Surgical methods are one of the main types of permanent contraception or birth control methods. This is because they have a higher chance of success and are a one-time step, making it much easier for individuals to go about their life rather than deal with the hassle of dealing with other non-permanent birth control methods. Surgical methods can be permanent and can be performed on both men and women.

Surgical methods for birth control include the following:

1. Vasectomy
Vasectomy is one of the main types of contraception or birth control methods that is performed on men. This surgery ensures that there are no sperm in the semen when a man ejaculates, guaranteeing that there is no chance of pregnancy. This method is also known as male sterilization. It is a permanent method and an individual must know that they cannot impregnate their partner after undergoing this procedure. This is an almost 100% sure sterilization procedure. Vasectomy is carried out in two ways:

• Conventional method

In the conventional method, the surgeon makes incisions on the scrotum. Following this, they will cut the vas deferens tube and tie it. This ensures the sperm cannot pass into the semen. On completion of the procedure, sutures or staples are used to close the incisions. There are risks like swelling and pain with this procedure. There are also possibilities of the tube joining, in which case the method fails, but this is very rare. However, the use of a condom is advised during intercourse for a few weeks after the surgery.

• Vasectomy without scalpel

This is a convenient method as no incisions are made. The surgeon locates the vas deferens and holds it with a clamp. A puncture is made on the skin and through the tiny hole, the vas deferens is cut and tied. There are no stitches made and the puncture heals on its own. This makes it a convenient procedure for men to be sterilized. Vasectomy does not affect the sexual performance of the man; the only thing that happens is the semen does not have sperm. If the man wants to father a child biologically, then the sperm can be preserved before the surgery and stored for use later.

2. Tubal ligation
Tubal ligation is a permanent birth control method for women and is one of the main types of contraception. This involves blocking the fallopian tubes so that the sperm cannot reach the eggs and fertilization does not happen. The fallopian tubes may be cut, burnt, or clamped to block them.

This is a surgical procedure that is usually carried out under general anesthesia. Laparoscopy, or keyhole surgery, is used for it. Tiny incisions are made on the abdomen and a laparoscope, (a device containing a surgical instrument with a camera), is inserted. The fallopian tubes are then cut, or tied. It can even be done immediately after childbirth to prevent conception in the future. There may be side effects after the procedure.

Another procedure uses an implant that is inserted into the fallopian tubes to block them. This is a more convenient procedure than tubal ligation as there is no complex surgery needed.