The potential impact of reversibility on selection of tubal sterilization

Despite continuing interest in development of reversible sterilization, baseline data regarding how much more acceptable reversible procedures would be than currently available methods have not been available. This study provides such data from 1074 randomly selected obstetric/gynecology patients or reproductive age in metropolitan San Antonio. Basic socio-demographic data and attitudinal information with respect to both permanent and hypothetically reversible tubal ligation were elicited via a self-administered questionnaire. Responses toward permanent and reversible sterilization were compared and analyzed for statistically significant differences. Results indicate that approval of, serious consideration of, intent to eventually undergo, and immediate demand for tubal sterilization would be increased 25%, 95%, 178%, and 163%, respectively, if reversible procedures were available. All increases are statistically significant at P < .0001. These data, confirming pilot study results reported a year ago, indicate that the option of reversibility is exceedingly important to potential candidates for sterilization and its availability would significantly increase the acceptability of female surgical sterilization as an alternative method of contraception.