Female sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception where an expert consultant gynaecologist will cut, tie or block your fallopian tubes, meaning that sperm won’t be able to reach the egg and fertilise it. During the procedure, the tubes are permanently blocked with clips or rings, which is known as a ‘tubal occlusion’. Alternatively, the tubes can be cut and then stitched which is called ‘tubal ligation’. Cutting and stitching the tubes makes it more difficult to reverse the sterilisation should you change your mind in the future, as the procedure destroys around 4cm of a tube, making it more difficult to reconnect the tube at a later date.
Female Sterilisation
- No waiting lists
- Longer consultations
- No NHS referral needed
- From £5495
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- No referrals required.
- Book online or over the phone.
How Much does Female Sterilisation Cost?
| Female Sterilisation Service | Price From |
| Female Sterilisation Consultation | £250 |
| Female Sterilisation | £5,495 |
*Any clinical services taken during the appointment will incur additional fees including testing, referral letters and prescriptions.
You will receive a personalised quote agreed after consultation.
Female Sterilisation Insurance
We work with all the major private medical insurance providers. This means you may be able to cover the cost of this service by using your medical insurance policy. You should always contact your insurer before booking an appointment. Your insurer will check that your policy covers this service at Pall Mall Medical and they can pre-authorise your treatment. You'll need to provide us with your insurer details and pre-authorisation code when you get in touch.
| 14.9% APR Representative Example | 0% APR | |
| Total Cost of Treatment | £5,495 | £5,495 |
| Cost of Deposit | £200 | £2,747 |
| The Total Amount of Credit | £4,995 | £2,748 |
| Total Charge for Credit | £1,973.40 | £0 |
| Total Amount Repayable | £7,468 | £5,495 |
| Repayable Over | 60 Months | 24 Months |
| Monthly Payments Of | £116.14 | £114.50 |
- Pay over 2 years with 0% APR
- No hidden costs
- Pay over 3-5 years with 12.9% APR
- Flexible deposit options
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FAQs
What is Female Sterilisation?
Female sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception that prevents pregnancy by blocking, sealing or removing the fallopian tubes. This stops the egg from meeting sperm, making natural conception highly unlikely.
Is female sterilisation permanent?
Yes. Female sterilisation is intended to be a permanent form of contraception. Although reversal procedures exist, they are not always successful, so you should only choose sterilisation if you're confident you do not want to become pregnant in the future.
How effective is female sterilisation?
Female sterilisation is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Although no contraceptive method is completely guaranteed, pregnancy after sterilisation is rare.
Am I suitable for female sterilisation?
Female sterilisation may be suitable if you are confident that you do not wish to become pregnant in the future or you have decided that you do not wish to have children. During your consultation, your consultant will discuss your medical history, reproductive goals and alternative contraceptive options before recommending the most appropriate treatment.
How is female sterilisation performed?
Female sterilisation is usually carried out as a laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure under general anaesthetic. Small incisions are made in the abdomen, allowing the surgeon to access the fallopian tubes, which are then blocked, sealed or removed depending on the surgical technique used.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, although your appointment will be longer to allow time for admission, preparation and recovery.
Will I need general anaesthetic?
In most cases, female sterilisation is performed under a general anaesthetic, meaning you'll be asleep throughout the procedure.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients are able to return home on the same day. Recovery varies between individuals, but many people return to light activities within a few days and resume normal activities within one to two weeks, depending on their consultant's advice.
Will female sterilisation affect my hormones?
No. Female sterilisation does not affect your hormone levels because the ovaries continue to function normally. You will continue to ovulate and have your menstrual periods unless you have another condition that affects your cycle.
Will my periods change after sterilisation?
Sterilisation itself does not usually change your menstrual cycle. If you notice changes to your periods after stopping hormonal contraception, these are often related to no longer using that contraception rather than the sterilisation procedure itself.
Can female sterilisation be reversed?
Sterilisation should be considered permanent. Although reversal surgery is possible in some cases, it is a complex procedure and pregnancy cannot be guaranteed. Your consultant will discuss this with you before treatment.
Does female sterilisation protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
No. Female sterilisation only prevents pregnancy. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so condoms are still recommended if there is a risk of STIs.
When can i have sex after female sterilisation?
Your consultant will advise when it is safe to resume sexual activity, but many patients can do so once they feel comfortable and any discomfort from the procedure has resolved.
What are the risks of female sterilisation?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding organs, complications related to the anaesthetic and, in rare cases, failure of the procedure resulting in pregnancy. Your consultant will explain the benefits and risks during your consultation.
When does female sterilisation start working?
Female sterilisation is effective immediately after the procedure has been successfully completed. Your consultant will advise you if any temporary contraception is required in your individual circumstances.
Can I have an ectopic pregnancy after female sterilisation?
Pregnancy after female sterilisation is very uncommon. However, if pregnancy does occur, there is a higher chance that it could be ectopic (outside the uterus), which requires urgent medical attention. If you miss a period or experience severe abdominal pain after sterilisation, you should seek medical advice promptly.
Is there a minimum age for female sterilisation?
There is no fixed upper or lower age limit, but your consultant will discuss your circumstances carefully to ensure that permanent sterilisation is the right option for you.
Why choose Pall Mall Medical for private female sterilisation?
At Pall Mall Medical, you'll receive consultant-led care from experienced gynaecologists in a CQC-registered clinical environment. We offer prompt appointments, thorough consultations, minimally invasive surgery where appropriate and comprehensive aftercare to support you throughout your treatment.
We put the patient at the heart of everything we do.
Pall Mall Medical is owned and led by doctors –which means care without compromise. We’re driven by how best we can deliver what you need from start to finish.
- Care Quality Commission Regulated.
- No waiting lists.
- Rated 4.95 by our patients.
- No referrals required.
Enquire About Our Female Sterilisation Services
A member of our team will be in touch with you to discuss your requirements.