Sterilization and Contraception

Millions of men and women have undergone surgical sterilization. How does this method work? In the man the standard technique is vasectomy – cutting and tying off vas deferens – a minor surgical procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office. In a woman, a standard technique is tubal ligation – dividing or tying off the fallopian tubes – an abdominal procedure often requiring hospitalization.

A new technique, laparoscopy, is now being used to divide the woman’s Fallopian tubes with a small electrode; this method requires only a small incision in the woman’s abdomen, and it is sometime done under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Another new technique utilizes a small plastic lip placed around each Fallopian tube.

For individuals who are certain that they no longer with to conceive, voluntary sterilization provide the closest thing to an ideal alternative available today. It is virtually 100 percent effective. (The only failures are those due to improper technique or failure to use alternate means of contraception for six weeks following surgery). Sterilization seems to have few side effects. The popularity among, in particular, is growing, especially among educated professional families.

The effect of sterilization are usually permanent, so its crucial for the individual to think it over carefully before deciding on the procedure. In recent years physicians have devised new technique that makes sterilization reversible in some cases. In tubal ligation, the new plastic clip technique is fairly reversible and in vasectomy, new microsurgical techniques are sometimes able to restore fertility. But generally, physicians recommend that anyone undergoing sterilization consider it a permanent procedure.

Contraceptive Method of the Future
Scientist continue to research for better and safer methods of contraception.

Method for Women
For women, some researcher are looking at implants of long lasting contraceptive substances known as progesterone. Such implants might last five years, unless they were removed to restore fertility. Other researcher are working on the prostaglandins, which could be used to induce the woman menstruation of each month.

Another new device is a thimble shaped rubber “cap” that fits snugly around the cervix and requires no spermicidal. It can be left in place continuously until the woman wishes to become pregnant; a one-way valve lets menstrual blood and cervical mucus pass through. The cap is currently being tested, and may be available around 1985.

A more controversial method, currently under debate, is the use of injected drugs such as Depo Provera, a contraceptive substance containing a synthetic hormone that prevents ovulation for at least ninety days. Depo Provera, a contraceptive substance containing a synthetic hormone that prevents ovulation for at least ninety days. Depo Provera has serious side effects, including weight gain, headaches, heavy bleeding and depression. It may even cause a permanent loss of fertility. The FDA has forbidden its distribution in the United States for contraceptive purpose.

Method For Men
Research is also under way on chemical contraceptive for men. There are many substances known to suppress sperm production but also to have unacceptable side effects. For example, gossypol (a cottonseed derivative) has had some success in China, but it has serous side effects, including difficult in restoring fertility when a user stops taking the drug. Some male chemical contraceptives tend to reduce potency and sexual desire and some are incompatible with alcohol. Nevertheless, some progress is being made. Various combinations of male and female sex hormones and other compounds are being tested in human volunteer, and a male Pill may be on the market within the next several years.