Sterilisation (Female / tubal occlusion) vs Implant

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Sterilisation (Female / tubal occlusion)

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Implant

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Overview

Rated 4.3

6 reviews

Permanent

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

Permanent

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.8

563 reviews

Every 3 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Sterilisation (Female / tubal occlusion) ingredients

Plastic or titanium clamps or silicone ring may be used to block the fallopian tubes.

Implant ingredients

Main hormones in Implant

progestogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

There are no benefits that are recognised in scientific research or guidelines for this contraceptive

Heavy periods

Ovulation pain

Period pain

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Real life reviews from people like you

Sterilisation (Female / tubal occlusion) reviews

6 reviews

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

  •  Stopped using

eryew4yhwesgs

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  30th Jul 23

  •  Still using

This procedure saved my life! I was sterilised earlier this year aged 36, I suffer from Tokophobia (fear of pregnancy) and don’t want children so this surgery was the perfect solution. I opted to have both tubes removed completely to reduce any risk of recanalisation in the future. I feel so much happier in myself and no longer experience panic attacks related to sex/pregnancy scares so I’m actually able to relax and enjoy myself 😅 I had to go private because of my age and where I live but it was definitely worth the money. There is a Childfree friendly doctors list on Reddit, I found the link on a Childfree Facebook group. Definitely recommend sterilisation!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2nd Dec 20

  •  Stopped using

It maybe ok for some people and for some, like the other women here it may even be good, but for myself and a lot of other women this was and still is the worst thing that could have happened to me. My life has been irrevocably damaged by this procedure and is still being damaged. The complex migraines I have suffered since having the procedure caused me to have a stroke 3 days after my 39th birthday, I have never smoked, eat healthy, organic food and don’t abuse my body. Before this procedure I was extremely fit, quick minded, outgoing and energetic. It might not harm everyone but if you are one of the growing number of women that have been affected you will regret it for the rest of your life. Even a reversal may not completely fix things (as I found) depending on how badly the tubes have been damaged. Really do your research, join support groups for ptls and ask the women who are all suffering the same symptoms, as many questions as you can.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

  •  Stopped using

eryew4yhwesgs


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  30th Jul 23

  •  Still using

This procedure saved my life! I was sterilised earlier this year aged 36, I suffer from Tokophobia (fear of pregnancy) and don’t want children so this surgery was the perfect solution. I opted to have both tubes removed completely to reduce any risk of recanalisation in the future. I feel so much happier in myself and no longer experience panic attacks related to sex/pregnancy scares so I’m actually able to relax and enjoy myself 😅 I had to go private because of my age and where I live but it was definitely worth the money. There is a Childfree friendly doctors list on Reddit, I found the link on a Childfree Facebook group. Definitely recommend sterilisation!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2nd Dec 20

  •  Stopped using

It maybe ok for some people and for some, like the other women here it may even be good, but for myself and a lot of other women this was and still is the worst thing that could have happened to me. My life has been irrevocably damaged by this procedure and is still being damaged. The complex migraines I have suffered since having the procedure caused me to have a stroke 3 days after my 39th birthday, I have never smoked, eat healthy, organic food and don’t abuse my body. Before this procedure I was extremely fit, quick minded, outgoing and energetic. It might not harm everyone but if you are one of the growing number of women that have been affected you will regret it for the rest of your life. Even a reversal may not completely fix things (as I found) depending on how badly the tubes have been damaged. Really do your research, join support groups for ptls and ask the women who are all suffering the same symptoms, as many questions as you can.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments


Implant reviews

563 reviews

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

  •  Stopped using

Previously used Implanon for 6 years without any bleeding, switched to nexplanon and had regular periods initially and then they became heavy, painful, prolonged and unpredictable. Much preferred the previous version. Have had it taken out now and have changed to combi pill so will see how that goes.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 5 - 8 yr
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

  •  Stopped using

Had continuous bleeding a few months into using the implant (have had two implants, replaced after 3 years) and had to supplement by also taking progesterone only pill.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

  •  Still using

Originally had it for 6 years no problem then told to come off as was diagnosed with hypermobility (HSD) 2018, then new info says it can help hsd joint pain flare ups. Currently waiting for it to settle, nauseous and sore but remaining hopeful that it will help!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

  •  Stopped using

Previously used Implanon for 6 years without any bleeding, switched to nexplanon and had regular periods initially and then they became heavy, painful, prolonged and unpredictable. Much preferred the previous version. Have had it taken out now and have changed to combi pill so will see how that goes.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 5 - 8 yr
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

