Sterilization is the method of family planning most commonly used in the world (combining women and men). In the U.S. there are greater than one million sterilizations performed each year. Sterilization in a women is usually carried out by tying off (ligating) the Fallopian tubes.

Anatomy

The uterus or womb is a pear shaped organ that is found in the female pelvis at the top of the vagina. It varies in size and shape depending on the hormonal and childbearing status of the woman.  It has a cavity, which is essentially closed when the woman is not pregnant. The inside lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, separates from the uterine wall each month. The vaginal bleeding that occurs is called the menses or period. The menses do not occur during pregnancy and normally continues until the menopause.(Figures 1 and 2)

Figure 1 - Uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries and ligaments to the uterus as seen from in front	Figure 2 - View of the uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and round ligament through a laproscope. (Courtesy O. Kadry, M.D.)