Other Methods

Other Methods

There are lots of other ways people try and prevent pregnancy -- getting their tubes tied, pulling out or charting their cycle-- but these aren’t high on our list for teens because they are either not as effective or they’re too effective (as in no babies…EVER).  If you’re still curious, read on.

Click a question to compare methods. Or, read up on a specific method by clicking the boxes below.

Tubal Ligation

What is it?

Tubal ligation is a very safe procedure that stops the egg and sperm from meeting. The procedure - either surgical or non-surgical - is performed in a clinic and takes about 15 minutes.

Pros:

  • Permanent and highly effective method.
  • Private and hidden.

Cons:

  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV.
  • Permanent and virtually irreversible. May not be good for people who want to give birth in the future.

Who uses tubal ligation?

People who are absolutely sure they do not want to give birth in the future. Because Tubal Ligation is a permanent method, most doctors in the United States will not perform this surgery on people under the age of 18. Reversal procedures exist, but they are technically complex, expensive and sometimes unsuccessful.

How do you use tubal ligation?

Tubal ligations are performed by a clinician in a clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office. The procedure is performed after numbing the area, and takes about 15 minutes. You can go home the same day. A follow-up appointment at 3 months is needed to make sure the tubes were successfully blocked.

Where do you get tubal ligation?

Tubal ligations are performed by a clinician at a clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office.

How effective is tubal ligation?

Tubal Ligation is 99.8% effective.

Does tubal ligation offer STD protection?

NO. For STD protection use condoms with this method. 

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