Women who regret their sterilization: Developmental considerations

Abstract

This descriptive report assesses factors which may lead to a woman first asking to be sterilized and then asking for her sterilization to be reversed. Retrospectively collected demographic and interview data suggest that some women seek sterilization as a solution to problems which are not contraceptive in nature, and later come to regret their sterilization. the problems are psychological and interpersonal and rooted in life situations where female adult development is impeded. Assessment procedures for women considering sterilization are suggested.

Key Words:

• Sterilization
• Regret
• Female development
• Contraception