Within the framework of this exploratory study, 37 sterilised women wishing to be refertilised, were questioned thoroughly on what had indicated their sterilisation and why they wish to be refertilised. Assuming the existence of an interactive behaviour pattern, we concentrated on the psycho-social circumstances accompanying the definitive decision to be sterilised. Here, a critical situation in the relationship between the partners at the time of sterilisation could be established as a prognostically unfavourable factor. Accordingly, 20 of the 37 patients developed the wish to be refertilized because of a new partnership. Those who felt induced by their gynaecologist or partner to undergo sterilisation had significantly more problems in overcoming the psychological stress accompanying such an operation than those who, after repeated consultations, had enough time and possibilities to make their own decision concerning contraception. Furthermore, sterilisation due to medical indication could be suggested as another highly critical factor, especially where the gynaecologist failed to give sufficient explanation of its medical necessity. With regard to the time set for the sterilisation, the study revealed that the patient's psychological condition after the operation was significantly worse, when sterilisation was carried out immediately after a delivery or an abortion. The fact that in such cases sterilisation is often followed by an increase in psychosomatic trouble and depressive states, of mind is also confirmed by literature. The results of the study are a practical contribution towards improving preoperative consultation and coordinating the course of action to be taken where a patient has the wish to be sterilised.