A comparison of definable traits in women requesting reversal of sterilization and women satisfied with sterilization
Leader, A.; Galan, N.; George, R.; Taylor, P.J.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 145(2): 198-202
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9378 PMID: 6849353 DOI: 10.1016/0002-9378(83)90491-xDocument Number: 250331
This study was undertaken to develop a profile of easily definable traits of 159 women who requested a reversal of sterilization (group 1) and compare it with that of 160 women who apparently were satisfied with sterilization (group 2). The mean age of patients in group 1 was 29.4 and group 2 was 36.2 and ages at sterilization for group 1 was 25, group 2 was 31.2. Women in group 1 married earlier, and were more likely to be divorced and remarried. There was no statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 in the area of parity. The largest number of women in both groups underwent interval sterilization and more women in group 1 were sterilized during a cesarean section or therapeutic abortion. Regarding the decision to be sterilized, most women in group 2 said that it was made jointly by the husband and wife while those in group 1 were more likely to have made their decision themselves (41.8%) while 11.9% group 1 had the decision made for them by their husbands; reasons most often included completion of family and the unacceptability of other methods of contraception. Both groups felt that they had understood that the procedure was irreversible when it was performed and most who had requested a reversal had regretted the decision for sterilization less than 1 year after the procedure. The combination of remarriage and a desire for more children in the new relationship was the most common reason for reversal (90%). It was also found that women in group 2 had completed more years of formal education than those in group 1. Overall, women in group 1 married younger, had their children earlier, and were sterilized earlier than those in group 2; they were also more likely to have regretted the sterilization after remarriage. For women whose attributes are similar to those in group 1 counseling should include an in-depth assessment of the woman's reasons for the operation and the likelihood of a future request for reversal. If sterilization is undertaken the most reversible method should be chosen.