Local anesthesia, used with or without mild sedation, is preferable to general anesthesia. Local anesthesia:

• Is safer than general, spinal, or epidural anesthesia
• Lets the woman leave the clinic or hospital sooner
• Allows faster recovery
• Makes it possible to perform female sterilization in more facilities

Sterilization under local anesthesia can be done when a member of the surgical team has been trained to provide sedation and the surgeon has been trained to provide local anesthesia. The surgical team should be trained to manage emergencies, and the facility should have the basic equipment and drugs to manage any emergencies.

Health care providers can explain to a woman ahead of time that being awake during the procedure is safer for her. During the procedure providers can talk with the woman and help to reassure her if needed.

Many different anesthetics and sedatives may be used. Dosage of anesthetic must be adjusted to body weight. Oversedation should be avoided because it can reduce the client's ability to stay conscious and could slow or stop her breathing.

In some cases, general anesthesia may be needed. See Medical Eligibility Criteria for Female Sterilization, for medical conditions needing special arrangements, which may include general anesthesia.