A comparison of definable traits in women requesting reversal of sterilization and women satisfied with sterilization.

More women of reproductive age are being sterilized. Some of these women regret the decision and subsequently request a reversal of sterilization, whereas others do not. This study was undertaken to develop a profile of easily definable traits of 159 women who requested a reversal of sterilization and compare it with that of 160 women who apparently were satisfied with sterilization. Statistically significant differences were found. Remarriage was the most common cause for regret among women in the group which requested reversal of sterilization. Women in this group married younger, completed their family earlier, and were sterilized at a younger age. These women had significantly fewer live children and had undergone more therapeutic abortions (p less than 0.005).