Illustration of female sterilization procedure. This is usually a permanent method of contracep- tion in which the fallopian tubes are sealed or cut to prevent sperm from reaching the female egg. Here, under anaesthetic, the vagina is clamped open and an incision made near the cervix (at centre). The fallopian tube is drawn through the vaginal wall and either cut and ligatured, or con- stricted in a loop by a tight band. It is pushed back into the abdominal cavity and the incision stitched. Then the other fallopian tube is put through the same procedure. Sterilization is a common and safe contraceptive method, and in some cases fertility can be restored by microsurgery.