If you are a couple you need to consider both vasectomy and female tubal occlusion, but also other long-term methods that women can use to avoid getting pregnant. They include:
- Copper IUDs (which used to be known as the coil) – the IUD (intrauterine device) is put into your womb and can safely stay there for up to 10 years
- A progestogen IUS (intrauterine system) – this is a hormone-releasing IUD that lasts for five years. The Mirena system is as effective as vasectomy and even more effective than tubal occlusion.
- Progestogen implants – this uses a small flexible tube inserted under the skin of the arm to release the hormone progestogen. The implant lasts for three years.
The main advantage of these methods is that they can be reversed. Like tubal occlusion and vasectomy, they all have risks and benefits. Your doctor or nurse can tell you more about them.