Elective sterilization in childless women.

Follow-up data on a series of 35 nulliparous women sterilized by laparoscopic tubal ligation have been analyzed for changes in menstrual pattern, motivation, and poststerilization adjustment problems with particular interest in feelings of regret. There was no significant change in menstrual function in these patients following surgery. There did not appear to be a significantly higher rate of regret in nulliparous women undergoing tubal ligation than that seen in studies of parous women. Feelings of unhappiness with regard to sterility were not related to age at the time of the request and may be more likely to occur in women choosing tubal ligation for medical reasons.