Popular comedian Bharti Singh has shared a deeply personal and revealing experience from the birth of her second son. The 41-year-old disclosed that doctors asked her about undergoing sterilisation while she was on the operating table immediately after delivery.
The Personal Revelation on Sterilisation
In an emotional conversation featured on her family's YouTube blog with her husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa, Bharti Singh recounted the moment. "The doctor asked me about getting sterilised. I said, 'no,'" she revealed. She pointedly noted that the medical staff did not ask if her husband was considering a vasectomy, highlighting a common gendered expectation in family planning decisions.
Bharti also expressed her heartfelt longing for a daughter, a feeling that surfaced after her son's birth. "When a child is born, you feel like you want another one... I wish to have a daughter," she shared from her hospital bed. However, she humorously added her apprehension about the possibility of a third son, stating it would be "too much to handle."
The Scary Rush to the Hospital
The comedian became emotional as she described the frightening start to her delivery day. She admitted to feeling scared when her water broke suddenly early in the morning at 6 AM, necessitating an emergency rush to the hospital. This moment of vulnerability adds a relatable layer to her childbirth story, resonating with many expecting parents.
Expert Insight on Making an Informed Choice
Dr. Richa Bharadwaj, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, emphasised that sterilisation is a permanent decision requiring careful thought. "Informed counselling is essential," she stated. She advised that couples should be certain their family is complete and that their choice is not made under the emotional, social, or financial stress often present right after childbirth.
Dr. Bharadwaj explained that discussions should cover age, number of children, overall health, and future uncertainties, ensuring both partners are comfortable. "Timing is also important; while sterilisation can be performed soon after delivery, it should not be rushed," she cautioned.
Vasectomy vs. Female Sterilisation: A Medical Comparison
From a medical perspective, Dr. Bharadwaj clarified that a vasectomy is generally simpler, safer, and involves a quicker recovery than female sterilisation. "It is a minor outpatient procedure with few complications and does not impact sexual performance or masculinity," she said, addressing two common male concerns.
In contrast, while female sterilisation is safe when performed correctly, it is a surgical procedure requiring anaesthesia and entails a longer recovery period. "Health-wise, vasectomy places much less physical strain on the family," Dr. Bharadwaj noted.
She observed that societal myths often create apprehension in men, while women are frequently expected to "adjust." "As doctors, we increasingly promote shared responsibility because contraception should be a joint decision, not a sacrifice by one partner," she affirmed.
Reversible Alternatives to Permanent Sterilisation
For couples uncertain about a permanent step, Dr. Bharadwaj listed several effective long-term but reversible options. These include intrauterine devices (IUDs), hormonal implants, injectables, and oral contraceptives. "These methods give couples time to decide without making a permanent commitment," she concluded, advocating for informed and pressure-free family planning.
