[Tubal ligation in U.S.A. (author's transl)].

Sterilization is the most popular contraceptive method among U. S. couples who have been married for more than 10 years; there are about 12 million sterilized couples in the U. S. Voluntary sterilization is legal in most U. S. states, and the consent of one's partner is not necessary. Average age of sterilization seekers is 30. Tubal ligation is usually performed through laparotomy or, especially in more recent times, laparoscopy. Hemorrhage is the most common complication, which can be easily corrected; intestinal or peritoneal burns, or ectopic pregnancy are very rare occurrences. Reversibility depends on the sterilization technique used; improved microsurgery techniques have made it possible in many instances. Hospital stay for tubal ligation was 4.2 days in 1975; today, tubal ligation can be done on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia only. The largest number of sterilizations in performed in the Northern and in the South-West regions of the U. S., and there seems to be a relationship between educational level of the couple, and choosing sterilization as a permanent method of contraception.