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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Female Sterilisation

    Related Topics
    Anxiety Contraception Depression
    I am 26 this year and will need to have my Intrauterine device (IUD) with progestogen changed in June due to having 3 caesarian sections - I have to go to a theatre to have this done. I would really like to have a more permanent Sterilisation done. I have a diagnosis of depression and anxiety, I have a heart condition called ectopic atrial rhythm, my eldest son has a diagnosis of autism and ADHD, my youngest son is being tested for Prader-Willi syndrome. My husband is in remission from cancer, we have spoken extensively on the topic of children and both agree with not having any more. I would really like to know is it possible to have a permanent procedure at my age?
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  • Bree Somer

    Social Worker

    Hi - I’m Bree Somer. I'm an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with extensive training and life experience. I provide individual counselling or coaching sessions … View Profile

    Hi Gemma. A good question, thank you for asking it, and for sharing your personal situation here. 

    Let me start by acknowledging the extensive range of challenges you have already faced for someone so young.  What a resilient woman you must be!  I hope you are bestowing yourself with suitable credit for withstanding these hardships.

    Regarding your question - generally speaking doctors tend not to consider steralisation for young women (under 30) for a range of reasons relating to risks and subsequent potential for health complications.

    However, given the facts you state:

    • you already have children,
    • you have had 3 caesarian sections,
    • both your own and your families health issues,
    • you have spoken extensively with husband on the topic of children and both agree with not having any more children,

    you may find a doctor willing to consider permanent sterilisation as an option for you.

    However, I encourage you to talk with your treating doctor and a therapist / counsellor some more on this issue before making a final decision (your doctor might suggest talking with a counsellor before they are prepared to consider the procedure anyway).

    Talking with a counsellor will help you to achieve a couple of important things:

    1. to be aware and understand how your and your family's current health diagnoses are underpinning your decision
    2. to ensure have you considered all possible alternatives - e.g. such as your husband having a vasectomy
    3. to consider how you might feel in the future if your circumstances were to change considerably (i.e. unforeseen, life-changing events - e.g. you lost a child, you remarried, similar situations - grim things to consider I know, but serious considerations ahead of a serious decision)
    4. to be able to demonstrate to your treating doctor that you have engaged in therapy to discuss this decision (possibly with your husband too) and you are still certain after considering all these factors (and maybe others I haven't thought of) that the decision is right for you.

    Here are some links to additional information you may find helpful:

    I wish you all the best with this challenge Gemma, but given the strength and resilience you have already demonstrated in your life, I have every faith you will find the right solution for you.

    Wishing you well.

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