Requesting information about and obtaining reversal after tubal sterilization: findings from the U.S. Collaborative Review of Sterilization.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the cumulative probabilities over 14 y of requesting information on sterilization reversal and of obtaining a reversal and to identify risk factors observable at sterilization for both measures of regret.


METHODS
The U.S. Collaborative Review of Sterilization, a prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Fifteen medical centers in 9 cities.


METHODS
11,232 women.


METHODS
Cumulative probabilities of requesting information on reversal and undergoing reversal.


RESULTS
The 14-y cumulative probability of requesting reversal information was 14.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.4%-16.3%). Among women aged 18 to 24 y at sterilization, the cumulative probability was 40.4% (95% CI, 31.6%-49.2%). Women aged 18 to 24 y were almost 4 times as likely to request reversal information as were women > or = 30 years of age (adjusted rate ratio [RR], 3.5; 95% CI, 2.8-4.4). Number of living children was not associated with requesting reversal information. The overall cumulative probability of obtaining reversal was 1.1% (95% CI, 0.5-1.6). Younger women (18 to 30 y) were more likely to obtain reversal (RR, 7.6; 95% CI, 3.2-18.3).


CONCLUSIONS
Women who were sterilized at a young age had a high chance of later requesting information about reversal, regardless of their number of living children.
Schmidt
J E
JE
Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), Division of Applied Public Health Training, Epidemiology Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA.
Hillis
S D
SD
Marchbanks
P A
PA
Jeng
G
G
Peterson
H B
HB
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011336:Probability; D013243:Sterilization Reversal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013245:Sterilization, Reproductive; D014481:United States