Female sterilization
This is a permanent method of contraception – your eggs cannot be fertilised, so you can’t get pregnant.
There are six different methods to perform a sterilization. Some of them can be reversed, but at a very high cost, and without the guarantee that it actually works.
Sterilization generally doesn’t impact your periods. It can decrease your risk of getting ovarian cancers.
The method does require minor surgery, which can have complications. And especially for young women, there is the risk that they later regret going for a non-reversible method of birth control. So you should be absolutely sure that this is what you want.
It is also called tubal ligation in India. Read more about it here.
Vasectomy
Male sterilization, or vasectomy, is a birth control method with very low failure rate. It’s considered a non-reversible method, which means that once it’s done, the man won’t be able to have any more children.
It requires minor surgery, which comes with small risks, such as bruising and pain.
Vasectomies don’t interfere with sexual function.
One of the concerns, just like with female sterilization, is regretting to choose a non-reversible option later on. So you should be aware that once it’s done, you won’t be able to father any more children.
It’s simpler, safer, cheaper, and more effective than female sterilization. However, it is important to note that vasectomy is not immediately effective and takes three months for sperm to clear out.
It’s also one of the only really option (other than condoms) to get involved in birth control for men. Read more about vasectomy here.