Possible complications of female sterilisation
Female sterilisation is usually a very safe procedure. But, as with any operation, there are risks. Your doctor will explain these to you.
Most people who have a sterilisation have no complications. If there are any, they are usually minor and can be treated.
There is a small risk of serious complications, including blood clots, infection or ectopic pregnancy.
Blood clots or DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
Blood clots or DVT (deep vein thrombosis) are possible because of how the blood flows and clots after surgery.
A blood clot that forms in the leg can sometimes travel to your lungs (pulmonary embolism). This can cause serious complications.
To reduce the If your doctor thinks you’re at risk of getting blood clots they might suggest wearing compression stockings or taking anticoagulant medicines.
Wound infection or urinary tract infection (UTI)
There's a small chance that your wound could get infected after the operation, or you could get a UTI. This is usually treated with antibiotics.
Damage to a nerve, artery or organ
During the operation itself, there’s a small chance of damaging an organ such as your bowel or bladder, or a major blood vessel (artery) or nerve. The surgical team will usually repair this during surgery.
Ectopic pregnancy
If the sterilisation has not worked, you can get pregnant. If this happens, there’s a higher chance of having an ectopic pregnancy.
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
You’ve recently been sterilised and:
- you have a high temperature or feel shivery
- your wound is swollen and painful, or leaking blood or pus
- one of your legs is swollen, throbbing and warm to the touch
- you need to pee frequently or there's burning or stinging when you pee
- you have abdominal pain and you're vomiting or have lost your appetite
- you have difficulty breathing which comes on suddenly
- you're coughing up blood
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- you have severe difficulty breathing
- you feel pain in your chest or upper back
- your heart is beating very fast
These could be signs of a pulmonary embolism or another serious condition.