Tubal ligation is a sterilization procedure in which a woman's fallopian tubes are tied into a loop and then cut.

This operation, which prevents an egg and sperm from meeting and reaching the uterus, is usually done through an abdominal incision, often following delivery of what the couple would like to be their last child. The resulting sterilization is considered permanent, although it has been known to be reversed.

In males, the tying of the sperm ducts to achieve sterilization is known as vase...