Characteristics of women requesting reversal of sterilization.

For a definition of the characteristics of women who request reversal of sterilization, 180 such women were compared with 180 women apparently satisfied with sterilization. Women who requested tubal reversal were younger at the time of sterilization, began and completed their families at an earlier age, and were of lower socioeconomic status than those who did not request reversal of sterilization. Women requesting reversal of sterilization had a significantly higher incidence of gynecologic clinic visits after and mental health clinic visits before and after sterilization. Thirty-five women requesting reversal of sterilization were compared with 35 control women by administration of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Higher MMPI scores on the hysteria and psychasthenia scales were noted in women requesting tubal reversal.