How it works
The fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the womb. Cutting, sealing, clipping or removing them stops eggs and sperm from meeting; removing the tubes completely (salpingectomy) is now often offered and may also lower the risk of ovarian cancer.
People who are certain they don't want any (more) children and want a permanent method that works soon after the procedure.
How effective is it?
Typical use
Over 99%
In real life fewer than 1 in 100 people get pregnant in a year.
Perfect use
Over 99%
About 0.5 in 100 when used exactly as directed every time.
See how it ranks against every method in the effectiveness chart.
How to use it
Talk to a doctor about whether permanent contraception is right for you and about alternatives, such as long-acting reversible methods or a partner's vasectomy.
The procedure is usually done by keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) under general anesthetic, or at the time of a cesarean section or soon after birth.
Use contraception up to the day of the operation, as a pregnancy test is done beforehand and an existing early pregnancy may not be detected.
Most people go home the same day and recover within about a week; follow your surgeon's advice on when to stop other contraception (the NHS advises carrying on for 7 days after the procedure).
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Over 99% effective and works soon after the procedure
- Permanent, with nothing to remember afterwards
- No hormones, so periods and natural hormone levels are not affected
- Removing the tubes may lower the risk of ovarian cancer
Disadvantages
- Permanent: reversal is a major operation, not always available and may not work
- Requires surgery, usually under general anesthetic, with its risks
- Does not protect against STIs
- If pregnancy does happen, there is a higher chance it is ectopic (outside the womb)
- Female sterilization has more risks than vasectomy
Effect on periods: Periods usually carry on as before; it does not cause menopause.
Possible side effects
- Pain, cramping and tiredness for a few days after surgery
- Shoulder pain from the gas used in keyhole surgery
- Infection, bleeding or, rarely, damage to nearby organs
- Regret, which is more common in people sterilized at a young age
Who it may not suit
A clinician checks your medical history before you start. This list is not complete.
May not be suitable if
- You are not sure you never want (more) children
- You are under pressure from a partner or others, or deciding during a stressful time
- You have health conditions that make surgery or general anesthetic risky
- You would prefer a highly effective method that can be stopped, such as an IUD or implant
Get medical help if
- You have a high temperature, severe or worsening tummy pain, or discharge or redness around the wounds
- You think you may be pregnant, as there is a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy; get urgent help for one-sided pain, bleeding or feeling faint
- You have heavy bleeding or symptoms that don't improve after a week
Frequently asked questions
Does tubal ligation work immediately?
It works very soon afterward, but you may be advised to keep using your usual contraception for a short time; the NHS suggests 7 days after the procedure. Also keep using contraception up to the day of the operation, as a very early pregnancy may not show on a test beforehand.
Can you get pregnant after getting your tubes tied?
It is rare: fewer than 1 in 100 people get pregnant in the first year. If it does happen, there is a higher chance of an ectopic pregnancy, so take a test and get medical advice quickly if you think you might be pregnant.
Can tubal ligation be reversed?
Sometimes, but reversal is major surgery, is often not available through public health services and may not work. If the tubes have been removed, it cannot be reversed; IVF would be needed to get pregnant.
What is the difference between tubal ligation and salpingectomy?
Tubal ligation closes or blocks the fallopian tubes, while salpingectomy removes them completely. Salpingectomy is now commonly offered in the US because it is very effective and may lower the risk of ovarian cancer.
Will tubal ligation affect my periods or cause menopause?
No. Your ovaries keep working and producing hormones, so it does not cause menopause. Periods usually carry on as before, though they may seem heavier if you previously used a hormonal method that made them lighter.
Sources
Reviewed 1 November 2026. We link to the guidance itself so you can check it.