This is about a woman on a mission to get sterilized outside her country by medical tourism.
A family history of breast cancer means hormonal birth control is not recommended, as the risk of breast cancer increases up to 20% compared to those who never used oral contraceptives.
In real life condoms are about 87% effective according to Planned Parenthood.
8 years with the copper IUD made me hate it more as time passes by. In February 2023, the strings detached itself from my IUD. While it was the first for my gynecologist, he reassured me the IUD is still intact but I need to get an ultrasound every time I want to check it’s position from now on. The copper IUD is still the best option available for me in this country, and yet it is getting more inconvenient to trust it the longer it stays inside me.
I walked out of my appointment frustrated, anxiety-ridden, and defeated.
It would be nice to have a more permanent solution and never have to worry about getting pregnant again!
No doctor in this country would risk their licenses for such an absurd request.
That’s when I realized self-determination and healthcare is more important than medical paternalism, taboo, and conservative beliefs.
Women, both with children or childfree, should have the option to choose any form of birth control- whether it be temporary or permanent- they desire. There are valid reasons for choosing permanent forms of birth control such as tubal ligation or bilateral salpingectomy. These include medical reasons, lifestyle choices, reliability, no hormonal side effects, personal beliefs, ethical reasons, and completion of family planning.
This blog is for women or anyone with female reproductive organs who have already reflected and decided on female sterilization. Those who are still unsure about having children in the future, this blog is not for them. Long term contraceptives such as IUDs and Implants and other family planning methods are available in hospitals, OB GYN clinics, NGOs such as Likhaan, and their barangay health centers.
Sterilization is a life changing and permanent decision. Proceed only if you are sure you can live without having children (or have more) in the future.
I want to show medical tourism as an alternative option for women seeking sterilization. As a first time medical tourist myself, it can be challenging and intimidating to do research and plan everything. I want to share my research and experience to anyone who may need this information for their health. I want women to feel empowered and make informed choices for themselves. Misinformation is still widespread and I want to make this a safe space to learn practical tips and actual facts.
While my blog focuses more on medical tourism for tubal/bilateral salpingectomy in Thailand, readers could also consider other countries. For a list of physicians and hospitals willing to sterilize women ages 21+, regardless of marital status and number of children, they can consult the following:
Childfree-Friendly Doctors List from r/Childfree
Whatever you decide for yourself, good luck and I wish the best in your journey!