Sterilization. If you are sure you never want children or don’t want any more children, you may want to consider surgical or nonsurgical sterilization. With the surgical method, the fallopian tubes are tied off to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus.

With the nonsurgical method, tiny spring-like coils are placed into the fallopian tubes. Material embedded into the coils irritates the lining of the tube, causing scar tissue to grow. After about three months, there is enough scar tissue to block the tubes. Done correctly, these methods are almost 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. In very rare cases, a fertilized egg may reach the uterus, resulting in pregnancy, or may grow outside the uterus, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. You’ll need to be certain about your decision to be sterilized, because it is nearly impossible to reverse.

For Men
Although the choices are more limited, men also have options for birth control.  The most popular is the condom,  a thin sheath that fits over the penis before intercourse. It prevents the sperm from entering the woman’s vagina. When used correctly and along with a spermicide, the condom is about 85 to 90 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. The condom should be put on before intercourse and can be removed soon afterward.

Condoms also help prevent the spread of several sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and AIDS.

Men who are certain they do not want to father any or any more children can opt for a vasectomy. This is a simple procedure that prevents the release of sperm into the seminal fluid.

When the man ejaculates, the semen contains no sperm, but men still experience the full pleasure of intercourse. However, it is very difficult and expensive to reverse a vasectomy, and you’ll need to be certain about your decision. Some men opt to store some of their sperm before vasectomy for possible in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination, should they decide they want children at some later time.

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Martha M. Funnell, MS, RN, CDE
Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center
University of Michigan Medical School
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Robert M. Anderson, EdD
Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center
University of Michigan Medical School
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Shereen Arent, JD
National Director of Legal Advocacy
American Diabetes Association

American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes