Trends in Contraception
Sterilization has become the primary form of contraception in the United States--even more popular than the birth control pill, according to researchers at Columbia University.
What’s surprising about the study, experts say, is that one-third of the women who became sterilized were single, and 40% were under 30 years old.
"There are more unmarried women who've had enough children," says Dr. Bernadine Healy, CBS News Health Contributor and American Red Cross President.
Women who are sterilized usually undergo a tubal ligation, commonly known as "tying the tubes." The phrase refers to the Fallopian tubes, which are not actually tied, but are closed off with plastic clips, rings or loops.
Men who are sterilized usually get a vasectomy, which involves separating the two sperm ducts to prevent sperm manufactured in the testicles to travel up to where they can be prepared for ejaculation.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 50 million men have had a vasectomy, and 5% of them are married couples of reproductive age.
Outside of male sterilization, the NIH says among married couples in this country, only female sterilization and oral contraception are relied upon more often for family planning.
Other forms of contraception include the birth control pill, implant (Norplant), shot (Depo-Provera), diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge and condom.
Healy says the condom is the only form of birth control that also protects against sexually transmitted diseases.
As always, anyone interested in figuring out which birth control is best for him or her is urged to see a doctor.
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