Sterilisations 2024

Number of sterilisations continues to decrease

According to the THL’s register on sterilisations, the total number of sterilisations in 2024 was approximately 2300 which was 20.4 per cent less than in 2023. Especially the number of female sterilisations has declined significantly during the 2000’s and declined also in 2024 (-12.6%). Also, the number of male sterilisations decreased in 2024 (-22.9%).

The proportion of male sterilisations has increased considerably during the 2000s. In 2000, only 17 per cent of all sterilisations were performed to men while in 2024 the share was 73 per cent.

The decrease in the number of sterilisations after mid-1990’s can be attributed to, for example, an expanding range of contraceptives and postponing parenthood. The increase in the number of sterilisations after year 1985 is explained by the updated, more liberal legislation.

Women sterilised are on average younger than men sterilised: in 2024, the mean age for women was 36.2 years and the mean age for men 41.0 years.

For the 2024 data there are some known data quality issues for some hospitals, but the total number of procedures is in line with the data in the Hospital Care Register. However, the register coverage should be treated with caution.