Do you think I'll be able to get sterilised?

[SterilisationQ]

I'm 35, and for various reasons my options for contraception are limited. I've come to the conclusion that sterilisation is the best option. I've never wanted children and have never wavered in this, and I'm hoping now that I'm 35 the GP/consultant will believe me that I won't change my mind (or at least that it will be my informed choice to risk regretting).

I am single at the moment. For the first time in a while I'm interested in meeting someone, and I'd really like to have this sorted before that happens, partly for practical reasons and partly because that way, if I do end up getting into a more serious relationship, then my cards will be on the table and there won't be any possibility of him thinking I might change my mind or other similar problems.

However, the NICE guidelines talk about the "partner", and advise the providers to ask about why sterilisation is a better option than vasectomy for the male partner. On the NHS site, though, it says: "If you have a partner, discuss it with them before you decide. If possible, you should both agree to the procedure, but it's not a legal requirement to get your partner's permission," which seems pretty positive to me, so I'm not sure how it will go.

Do you think they're likely to give me a flat "no" if I'm single? I'm pretty confident that I can clearly present my reasoning for wanting to be sterilised, but I'd like to know as much as possible about what stumbling blocks I might face. I won't be making the appointment for a few weeks as I'm moving to a different area.

Any advice in general on asking for sterilisation is also very welcome!

When I knew I had to have a c section on Dd2 I asked to be sterilised at the same time,the Dr did try to talk me out of it and said they'd prefer me to have counselling first but as the c section was 2 days later I stuck to my guns and they performed it along with c section 11 years ago now,I was 36.

But on the reverse side my mum had 3 by 24 and they refused to sterilise as too young,my dad had a vasectomy instead,which failed and sibling 4 came along

I wish they would have agreed to let me have mine then. But they refused as apparently the failure rate is higher during a cesarean. I too would have been 36 then. Rather than 39 when I actually got sterilised.