Queens Women's Health Center

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Birth Control - Tubal Ligation (surgical sterilization)

The IUD (intrauterine contraceptive device)

What is "tubal ligation"?

Tubal ligation is a surgical form of sterilization. It is a permanent form of birth control. During the surgery, the fallopian tubes are blocked; this can be done by tying, sealing, or attaching a ring or clip to them. This procedure can be performed postpartum (at time of cesarean section or within 48 hours after vaginal delivery) or as an interval procedure (performed six weeks after delivery or at any time not related to pregnancy). Postpartum tubal ligation is performed through a small incision under the navel. Interval tubal ligation can be performed through a small bikini type incision or by a technique called laparoscopy. During laparoscopy, the doctor uses an instrument-like telescope, called a laparoscope, to look at the pelvic organs and to block the fallopian tubes.

How does tubal ligation work?

Tubal ligation permanently blocks the fallopian tubes so the egg cannot move down the tube and the sperm cannot reach the egg, therefore pregnancy cannot occur.

How effective is tubal ligation?

Tubal ligation is 99.20 effective. If a woman does get pregnant after sterilization, there is a greater chance that it is a tubal pregnancy. Failure of the procedure is more likely if a woman is relatively young, because younger woman are more fertile than older women.

Am I a good candidate for tubal ligation?

Tubal ligation is ideal for those women who are certain they wish no further children and need a reliable contraceptive method. If you are considering tubal ligation, you and your partner should discuss vasectomy, a sterilization procedure performed on men. Compared to female sterilization, vasectomy is simpler, safer, less expensive, and more (99.9%) effective. It is performed under local anesthesia by a urologist.

Are there any reasons why I shouldn't have a tubal ligation?

Tubal ligation is a permanent procedure. You and your partner should be absolutely sure that you do not want anymore children-now or in the future. If there is any chance that you might want to have children in the future, you should think about using another method of birth control. There may be a greater chance that you will regret your decision if:

  • you are young
  • you are recently divorced or in an unstable marriage
  • your life circumstances are changing
  • you are unhappy with other reversible methods of birth control performed in the immediate postpartum period; it should be delayed if there is any issue with your baby’s health

you are unhappy with other reversible methods of birth control performed in the immediate postpartum period; it should be delayed if there is any issue with your baby’s health.

What are the risks of tubal ligation?

Operative Complications

  • Laparoscopic sterilization rarely has any major complications. Serious complications, such as infections, bowel injuries, bleeding, burns, or complications from anesthesia, occur in about 1 in every 1,000 women who have the operation.

Steriilization Failure

  • Pregnancy can occur after surgical sterilization, but the risk is very low. Less than 1% of women who have the procedure will ever become pregnant.

Ectopic Pregnancy

  • Those women who do get pregnant after sterilization are more likely to have a tubal pregnancy.

* The final decision is between you and your doctor.

What are the benefits of tubal ligation?

  • safe, operative procedure
  • permanent
  • very effective
  • no effect on the menstrual cycle
  • no effect on sexual activity or need for partner compliance
  • slightly lower risk of ovarian cancer

What should I expect on the day of my laparoscopic tubal ligation?

The operation takes place in an outpatient surgical suite. Consent for the surgical procedure will be obtained by your doctor. When you sign this you are stating that you understand the risks and benefits of the operation itself, understand that the procedure is NOT 100% effective for birth control, and that you are aware of appropriate alternatives.

An intravenous line will be started to give you fluids during the operation. General anesthesia is necessary for the laparoscopic procedure, so you will be asleep during the operation. After anesthesia is given, a small incision about half an inch long is made in the skin just below the navel. Carbon dioxide is used to swell the abdomen so the pelvic reproductive organs can be seen more clearly. The laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen through the incision. This instrument has a bright light and lens like a tiny telescope that allows the surgeon to see into the abdomen. A second instrument is inserted either through the laparoscope or through a small second incision made near the pubic hairline. The fallopian tubes are grasped and sealed by using bands, clips, or electrocoagulation (electricity). With electrocoagulation, an electric current is used to burn and block the tubes. After the procedure, the instruments are removed and the gas is released. The incisions are then closed. You will be observed for a short time to be sure that everything is all right. Most women are ready to go home 2-4 hours after the procedure.

What should I expect after the surgery?

What should I expect after the surgery?

  • mild nausea from the medications or the procedure
  • pains in your neck or shoulder-the gas used to distend your abdomen can irritate your diaphragm
  • pain in the incisions
  • scratchy throat (from the breathing tube placed in your throat during general anesthesia)
  • menstrual-like cramps and bleeding
  • swollen abdomen

The incision should be treated as an ordinary skin cut and kept dry for a few days to promote good healing. A bruise around the incision, if present, will soon fade away. If the incision appears infected or if the tenderness lasts longer than a few days, your doctor should check to make sure there is no infection. After the incision has healed, a slight scar will remain. A postoperative check-up will be scheduled for two weeks after the operation.

Are there any warning signs I should look out for after the surgery?

Call your doctor if you have any of the following problems:

  • fever greater than 100.4°F (39°C)
  • dizziness with fainting
  • abdominal pain that is persistent or increasing
  • bleeding or fluid coming from the incision
  • if you should ever get pregnant, you must be seen immediately (there is a greater chance it may be an ectopic pregnancy)
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