Established ProcedureSurgical Procedure

Female Sterilization

A permanent surgical procedure that blocks or removes the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.

Find a providerCompare methods

Last verified Updated Sources

Female Sterilization (Surgical Procedure)

Method facts

Female Sterilization
Effectiveness
99.5% typical use99.5% with perfect use
How long it lasts
Permanent
Reversibility
Permanent
STI protection
No
How you get it
In-Person Procedure · Prescription required
Cost
$0–$6,000Insurance coverage: Usually
Status
Established Procedure

How well it works

99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy in a year. Typical use effectiveness rate.

Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

How was this measured?

First-year pregnancy rate 0.5% with both typical and perfect use (99.5% effective) per Guttmacher. The CREST prospective cohort study (Peterson HB et al., Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996, PMID 8623843, n=10,685) found that the risk of pregnancy persists for years and varies by method of tubal occlusion and age. A conflicting newer finding from NEJM Evidence 2024 (PMID 39189861) estimated that 2.9% had a pregnancy within 12 months, using National Survey of Family Growth data; survey data rank below a prospective cohort in this site's evidence hierarchy.

Research source: Guttmacher Institute contraceptive effectiveness table (Trussell / Contraceptive Technology 21st ed.)

The details

What the evidence says

How well it works, what to watch for, who should avoid it, and the studies behind it.

How it works in the body

Surgical disruption (clipping, banding, cauterization, or complete removal) of the fallopian tubes prevents sperm from reaching the egg.

Side effects

  • Surgical risks (bleeding, infection, organ damage)
  • Anesthesia side effects
  • Ectopic pregnancy (a serious risk if pregnancy occurs after the procedure)

Who shouldn't use this

Talk to a clinician first if any of these apply

  • Medical instability for general anesthesia or laparoscopyHealth conditions that raise the risks of surgery, so another method may be a better fit
  • Uncertainty about future fertility desiresA personal reason to avoid a permanent method if you may want children later
  • Known allergy or hypersensitivity to materials used in the procedureAn allergy or sensitivity to the medicine, device, or one of its ingredients

Clinical guidelines

Cost and insurance

Most insurance plans must cover some female sterilization procedures at no cost; plans sponsored by certain exempt religious employers do not have to cover contraception. Planned Parenthood cites a $0-$6,000 range, including follow-up visits. The price depends on where you get it, the type of procedure, and your insurance.

Insurance coverageUsually

What to know about Female Sterilization

What it is

Female sterilization is a permanent surgical procedure that blocks or removes the fallopian tubes. Surgeons usually perform it through laparoscopy by blocking the tubes with rings, clips, or heat, or by removing them completely. Removing the tubes completely is called a bilateral salpingectomy and may lower ovarian cancer risk.

How well it works

The procedure is over 99% effective and intended to be permanent. It does not use hormones and does not change your periods or natural hormones. Because it is permanent, it is intended for people who do not want to get pregnant in the future. Reversal surgery is possible but does not always work.

Cost and coverage

Most US insurance plans must cover some female sterilization procedures at no cost. Health Insurance Marketplace plans must cover sterilization procedures without a copayment or coinsurance from an in-network provider, but plans sponsored by certain exempt religious employers do not have to cover contraception. Planned Parenthood cites costs from $0 to $6,000, including follow-up visits, depending on the setting, the type of procedure, and your insurance. The procedure is surgery, done at a doctor’s office, hospital, or health clinic. Check our provider directory for clinics near you that offer sterilization procedures.

1 product in this category

Specific branded items that use this method. Compare manufacturer details, active ingredients, and regulatory status.

Frequently asked questions

Sources (11)
  1. Research source: Guttmacher Institute contraceptive effectiveness table (Trussell / Contraceptive Technology 21st ed.)
  2. Research source: Peterson HB et al. 1996, CREST prospective cohort study (PMID 8623843)
  3. Research source: Schwarz EB et al. 2024, NEJM Evidence — Pregnancy after Tubal Sterilization in the United States, 2002 to 2015 (PMID 39189861)
  4. Clinical guideline: CDC U.S. MEC permanent contraception
  5. Research source: Marino S et al. 2024, StatPearls — Tubal Sterilization (PMID 29262077)
  6. Research source: Planned Parenthood — Sterilization (tubal ligation)
  7. Research source: Planned Parenthood — How safe is tubal ligation?
  8. Research source: Planned Parenthood — What can I expect if I get a tubal ligation?
  9. Research source: Planned Parenthood — How do I get a tubal ligation? (cost and access)
  10. Research source: Planned Parenthood — What are the benefits of sterilization?
  11. Clinical guideline: HealthCare.gov — Birth control benefits

How we verify

Providers

550 providers offering female sterilization

Clinics and telehealth services in our directory that offer this method.

See all female sterilization providers

Palo Alto Medical Foundation - Palo Alto Michael & Judith Gaulke Center

Palo Alto, CA 94301

Health Center

In-Person
Website (650) 321-4121