Sterilization is a medical procedure that renders an individual incapable of reproduction. It can be achieved through surgical methods, such as tubal ligation in females or vasectomy in males, or through nonsurgical methods, like hormonal contraceptives or intrauterine devices. The procedure is often considered a permanent form of Birth Control and is typically chosen for personal, medical, or economic reasons. Sterilization can also refer to the process of eliminating all forms of microbial life from an object or environment, commonly used in medical equipment and laboratory settings.