[Impact of contraceptive methods on women's lives: the case of tubal ligation].

This study focused on the long-term consequences of tubal ligation on women's lives. Women 30 to 49 years old living in Campinas, State of São Paulo (Brazil), were interviewed: 236 sterilized at least five years prior to the interview and 236 non-sterilized women. Their experiences with the currently used contraceptive methods were compared with regard to satisfaction, benefits, and damage attributed to the method, feelings of regret, and perception of effects on their health, body, menstruation, sex, affective and family life, job, studies, economic status, and self-esteem. Scores were created to compare the groups in relation to self-esteem, well-being/quality of life, relationship with partner, and gender issues. Satisfaction with the currently used contraceptive method was significantly higher among sterilized women, although they more frequently reported having regretted being sterilized at some moment in time. Relatively more sterilized women felt that the contraceptive method had improved their sex lives and economic status, while producing a negative effect on their menstruation. No significant difference was observed between the groups with regard to the scores studied.