Which procedure is commonly known as female sterilization?

The procedure commonly known as female sterilization is tubal ligation. This surgical method involves cutting, tying, or otherwise blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus for fertilization, effectively preventing pregnancy. Tubal ligation is a permanent form of contraception and is specifically designed for females who have decided not to have children in the future or have completed their family.

Hysterectomy, while a female reproductive procedure, involves the removal of the uterus and does not specifically serve as a method for sterilization. Vasectomy is a male sterilization procedure that involves cutting the vas deferens to prevent sperm from mixing with seminal fluid. Conization, on the other hand, is a procedure to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix, usually for diagnostic purposes, such as ruling out cancer. Therefore, tubal ligation is the precise answer regarding female sterilization, as it directly impacts a woman's reproductive capability.