With people talking a lot about where to get a sterilization “no questions asked”, I want to add in some things you need to consider:
-Sterilization of any kind is not 100% effective. Unless you get rid of your gonads (ovaries/testicles) there is still a chance it won’t work. Slim, but still present, depending on the specific procedure.
-There are complications that can happen after surgery that can cause pain or other issues, for both men and women.
-Sterilizations can naturally reverse with age. The younger you are when you get sterilized, the more likely you will have a natural reversal. Always get tested regularly.
-for women specifically: YOU HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF ECTOPIC PREGNANCY.
-Sterilization is closely intertwined with eugenics. You should consider whether the politics of past and current medical ethics will effect you in the decision making process.
-Know where to get a reversal done! Most doctors are not willing to do them or do them effectively. When speaking with a doctor about it, ask for specific referrals they recommend. If they can’t provide that, then consider whether you trust them to give space for fully informed consent. If this isn’t an issue for you, you can always find doctors who do reversals via religious groups.
-Remember that your fertility is a normal part of your biology, and regardless of your feelings on the matter, your body itself will not agree with you. It will try to heal from an organ being damaged. It will still try to create sperm/ovulate. It will still find ways to get pregnant or make someone pregnant. This might come up as a battle for some people and complicate their self-perception/mental health.
Sterilization is a huge decision to come upon and should not be based solely on fear of unwanted pregnancy or lack of abortion. Be sure you consider all these scenarios and how you need to manage them before deciding.
