Planned Parenthood can provide counseling to women considering sterilization- permanent birth control. Washington State law requires pre procedure counseling and consent 30 days prior to the procedure. Although MBPP does not provide the procedure, our medical staff is trained to provide the necessary information and consent forms and referral for the procedure. Like vasectomy, this procedure is covered by the Take Charge program. For women who do not qualify for Take Charge, other programs may cover partial or full payment for the procedure. We will do our best to find you the affordable, quality health care you deserve.

Tubal sterilization is intended to be a permanent method of birth control. More and more women today choose sterilization. They know that this single procedure can provide highly effective protection against pregnancy for the remainder of their reproductive years. They also know that there is an increased chance of failure with many temporary methods, that some temporary methods have side effects, and that some may be inconvenient.

Sterilization does not decrease a woman's sexual pleasure. It is often the answer for women who have completed their families and for women who do not want children.

Tubal sterilization is a surgical operation. It closes off the fallopian tubes, where eggs are fertilized by sperm. When the tubes are closed, sperm cannot reach the egg, and pregnancy cannot happen.

Sterilization does not affect femininity. It is very unlikely that sterilization will affect your sexual organs, or your sexuality. No glands or organs will be removed or changed. All of your hormones will still be produced. Your ovaries will release an egg every month. Your menstrual cycles will most likely follow their regular pattern.

Sterilization is more than 99 percent effective in the first year. In following years, there is a limited possibility that tubes may reconnect by themselves. Up to one out of 100 women become pregnant each year after sterilization. About one out of three of these pregnancies are ectopic (develop in a fallopian tube) and may require emergency surgery.

You and your partner will need no other birth control method after a successful tubal sterilization. It is possible to reverse it in some cases, but your decision not to have a child in the future must be firm. You must be absolutely sure you will never change your mind or regret your choice -- no matter how your life changes.

Sterilization will not cause symptoms of menopause (change of life) or make menopause happen earlier.

You want to enjoy having sex without causing pregnancy.

You don't want to have a child in the future.

You and your partner agree that your family is complete, and no more children are wanted.

You and your partner have concerns about the side effects of other methods.

Other methods are unacceptable.

Your health would be threatened by a future pregnancy.

You don't want to pass on a hereditary illness or disability.

You and your partner decide tubal sterilization is better for you than vasectomy is for him.

You may want to have a child in the future.

You are being pressured by your partner, friends, or family. You must want the operation. You may want to involve others for advice or opinions, but the decision is ultimately yours -- only you can determine what is right for you.

You have problems that may be temporary --marriage or sexual problems, short-term mental or physical illnesses, financial worries, or being out of work. Sterilization is not a good solution for problems such as these.

You have not considered possible changes in your life, such as divorce, remarriage, or death of children.

You have not discussed having a tubal sterilization fully with your partner or anyone else you would like to have as part of your decision making process.

Consider all other methods before you choose sterilization. Birth control pills, NuvaRing® (the Ring), Ortho Evra® (the Patch), Depo-Provera® (injection), and IUDs (intrauterine devices) can be similarly effective. Most women can use them with little risk of serious complications. Other methods, such as diaphragms, caps, shields, periodic abstinence, withdrawal, male or female condoms, spermicide foams, creams, jellies, and suppositories, are not as effective as sterilization. But they have very few serious side effects, if any.

Discussing the operation with one's partner beforehand is usually helpful for most relationships. Your partner may consider sterilization for himself instead of you. Sterilization for men is called vasectomy. Vasectomy is simpler, costs less, and has fewer risks than tubal sterilization. But vasectomy must also be considered permanent. So, think carefully about what sterilization will mean for both of you before you make your decision.

If you are still considering sterilization, contact your nearest clinic to make an appointment for counseling and further information on the procedure.