The future of female sterilization technology
Speidel, J.J.
International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 14(1): 17-23
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7292 PMID: 10188 Document Number: 428679
The relative importance of research objectives to improve female sterilization technology varies between developed and less developed countries. Less developed countries are more interested in technology which can be applied outside of the hospital setting, by paramedical personnel, and with equipment that is simple to use, low-cost and easy to maintain. Of the currently available methods, minilaparotomy may be the method of choice in most programs in developing countries. Laparoscopy, culdoscopy and colpotomy all have proponents, but the technical expertise and, for the endoscopic methods, the complex and expensive equipment required for these methods limits their applicability. Research is progressing on the transcervical introduction of sclerosing agents and transcervically applied tubal plugs but these methods will require considerable refinement before they can be widely used in humans. Systemic pharmacologic methods of sterilization are also a possibility.