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Evidence to Improve Care

Hysteroscopic Tubal Sterilization


Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee Recommendations

The Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee recommends that:

  • Hysteroscopic sterilization be considered as an alternative to tubal ligation for female sterilization.

  • Access issues regarding hysteroscopic sterilization being provided in an outpatient setting be considered as part of the associated implementation strategy.

Read the full OHTAC Recommendation report



When women want a permanent form of birth control, the usual way is to have a tubal ligation (or "having their tubes tied"). Tubal ligation is a surgery to cut or tie the fallopian tubes. When the tubes are cut, eggs cannot move along them into the uterus to be fertilized. The surgery is done under a general anaesthetic.


Health Quality Ontario Reviews Hysteroscopic Tubal Sterilization

With hysteroscopic tubal sterilization, a tiny device called a microinsert is put into each fallopian tube through the vagina, cervix and uterus. Scar tissue grows around the microinsert and blocks the fallopian tubes. The procedure can be done in about 10 minutes in a doctor’s office without general or local anaesthetic.


Hysteroscopic Tubal Sterilization: An Evidence-Based Analysis (PDF)
October 2013

Hysteroscopic Tubal Sterilization: A Health Economic Literature Review (PDF)
October 2013


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The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has reviewed this recommendation. However, in light of the fact this product is no longer for sale in Canada, no further action will be taken.



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