Women's experiences with female sterilization Experiencias de mujeres con la esterilización femenina

Abstract

Objective: to describe the experiences of women in Bogota-Colombia with female sterilization (before, during and after its implementation). Materials and Methods: Descriptive qualitative research; the information was collected through semi-structured interviews, recorded, transcribed and subjected to content analysis. Results: Twelve women who had different experiences from their approach to female sterilization until several years after its implementation participated. These experiences were grouped according to the moments explored: In the "before", the women approached the method because of the need to adopt a good contraceptive; both personal and contextual aspects influenced their decision making; the interviewees accessed the method without sufficient education to make a truly informed decision. In the "during" period, the experiences differed according to the time of the procedure (postpartum or interval); shortcomings were identified in the process of filling out the informed consent form. In the "after", women perceived changes in their health, especially in the menstrual pattern, some became pregnant and others reported regret. Conclusion: The experiences of users of female sterilization demonstrate the need to improve health care for women who choose this contraceptive, in the processes of counseling, implementation and follow-up, where they are approached holistically, and with a life course approach.