Method

In a surgical procedure, a woman's fallopian tubes are blocked or cut so that sperm and egg cannot unite.

Success Rate

Less than one woman in 100 will become pregnant in a year.

Benefits

It can be a permanent form of birth control; there are no lasting side effects.

Drawbacks

Doesn't protect against STDs including HIV. If the procedure fails, there's an increased risk of tubal (ectopic) pregnancy--where a fertilized egg starts to develop in one of the fallopian tubes. Although it may be reversed, it's complicated, expensive, and doesn't always work. It is recommended only for women who are sure they don't want to have children in the future.

How To Get It

Requires a visit to a health care provider; it can be expensive, and depends on where you have the procedure done and how much your insurance will cover.

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