Psychological sequelae of sterilization in women in Singapore

Abstract

The Chinese in Singapore erroneously believe that there is an association between sterilization and castration. This belief has led to deep-seated fears that sterilization may result in obesity, physical weakness, and impairment of sexual function. Beginning in 1969, Singapore authorities introduced increasingly stronger social policies to help reduce family size. Subsequently, there was a large increase in the number of tubal ligations. It was initially thought that this might result in a high incidence of psychological sequelae. A study of 150 women who had had culdoscopic ligations showed that 6.3% were dissatisfied at the end of 2 yr. Women with fewer than 4 children and those with fewer than 2 sons tended to be more dissatisfied with sterilization.