Long-term regret among 216 sterilized women. A six-year follow-up investigation

Six years after tubal sterilization 16 of 208 women reported serious regret. The desire for another child in a new relationship was given as the main reason for later regret, although other causes were also reported. No association between age, parity, time or type of tubal sterilization and later regret was demonstrated. However, a greater proportion of regretters than of the remainder had been recommended the sterilization by a doctor at abortion application. The regretters had undergone more abortions before their sterilization, and the study revealed more unstable marriages with consequently less support from the spouse at sterilization in the regretting group. Post-sterilization regret is discussed within the framework of life events and social support.