Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation Alternatives

Laparoscopic tubal ligation is permanent, and it does not offer protection from sexually transmitted diseases. For these reasons, some women may prefer a birth control method other than laparoscopic tubal ligation. Alternatives include (but are not limited to) periodic abstinence, barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms, and intrauterine devices. However, none of these are as effective as tubal ligation.

Alternatives to Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation: An Overview

There are several alternatives for preventing unwanted pregnancies.
 Although none are as effective as sterilization, they all protect against pregnancy.
 
These include:
 
  • Periodic abstinence, or natural family planning
  • Barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms
  • Hormonal methods, such as birth control pills (oral contraceptive pills)
  • The Depo-Provera® injection
  • Intrauterine devices, or IUDs.
     
The success of each method varies. Barrier methods are 80-90% effective, and hormonal contraceptives and IUDs are 99% effective if used correctly.
 
Your male partner can also choose to undergo a vasectomy, which is a sterilization procedure performed on men. A vasectomy will make it impossible for sperm to leave the male reproductive system. A vasectomy is a safe and permanent surgical procedure. Pregnancy rates after vasectomy are less than 1 in 100.
 
Remember that sterilization does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you are at risk for an STD, you still need to protect yourself with a condom.
 
If there is any chance that you might want more children in the future, or if you have questions about any of these alternatives, you should discuss them with your doctor and decide which choice, if any, is appropriate for you.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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