TUBAL LIGATION

Tubal ligation, also known as having the "tubes tied" is an operation that sterilizes a female. It blocks the fallopian tubes so that the eggs cannot get to the uterus and be fertilized by sperm.

Tubal ligation is for women who do not want any more children. It is considered permanent because having a tubal reversal is major surgery. Tubal reversal is difficult, expensive, and often not successful. If there is any doubt in a woman's mind about having a tubal ligation, she should not have it.

Even though tubal ligation is considered permanent, there is a slight possibility that a woman who has had a tubal ligation could get pregnant. If a woman who has had a tubal ligation does get pregnant, the chances are very high that the pregnancy could be in the tubes, or a tubal pregnancy.

The advantages of tubal ligation are that it is considered permanent, it has no side effects, and it does not affect sexual pleasure. It is a good birth control measure for a woman whose health would be at risk if she were to become pregnant.

A woman no longer has to worry about pills or devices when having sex. The big disadvantage is that it does NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Women with more than one sex partner must use other protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Tubal ligation can be done anytime a woman is not pregnant. It can be done after the delivery of a child. If done at this time, it is usually done through a small cut in the abdomen. Usually the woman can leave the hospital the same time she would have without the surgery. If tubal ligation is done other times, it is usually done with a laparoscope. The laparoscope is a small, lighted telescope. A very small cut is made at the bottom of the umbilicus (belly button), for the laparoscope. Another very small cut is made lower on the abdomen for another instrument to do the surgery. The provider will help decide which procedure is best for each woman. A tubal ligation can also be performed in a clinic, doctor's office, or ambulatory surgical center.

There are various methods that can be used to tie the tubes. Some surgeons use a method to make sure that the tubal cannot be reversed in the future. Other times, they may use a special ring. Sometimes if a tubal needs to be reversed and the ring has been used, it is easier to reverse.

Usually, general anesthesia is used, but local and regional anesthesia can also be used depending on the procedure. With a general anesthesia, the woman will be asleep, and will not feel anything during the surgery. All surgeries have the possibility of complications with the anesthesia, infection or bleeding. Possible complications should be discussed with the provider.

Women having a tubal ligation are usually allowed to recover for several hours before going home. They may need 1 to 2 days or more to rest at home before returning to usual activities.

Counseling with a family planning counselor and/or the healthcare provider is important for a woman considering tubal ligation. All other forms of birth control, such as the pill, IUD, condoms, diaphragm, implants, and shots should be considered first. Vasectomy, permanent birth control for men, is an option for women with one partner.

For more information, contact your healthcare provider or visit the website of EngenderHealth, a non-profit organization dedicated to making reproductive health care accessible to women and men around the world, at www.engenderhealth.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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