Post-sterilization regrets in Indian women

Background: Tubal ligation is the most common form of contraception in India. We conducted this study to assess the factors associated with post-sterilization regrets. Aims: This study was designed to assess risk factors that are likely to cause regret following female sterilization in Indian women. Settings and Design : Questionnaire-based study. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based study to assess the level of satisfaction after tubal ligation in women attending family planning clinic at the hospital over a period of 1 year. Evaluation of data obtained through questionnaire from 236 women who had undergone tubal ligation was done.Statistical Analysis : Univariate analysis to determine crude odds ratio was carried out. Subsequently, multiple regression analysis was used to find the adjusted odds ratio (and 95% confidence intervals) for each variable. Results: We found a strong co-relation between regrets and young age (less than 30 years), fewer number of children, few or no male children and lack of partner motivation prior to sterilization. Menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhoea did not influence regret to a large extent. Conclusion: Fertility-related factors, namely, age at sterilization, family size, number of male offspring, timing of sterilization and non-involvement of partner in decision making played a greater role in post-sterilization regrets than menstrual factors (menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhoea).