This article summarizes the results of the International Workshop on Nonsurgical Methods for Female Tubal Occlusion a 3-day workshop held in Chicago in June 1982 by the Program for Applied Research in Fertility Regulation. Researchers reported on experiments with various chemical sterilants--phenol based compounds quinacrine and methoxylcyanoacrylate (MCA)--and with silicone rubber delivered by a variety of techniques. However the goal of developing a safe 95% effective method of nonsurgical female sterilization that can be performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis by nonphysicians preferably after only a brief training period remains elusive; either failure rates have exceeded 5% the methods safety cannot be assured the procedure is too complex or the method requires too many administrations. A technique utilizing a thick paste containing carbolic acid (phenol) which is applied to the epithelial tissue lining the fallopian tubes is described based on the treatment of 2000 women between 1972 and 1976 by Chinese physicians. Side effects include heavy perspiration; dizziness during or immediately after the procedure; nausea; some loss of appetite and vaginal discharge for up to 10 days after the procedure. Uterine perforation in 3 women and 33 cases of pelvic inflammatory disease are reported. Quinacrine used to close the tubes is reported on by Chilean and Indian physicians; its use in a pellet that slowly releases the drug into the tubes and as a liquid is described. Almost 95% effectiveness has been achieved with a quinacrine bearing IUD especially the No Gravid IUD. MCA acts by destroying the tubal epithelium as it solidifies; scar tissue replaces it as it biodegrades. Tested in New York City side effects include abdominal pain for up to 1 month; fevers; and pelvic inflammatory disease (1%). Several methods for plugging the fallopian tubes are also described which use silicone rubber. Clinical trials in the U.S. had an 82% success rate when both tubes were occluded. This method necessitates using a hysteroscope an expensive delicate fiberoptic device that requires careful handling maintenance and a significant amount of training for personnel. It may soon be approved for use in the U.S. but is seen as having limited potential in the developing world. Further research will be directed to progesterone therapy quinacrine related drugs and MCA used with muscle relaxants. (summary in FRE)