Female sterilisation?

Question

I am 18 years old and know that I don't ever want children. I haven't been to my doctor to ask him yet if I can have an operation to have my fallopian tubes severed as I suspect that he will say I cannot. Does anyone know what the laws are about this? (kindly refrain from telling me, 'Oh you are young and will change your mind because I won't. Anyone who tells me this will receive a blunt response as that is blatant ageism).

Answer 1

Its your body, you have the right to do with it what you want. However, you can't force a doctor to do a procedure if he doesn't want to, either. So if you find someone who will agree to do it then there shouldn't be a problem. However, this is a permanent procedure, no matter what your age is, be absolutely sure about this before you do it.

Answer 2

There is no law to say someone can't do the operation, but I don't think you will easily find someone to carry out the procedure, as they might find themselves before an ethical committee.

You also have to be aware that female sterilisation is not a trouble free procedure. Ignoring the initial risks of the surgery and anaesthetic. There is a definite morbidity risk, women who are sterilised have an increased incidence of period problems and pelvic pain and are more likely to require hysterectomy in the future.

Why not take the middle road and have a Mirena coil put in every 5 years until you reach an age when sterilisation will be acceptable to the system. If anything this will statistically help reduce or even stop your periods.

Answer 3

Well, I would think that you would be too young rather for them to do the surgery legally being that your reproductive system is not fully developed. They might want you to wait until you are in your 20's instead.

There are other options though. You might be able to get an implant that lasts 5 or 10 yrs that will provide birth control and by the time its ready to come out, then they might feel more comfortable with your choice.

I dont know if medical insurance covers voluntary sterilization, they might. You could always try different doctors until you find one that is willing to do the surgery.

Also, if one day you do change your mind, there are millions of orphan babies in the world that need a home so, that would definitely not be the best argument. I dont know about laws regarding someone at 18 getting voluntary sterilization. Maybe call your local Planned Parenthood. I would think that if you can have an abortion legally, then you can sterilize yourself too. That would make sense....

So... just curious...why do you not want to have kids one day? A friend of mine feels the same way. She is 30 now but has felt that way since she was like 16 and never thought differently. She is the oldest of 9 children and says she has done enough mothering for one lifetime having to help her mom.

Answer 4

Most states wont let you get a tubal Ligation until you are 21 years old regardless of how many children you already have. I know of women that have had children as early as 15 years old and had a baby each year till they are 21 because they cant get their tubes tied and they are just children their selves and aren't responsible enough to use protection. You need to speak to your doctor to find out the rules or laws in your state about getting a tubal ligation at the age of 18. And if for some reason in the future if you do get a tubal it is reversible.

Answer 5

It is your choice. I thought about the same thing at 18--glad I did not do it. I did have kids in my 30s. I did get sterilized after the second one. However, between 18-34, I could not safely get on any type of birth control without severe medical side effects--it was a nightmare. I did not want to get pregnant. I know how you feel. I will say that I am so so very happy I got sterilized. I love the freedom. It is your choice--I am sure you can find a doctor who will gladly do it for you.

Answer 6

I was sterilised some years ago. Like you i knew at an early age children were not for me. I had to go on pill for some time as my doctor was not convinced that I was serious because of my age - you might have better luck on that angle than I did. I went back again and this time for some reason she was more willing to listen to me. I've been sterilised for some years now and it's so great not having to take pills. If your doctor won't agree to your wishes now I'd say take the pill for now and go back to your doctor at a later date and ask again reminding your doctor you've asked previously and you are not going to change your mind on this subject at all.

Answer 7

Well, you may not want to hear people say you are too young but trust me that is exactly what the medics will tell you. I once enquired about a complete hysterectomy because I am unable to have children and did not see the purpose of the whole female reproductive organ. I was in my 30s at the time and was refused.

I doubt there is a law about this but you could argue your point if you have a valid one. Just saying to someone you 'don't want children at your age' isn't going to cut it.

I am very interested to know why you are so hell bent on not having kids.............................

Answer 8

I knew at 14 I didn't want children so I can empathise. In the end I went on the pill for a few years - I also had very heavy periods so was screaming at my GP for a hysterectomy!
All I can suggest is to go on a long term form of contraception for a few years and see how you go with that.
Perhaps they might look at you more favourably after the age of 30 - they don't here, but keep trying.

Answer 9

The law is this, you are old enough to consent for any type of procedure on your body. however, here is another one for you-it is up to the doctors discretion whether or not he performs the procedure for you. It is your choice but in the end the doctor is the one who makes the determination of who he feels is an appropriate candidate for any procedure that he will be performing. and if he refuses to perform this procedure (which any decent doctor would refuse this request) he is within the law and you have no legal recourse. but you have the right to keep on looking for some docquack to do it for you I predict that you will need to see many many many gynecologists before you find one ridiculous enough to do this for you. You might want to go down to Mexico and look for it there, I imagine with the right amount of money you could buy someone to do it

Answer 10

As long as you are 18 you have can have it done IF you can find a doctor to do it. I know most doctors wish not to do those typoes of surgeries on women who are really young and/or have never had children.

I too wish to be sterilized and I am 27, I will be discussing this with my doctor in december.

Good luck to you and congrats on making the decision yourself.