Other decisions, on the other hand, can no longer be reversed, or only under special conditions, should I change my mind in the future. Do I decorate my body with a tattoo? Having it removed later is time-consuming, expensive and also not 100%. What do we do when it comes to our fertility? After all, many people see procreation as THE purpose of life. Sterilization as an irreversible procedure is a very good method of contraception, but it is also a step that really needs to be carefully considered. First, however, a few preconceptions need to be dispelled.

Sterilization and castration: please don't confuse them!

Sterilization? Castration? The two terms are often confused and cause confusion and prejudice. I experience this in a completely different context, namely when it comes to my dog Alma. "Is he sterilized?" I am then asked. "No", I reply, "he's neutered". Then come answers like "I thought you could only neuter male dogs" or "Isn't that the same thing?" For heaven's sake, no! But with questions like that, I can see where the prejudices come from.

Sterilization "only" involves cutting the sperm or fallopian tubes. The procedure is called tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men.

• Nothing changes in terms of sexuality, the body or hormonal balance. Only the sperm and the egg are blocked from reaching their destination. The procedure does not even change the appearance of the ejaculate, which is blithely ejected during orgasm as before. The comparison with blank cartridges is therefore misleading. Ammunition is still fired, it is just no longer live. And the sperm are biodegraded by the body afterwards. Sperm retention therefore belongs in the realm of prejudice and fairy tales.

The procedure is easier for men than for women, as the spermatic cords can be reached through the skin. According to Pro Familia, complications are rather rare. Tubal ligation, on the other hand, can cause more difficulties. However, nothing changes in the monthly cycle and everything associated with it, including the ability to have an orgasm.

The difference to castration

Castration, on the other hand, has far-reaching consequences. My dog doesn't notice any of this. At least that's what I think. But who knows, maybe that's why she's so well-behaved.

• If you castrate a male or a female, it is definitely noticeable. After all, the gonads are removed, i.e. the testicles and ovaries. In men, sexual desire and erectile function can be impaired, as most of the male sex hormone testosterone is produced in the testicles. In addition, there can be a lack of drive, depression and a reduced willingness to be aggressive.

Castrated men have been haunted by history as harem guards. In addition, chemical castration is always the focus of media attention when it comes to the treatment of sex offenders.

• A woman, on the other hand, goes through the menopause when her ovaries are removed. In the past, total operations involving the removal of the uterus and ovaries were widespread. Today, we look very carefully at what can be preserved to minimize the impact on a woman's life.

It's all a matter of the mind

Once again, sterilization and castration are two completely different procedures. If you look into the subject and inform yourself properly, you will soon find out. When it comes to contraception, it's always sterilization. And at least on a hormonal level, it doesn't change anything in terms of sexual sensation, body or personality.

If there are problems, they are mostly in the mind and often revolve around the question "Am I still a real man or a real woman without the ability to conceive or bear children?" I would answer that with a resounding yes. However, if you are unsure about this, you should definitely clarify this for yourself first.

The decision should be carefully considered

You should also make sure that there is no suppressed desire to have children. Because it is precisely these unresolved issues that can affect your own body image and also have an impact on your sexual health. So if you have even a shred of doubt, you should wait before deciding to undergo sterilization. And, of course, age also plays a role. The younger someone is, the more likely it is that something fundamental will change in life and love. The desire to have children can also still develop. But if you are absolutely sure, this is a very safe, long-lasting method of contraception with few side effects.

A small addendum: sterilization does not protect against sexually transmitted infections! Condoms are still the best choice.

Anja Drews - qualified sex educator for ORION