The advantages and disadvantages of sterilisation for women are summarised in the table below. Being aware of these can help you provide effective counselling to your clients.

Key advantages and disadvantages of female sterilisation.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
  • Permanent birth control.
  • Immediately effective.
  • Requires no daily attention.
  • Cost-effective in the long term.
  • Does not affect sexual pleasure.
  • Requires surgery and has risks associated with surgery.
  • More complicated than male sterilisation.
  • May not be reversible, resulting in possible regret
  • Does not protect against sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS.