct [[medical terminology]] is '''deferentectomy''', since the structure known as the ''vas deferens'' has been renamed the ''ductus deferens''.
* '''[[Tubal ligation]]''' in females, known popularly as "having one's tubes tied". The [[Fallopian tube]]s, which allow the sperm to fertilize the [[ovum]] and would carry the fertilized ovum to the [[uterus]], are closed. This generally involves a general anaethetic and a [[laparotomy]] or [[laparoscopic]] approach to cut, clip or cauterize the fallopian tubes. Less commonly used is the '''[[Essure]]''' office procedure of inducing scarring and occlusion of the tubes by the effects of micro-inserts placed by a catheter passed through the cervix and uterus.
* '''[[Hysterectomy]]''' in [[female]]s.  The [[uterus]] is surgically removed, permanently preventing [[pregnancy]] and some [[disease]]s, such as [[uterine cancer]].
* '''[[Castration]]''' in males.  The testicles are surgically removed. This is frequently used for the sterilization of animals, with added effects such as docility, greatly reduced sexual behaviour, and faster weight gain (which is desirable in some cases, for example to accelerate [[meat]] production).

==Sterilization of animals==
In animals, [[castration]] (removal of the testes) and [[salpingo-oophorectomy]] (removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes), called [[spaying and neutering|"neutering" or "spaying"]] when applied to pets, are used to reduce or eliminate sexual behaviour, and to prevent conception, [[estrus|heat]] and possible uterine diseases in females, potentially prolonging a female animal's lifespan.  The impact on the long-term health of a [[Neutering|neutered]] male is more negative. Due to the [[hormone|hormonal]] changes involved with both genders, this will definitely cause minor behavioral changes in the animal.  When these changes are undesired, a different method of sterilization can be used, such as vasectomy in males or tubal ligation in females.  A typical example of this practise is when male cats are subjected to vasectomy so that they are able to mate with females, thereby "bringing them off heat" (terminating estrus). This keeps the condition of the female from deteriorating due to the extra energy that is expended during estrus.  A vasectomized male cat is called a "teaser tom" by cat breeders.

Animal control organizations urge owners who do not keep animals for the specific purpose of breeding to have their pets spayed or neutered in order to prevent an increase in the population of stray animals.  Such stray animals are often malnourished, and are frequently [[Animal_euthanasia|euthanized]] by animal welfare societies.

==See also==
* [[Eugenics]]
* [[Compulsory sterilization]]
* [[Male contraceptive]]
* [[Vas-occlusive contraception]]

== External Links ==
* [http://www.vasectomy-information.com Vasectomy Information] &mdash;The website of newsgroup alt.support.vasectomy.
* [http://www.my-vasectomy.com My Vasectomy in Words and Pictures] &mdash;One man's personal experience.
* [http://www.navas.org.uk/images/vasectomy-diagram.gif The male reproductive system after vasectomy] - diagram
* [http://vasectomy--reversal.blogspot.com/ Vasectomy Reversal Resource] 
* [http://www.womenshealthchannel.com/contraception/permanent.shtml Female Sterilization Options] - /mk.nkl/cvas1.html Is Vasectomy the Right Method For Me?] and [http://www.engenderhealth.org/wh/fp/cfem1.html Is Female Sterilization the Right Method For Me?]

{{BirthControl}}

[[Category:Surgical contraception]]
[[Category:Primary care]]

[[cs:Sterilizace (lékařství)]]
[[da:Sterilisation]]
[[de:Sterilisation (Empfängnisverhütung)]]
[[es:Esterilización (medicina)]]
[[fr:Stérilisation (chirurgie)]]
[[it:Sterilizzazione (medicina)]]
[[ja:不妊手術]]
[[lt:Sterilizacija (kontracepcija)]]
[[nl:Sterilisatie (vruchtbaarheid)]]
[[pl:Ubezpłodnienie]]
[[pt:Esterilização (procedimento cirúrgico)]]
[[simple:Sterilisation]]
[[sk:Sterilizácia (medicína)]]
[[sr:Стерилизација]]
[[fi:Sterilointi]]
[[sv:Sterilisering (ingrepp)]]

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