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Contraception - Permanent contraception

Sterilisation

Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception, for people who don’t want more children, or any children and is more than 99% effective. It works by stopping sperm from meeting an egg.

Male sterilisation

Male sterilisation (vasectomy) is done by cutting and sealing or tying the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis).

Visit NHS 111 Wales for further information on male sterilisation.

Female sterilisation

Female sterilisation (tubal occlusion) is done by cutting, sealing or blocking the fallopian tubes which carry an egg from the ovary to the uterus (womb).

Visit NHS 111 Wales for further information on female sterilisation.

Page last reviewed: 18th June 2025