Obstetrics and Gynecology

• About
• Our Services
• Our Physicians
• Procedures
• Conditions
• Hours & Location

Female Sterilization

Female sterilization is a procedure that closes or blocks a woman's fallopian tubes, providing permanent birth control. The fallopian tubes carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Blocking or closing off the tube prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing the eggs.

There are two types of female sterilization:

• Tubal ligation, also known as "getting your tubes tied," is outpatient surgery in which the tubes are cut, sealed with electrical current, or closed with clips, clamps or rings. Tubal ligation can be performed laparoscopically or through a small incision in the abdomen (mini-laparotomy). Depending on the approach used, it is performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic under anesthesia.
• In hysteroscopic sterilization, also known as the Essure procedure, a small scope is used to insert very small spring-like coils into the fallopian tubes through the vagina–no incision is needed. Scar tissue grows around the inserted coils and blocks the tubes. Because there is no incision, the procedure can be performed in the clinic setting using only local anesthesia. Most women return to their normal activities within 24 hours.

Female sterilization does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Make an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with a Baylor College of Medicine physician specializing in female sterilization, call the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at 832.826.7500.

• Nishath A. Ali, MD
• Gary L. Binder, MD
• Dale Brown, Jr., MD
• Jennifer E. Dietrich, MD
• Carl F. Giesler, MD
• R. Todd Ivey, MD
• Susan M. Leong-Kee, MD
• Susan P. Raine, MD, JD
• Sean M. Rosenbaum, MD
• Audra E. Timmins, MD
• Anuja Vyas, MD
• Ronald L. Young, MD
• Robert K. Zurawin, MD

Hours & Phone Number

• Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• To schedule an appointment,
• call 832.826.7500.
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• Visit the Obstetrics and Gynecology website.

New Location - November 7

• Important: Answers to questions about our move.
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• BCM OB/GYN is moving to the new Texas Children's Pavilion for Women. Starting November 7, you'll find us at:
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• 6651 Main St., across from Baylor Clinic
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• BCM OB/GYN
  3rd Floor, Suite F320
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• The Maternal and Fetal Center
  4th Floor, Suite F420
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• Texas Children's MyChart
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• BCM MyChart

Clinical Trials

• Are you interested in participating in clinical trials? Discuss opportunities with your physician.