Summary
This paper provides advice for clinicians in obtaining consent of women undergoing sterilisation by laparoscopy or hysteroscopy or at the time of caesarean section. The consent form should be carefully edited under the heading ‘Name of proposed procedure or course of treatment’ to accurately describe the exact procedure to be performed. If consent is required for additional procedures, further procedure-specific consent should be obtained.
The aim of this advice is to ensure that all women are given consistent and adequate information for consent; it is intended to be used together with dedicated patient information. After discharge, women should have clear direction to enable them to obtain help if there are unforeseen problems.
Further information:
- Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Clinical Guidance: Male And Female Sterilisation
Evidence-based recommendations and good practice points for health professionals on elective male sterilisation (vasectomy) and female sterilisation (tubal occlusion).
Family Planning Association: Your Guide to Male and Female Sterilisation
Please note
This document should be used as part of theprocess outlined on our main consent page. The form should be used to help record women’s understanding of the implications of the final agreed procedure.
COVID disclaimer
This Consent Advice was developed prior to the emergence of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Version history
This is the second edition of this guidance.
Please note that the Patient Safety Committee regularly assesses the need to update. Further information on this review is available on request.
Developer declaration of interests
Mr MA DeBono FRCOG, Halifax: None declared.