Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ovabloc?
Ovabloc is a sterilisation method for women, whereby the gynaecologist inserts a rubber plug into both Fallopian tubes. This plug forms a barrier between the egg-cell and sperm cell. The Ovabloc is a very non-intrusive alternative to laparoscopic sterilisation. General anaesthetic is not required. Immediately after the treatment you can leave the hospital and resume your daily activities. There are no wounds or scars involved because the method makes use of natural access routes.

Does Ovabloc contain hormones?
No, the Ovabloc material does not contain hormones and thus has no influence on the monthly cycle or menopause.

How reliable is Ovabloc?
Ovabloc has been used for many years. So there is vast experience with this product. No form of contraception is 100 % safe. The risk of becoming pregnant after an Ovabloc treatment is less than 0.8% (less than 8 out of 1,000 women).

How long does an Ovabloc treatment take?
The treatment only takes about 20 to 40 minutes. An X-ray is made after treatment, in order to be completely sure of the correct positioning of the plug. Due to the treatment being done on outpatient basis, you leave the hospital directly after the procedure and can resume your daily activities straight away.

Does the Ovabloc treatment hurt?
Prior to the Ovabloc treatment, you will be given painkillers to take the evening before and at breakfast on the day of the treatment. You may need a local anaesthetic just before treatment. This takes place by means of a couple of injections with a thin needle into the cervix. Most women do not even feel this. However, there is a possibility that you will experience something equivalent to menstrual pain.

When is the Ovabloc sterilisation completely reliable?
Directly after the treatment, an X-ray will be made of the Fallopian tubes, to check the positioning of the plugs. Three months later another X-ray will be made. During the ‘acclimatisation’ period of 3 months after insertion of Ovabloc, we advise you to continue using some other form of contraception, for example the pill or condoms.

What are the side effects of an Ovabloc treatment?
In most cases, the Ovabloc treatment is carried out without any problem at all. You may feel a slight pain resembling menstrual pain for the first few hours after treatment and you may experience some vaginal bleeding in the first week. There is only a minimum risk (<2%) that Ovabloc could become dislocated. This could occur in the case of wide Fallopian tubes, for example. The risk of serious complications is very small indeed.

Whom can I contact in case of severe blood loss, strongly increasing abdominal pains or a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or more?
In case of one of these symptoms please contact your gynaecologist.

Can you feel the Ovabloc plug after the treatment?
No, because an Ovabloc plug weighs only 0.20 grams, you will not notice it after the treatment. Besides that, the Ovabloc material is very subtle and elastic and moves along with your body.

Does the monthly cycle change after the treatment?
No, there is no influence on both the monthly cycle and the menopause, because the Ovabloc material does not contain hormones.

Can the Ovabloc plug be removed?
Removing the Ovabloc plug from the Fallopian tubes is very difficult. The Fallopian tubes are open again, but often the mucous membrane on the inside no longer functions properly. Because of that, the transport of the egg to the womb is disturbed. Then, the chance of having children is minimal. Choosing Ovabloc therefore means a choice for a permanent form of contraception.

Are the costs of Ovabloc covered?
The costs of an Ovabloc treatment are sometimes covered by a health insurance. If in doubt, contact your health care insurer.