Contraceptive Sterilization

Published by EngenderHealth in 2002, this publication is motivated by statistics indicating that voluntary sterilisation is a prevalent contraceptive option worldwide: 20 percent of couples in 22 countries use sterilisation to preclude future childbearing. In 13 of these countries, sterilisation prevalence ranges from one third to one half of all couples in their reproductive years.

Topics addressed include: service delivery, who uses sterilisation and why, laws and policies around the world, key factors influencing the use and outcomes of permanent contraception, overviews of female and male options, research gaps, and projections of future needs. The work also explores the importance of informed choice and informed consent as key components of high-quality sterilisation service. In addition, the book addresses the challenges that providers face. Chief among them is the need to intensify efforts to educate women and men in the ongoing use of protective barrier methods, safe sex practices, and other prevention strategies.

The book may be downloaded, chapter-by-chapter, in PDF format.
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