Sterilisations (discontinued), 1999

The number of sterilizations per year have been climbing since 1995, when they dropped to 7 222 cases. Three out of five of those who had themselves sterilized in 1999 were women.

More men over 45

Increasingly more men over the age of 45 are opting for sterilization. In 1999 the increase was 14.2 per cent compared with 1998. Sterilization is nevertheless the most common in the age group 35-44 years. Among women, most sterilizations take place from age 30 to 44.

Most sterilizations are performed on an out-patient basis. In 1999 around 2 per cent of the men and 32 per cent of the women were admitted to hospital. By comparison, just over 36 per cent of the women were admitted to hospital in connection with sterilization in 1998.

The breakdown by county is based on each sterilization that is done and not the county of residence of the person sterilized. This is not a priority treatment in the national health care system, so no waiting list guarantee is given. Whoever wants to be sterilized may have the procedure performed in another county than where he or she lives. County statistics on sterilizations performed per 1 000 inhabitants can therefore be inaccurate.

Most sterilizations in Telemark and Agder

Grouped by county of treatment, Telemark and Agder counties top the sterilization statistics calculated per 1 000 inhabitants in the relevant age group. This is the same as in 1998. Vestfold has the lowest sterilization rate, closely followed by Østfold and Oslo.

Sterilizations are governed by a 1977 law under which people who have turned 25 may demand that they be sterilized. People under 25 may be sterilized under certain conditions, e.g., in the event of an inherited disease, and to protect the health of a woman who risks death or injury from pregnancy and giving birth.