Female sterilization procedures include postpartum partial salpingectomy via cesarean or minilaparotomy incision, interval laparoscopic procedures, or hysteroscopic placement of microinserts. Rates of failure and serious complications are low and comparable among the various methods. A hysteroscopic procedure requires a 3-month confirmatory hysterosalpingogram before it is considered effective for contraception. Hysteroscopic sterilization has been shown to be associated with a higher reoperation rate than laparoscopic procedures. For male sterilization, vasectomy is a noninvasive and highly effective method. Vasectomy is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. The procedure requires confirmation of azoospermia with a semen analysis 8 to 16 weeks after the procedure. Patients who are considering sterilization should be counseled about all the available options and the permanent nature of such procedures.
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