Sterilisation- Talk to me!

[FrenchFries96]

I’m 29. Had twins at 18 but they were unplanned and unexpected, I had never planned to have children at all. I was on the pill for about 6 years afterwards until I had issues with my ovaries. They then told me I was infertile so came off of everything, but ended up with a shock pregnancy 5 years later, which I decided to not to go ahead with. After that, I requested sterilisation. That was last March, and I’ve just received an initial appointment for next week. Now I’m nervous!

Have any of you lovely ladies had it done young(ish) and never looked back?

Anyone who had it done and regretted it?

I’ve been with my children’s dad since long before they were born and don’t plan on being without him but I know life happens so I’m not oblivious to the fact my circumstances would change, but I just feel in my heart that I’m done having babies.

Any life stories would be appreciated! 🩷

I had it done a year ago, age 35 so not as young as you, and I have zero regrets. The relief of knowing I cannot get pregnant again, and that I don’t need to spend the rest of my fertile years remembering a pill every day is a huge relief.

They pushed hard on DP being the one to have a vasectomy so have your reasons ready why that is not your chosen route.

I got sterilised during my third csection when I was 28. No regrets here either.

I was sterlised at 41

I had 2 tricky pregnancys which gave me healthy chilldren, then 1 unplanned pregnancy where I was so unwell it was unlikely that I would survive it, had I continued with the pregnancy

It was not a chance I was willing to take and terminated the pregnancy.

I was told that pregnancy was dangerous for me, to the point where it would be likely to endanger my life (again) and the NHS sterilised me pretty quickly (during another planned gyne operation)

I don't regret it at all...... nearly died once and no need to repeat that, ever

This is where I’m at. I hate relying on the pill. When they told me I (incorrectly!) couldn’t have any more children, the 5 years I had with completely natural cycles were just fab.

I have ADHD too so the hormones actually make me mental and I’m just done with it.

DP has medical issues which complicate vasectomy so that’s not an option.

I have ADHD, too, so remembering the pill was a pain in itself.

Given you already have children, I am sure you will be approved. Good luck xx

I’m sorry you went through that.

My pregnancy wasn’t difficult, but I had pre-eclampsia at the end and was extremely poorly for weeks afterwards. I was only 18 and they had to put me to sleep so that I wouldn’t have a stroke. After that, I was told I’d be high risk in any subsequent pregnancies and I vowed to never put my body through it again.

I think it’s just one of those things where you know what you want, but when it’s actually about the happen, it just sets you on edge!

I’ve been sterilised. It’s not just that I never want another baby with my husband but I never ever want to have another baby with anyone.

that was a really clear distinction for me. A few friends said ‘what if he dies and you marry someone else?’ As a potential scenario. I would defo not be having new children with the new fella.

i also new if i was pregnant again i would have to terminate.

so definitely no regrets!

Has it been suggested you try a Mirena before sterilisation ?

They’ve suggest all sorts. I just don’t want it. Anything hormonal makes has a huge negative affect, and I just don’t want anything lodged in y body long term to be honest.

I’m done having children and I kind of just want my body to get back into a natural cycle.

I think I’m just nervous because now the option is right in front on me and I just wanted to hear from other about their experiences.

I was the same, all the pills and patches really didn't suit me from when I was about 17, gave me really bad blood pressure ect.

I have to say though OP, I still have awful periods (endo), the pms, pain ect. One of.my friends thought when you got sterilized you didn't get periods. I think you can still take a contraceptive pill for the period symptoms to lighten it, but I was like you and didn't want any hormones.
I really have never regretted getting it done. I never want to worry about remembering more pills and hormones or getting pregnant again.

Sounds like a trial of a non hormonal coil might be an option if you can't get sterilised.

Not to derail your thread @FrenchFries96 but I've been requesting one since I was 26 after having my child. I'm 34 now and the GP is still refusing to refer me. Apparently I'm too young and might change my mind 🙄 I'm absolutely certain I don't want more children and would terminate if I fell pregnant. I've tried both types of coil, with totally unacceptable side effects. I also have a medical condition that would make me a high risk pregnancy and take medication that would need to be stopped immediately if I fell pregnant. If anyone has got any tips on getting a referral I'd be grateful.

Just posting to update!
My initial referral was almost a year ago and for the most part with no questions asked. It likely helped that I had a female GP but she did tell me to be prepared to put up a fight to actually have it done.

I had my appointment with the consultant this past week, and I was pleasantly surprised. He listened and was very reassuring. He was more than happy to schedule me for the procedure but did say I would likely be waiting 9-10 months, so obviously will need to stay on contraception in the meantime.

I guess I’ve just been very lucky with the people I’ve seen @CleanQueen123. I’m sorry you’re not being heard. The only advice I can give is to keep pushing.

I hear you about the periods @AlwaysTheRenegade. For the few years I spent off contraception I had super heavy periods and awful pms, but honestly, I think I’d prefer it over the numb, emotionless person I become with superficial hormones, let alone all the other bloody side effects!

Yes, aged 36. I'm now 57 and it definitely worked! So much nicer than hormonal contraception.