Choosing whether to have children — and how many to have — is a major decision in a woman's life. So when a woman decides that she is finished having babies or that she doesn't want to bear children, she may opt for permanent birth control.

You're probably aware of traditional methods of permanent birth control, including tubal ligation — more commonly known as having one's fallopian tubes "tied." This method is an invasive surgical procedure usually performed under general anesthesia. Recovery takes a few days.

Some women are most comfortable with a traditional method. But there are other options.

One of these new methods of permanent birth control is called Adiana. This minimally invasive procedure does not require an incision or general anesthesia.

Here's how it works: A soft insert — about the size of a grain of rice — is inserted through the vagina and cervix into each fallopian tube. The woman's own tissue will then grow in and around the inserts, completely blocking the fallopian tubes. The Adiana procedure is performed with local anesthesia or intravenous sedation, and women usually return to work and other normal activities within a day.

If you choose Adiana, you'll need to use an alternate method of birth control for three months after the procedure to give your tissue time to grow into and around the inserts. At that point, you'll undergo a test to confirm that your fallopian tubes are fully blocked.

Another method of permanent birth control is called Essure. It works much the same way as Adiana but has been around for a few years. Like Adiana, Essure does not require an incision, general anesthesia or hormones. A soft, flexible microscopic coil is inserted into each fallopian tube. Again, after three months, a test is required to confirm that the procedure was successful.

If you're considering any method of permanent birth control, remember that these procedures are not reversible. So don't make your decision hastily. Talk with your doctor, research your options and do what's right for you and your family.

Dr. Richard Gimpelson specializes in gynecology at St. Luke's Hospital. Call 314-878-1866 or visit stlukes-stl.com. XX Files, a women's health column, rotates each week with Aging Successfully, a column for seniors by Dr. John Morley of St. Louis University.