  •  Stopped using

Had continuous bleeding a few months into using the implant (have had two implants, replaced after 3 years) and had to supplement by also taking progesterone only pill.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

  •  Still using

Originally had it for 6 years no problem then told to come off as was diagnosed with hypermobility (HSD) 2018, then new info says it can help hsd joint pain flare ups. Currently waiting for it to settle, nauseous and sore but remaining hopeful that it will help!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  20th Feb 24

  •  Stopped using

I had the implant for over 2 and a half years. When I first went on this, I didn’t have a period for a couple months but then after that I had around a month long period, this was then paired with the combined pill to help it regulate a bit more. I then ended up usually going 3 months without a period and then 1 week of a period with 2-3 weeks of very light bleeding. This was okay. I then recently had my period and since then continued to bleed for over 3 months. I decided that I couldn’t deal with this anymore as it meant rarely even being able to have sex within my relationship. I was going to get it removed early and replaced but decided against it as I reflected on the past year and the side effects that I did actually have. A key one that only really began to affect me around 2 years into it was vaginal dryness and vaginitis which I didn’t even realise was a side effect until recently. Pain during sex sometimes but a decreased libido too. I had also been up and down with my emotions, sometimes I felt extremely emotional and other times like I had no emotions at all. It did seem to work well for the first couple years and maybe getting it removed and replaced early might have helped but I just felt like I wasn’t really happy on the implant anymore, my mood was a lot lower, especially with side effects in mind. Lots of my friends use it and find it really good, I just think it’s luck of the draw how it effects you!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
44 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  16th Feb 24

  •  Stopped using

At 44 years old with high blood pressure, I was told that the combo pill was not an option so I decided to give the Nexplanon insert a try as a 33 year old friend of mine has had it for the last 5 years with minimal problems. It was inserted in the beginning of July. By the end of August I had lost almost 40% of the hair on the crown of my head. I also bled at a moderate level every single day of August and for another two weeks after it was removed in the beginning of October. Talk about an effective way to prevent pregnancy— neither myself nor my boyfriend are into bloody sex! Although the cramps calmed down before I had it removed, the depression and mood swings were also very hard to deal with. After it came out, I couldn't stop crying and being upset over the smallest things for several weeks. Although I could have tried to hang in there for a few more months, the hair loss was too much. And it continued to fall out until November. It's now February and it STILL hasn't started to grow back yet. Also, they're not kidding about being fertile immediately after removal... I got pregnant in December. Spending the new year dealing with an abortion was definitely not one of my resolutions for 2024 :( Long story short: If you're young, it's probably worth the hassle. Over 40, I strongly recommend against it!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  11th Feb 24

  •  Stopped using

Once becoming sexually active, I was given the choice of different contraceptives methods and the implant was the most effective one at the time of my consultation. I had the implant in for around 2 months and from day 3 of having the insertion done, I was bleeding continuously and have breakthrough periods for 2 months. Whilst having daily periods I was using nearly 6/7 pads a day and had large clots , which was very alarming to me. I had to seek further advice and was told they do not normally remove the implant so soon after insertion. I felt like I was being told just to deal with it and get on. I was fully aware of the symptoms but didn’t expect it to last that long. I was able to get a second opinion and was advised to have it removed immediately due to the severity of bleeding , which resulted in low iron levels and symptoms of severe fatigue and restlessness. I eventually had the implant removed after 3 months and my periods returned back to normal after a month of so. I was really disappointed that this method didn’t work for me but I was grateful to have other options


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 5 yr
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  8th Feb 24

  •  Still using

Happy with this form on contraception


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  7th Feb 24

  •  Stopped using

When on this contraceptive I would have a period maybe every 2 - 3 months and it would tend to be quite light and last about 3 days only. Then there were few vacations where my period would last about 9 days and the first 3/4 days would be heavy bleeding. I also put on quite a bit of weight over time while being on this contraceptive.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6th Feb 24

  •  Stopped using

My experience with the implant started off really well, my period disappeared! But then it came back with a vengeance alongside headaches, period cramps and loss of sex drive. I started feeling like myself when I came off it!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
33 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4th Feb 24

  •  Still using

Great to have a reliable form of contraception I don’t have to worry about but have my period roughly every two weeks as well as regular spotting and break through bleeding.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

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