Female sterilisation
What is female sterilisation? Female sterilisation is an operation where the fallopian tubes are blocked or sealed to prevent the eggs reaching the sperm and becoming fertilised, and thus preventing pregnancy.
What it is
Performed as a day-case under general anaesthetic via keyhole surgery. Two small abdominal incisions, the tubes are visualised and either clipped (traditional) or removed entirely (salpingectomy - now preferred). Effective immediately; failure rate around 1 in 200 lifetime.
When this is relevant
- Completed family and wanting permanent contraception.
- Hormonal contraception contraindicated or poorly tolerated.
- Partner unsuitable for or declining vasectomy.
- Strong family history of ovarian / fallopian cancer (salpingectomy adds a risk-reduction benefit).
- Wishing to avoid further long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) device renewals.
How we investigate
Detailed consultation including a structured discussion of alternatives (Mirena, copper IUD, implant, vasectomy), pregnancy exclusion, anaesthetic review where indicated.
Options at The Vesey
- Laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomy - preferred technique; permanent and risk-reducing.
- Filshie clip application - traditional alternative for women who specifically request clip-only.
- Concurrent procedures - sterilisation can be combined with hysteroscopic polypectomy, ablation or other indicated keyhole surgery.
- Vasectomy referral - simpler, cheaper alternative if the partner is willing.
- LARC counselling - if the patient is on the fence about permanence, we will recommend Mirena first.
What is the difference between salpingectomy and tubal ligation? +
Salpingectomy removes the fallopian tubes entirely; tubal ligation (Filshie clips) clips them shut. Salpingectomy is now preferred because it is equally effective, cannot fail due to clip migration, and reduces lifetime risk of ovarian cancer by up to 65%.
How effective is female sterilisation? +
Laparoscopic salpingectomy is essentially 100% effective — the failure rate with traditional clip sterilisation is around 1 in 200 over a lifetime; removing the tubes eliminates that residual risk.
Can female sterilisation be reversed? +
Sterilisation should be considered permanent. Reversal surgery exists but success rates are low and vary with age and technique. If there is any uncertainty about future fertility, a long-acting reversible contraceptive (Mirena IUS or implant) is the better choice and we will discuss this at your consultation.
What is the recovery time after laparoscopic salpingectomy? +
Most patients are home the same day, comfortable within 2–3 days and fully back to normal activities within 1–2 weeks. There is no impact on your menstrual cycle or hormone levels — only your fertility changes.
Pricing at a glance
Initial consultation £260. Day-case laparoscopic salpingectomy on individual quotation (typically £3,400–£4,800 inclusive of surgeon, anaesthetist, theatre, hospital stay). Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to book
Book if you are certain about completed family, want a fully informed discussion of the options, or are weighing salpingectomy specifically for cancer-risk reduction.
Cost and pathway
Initial consultation £260. Day-case laparoscopic salpingectomy on individual quotation (typically £3,400-£4,800 inclusive of surgeon, anaesthetist, theatre, hospital stay).
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our gynaecology team
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.88/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
View our gynaecology services →
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727