Tubal Ligation

Alternate Names
tubal sterilization
sterilization, female

Definition of Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is surgery performed to close the Fallopian tubes that lead from the ovaries to the uterus, in order to permanently prevent a woman from having children.

Who is a candidate for the procedure?

Women who no longer want to be able to have children, or who cannot use reversible methods of contraception (birth control) because of side effects, may decide to undergo tubal ligation Usually these women have already had one or more children.

If a woman has never had children or is less than 30 years old, a reversible method is usually a better choice. Tubal ligation is also useful for women whose medical problems make pregnancy very risky..Tubal ligation may remove the fear and anxiety of pregnancy for a woman, which can enhance intimacy and improve her sexual life. Other contraceptive methods can be stopped, thus saving costs and eliminating side effects.

How is the procedure performed?

Tubal ligation may be done in several ways. It can be done at the same time as a cesarean section, after the baby is born and the uterus is repaired. It can also be done within 24 hours after a vaginal delivery through a small incision below the navel. The surgery is technically easiest at this time, because the uterus and tubes are enlarged due to the recent childbirth and lie in the mid-abdomen rather than down in the pelvis.

For a woman not recently pregnant, tubal ligation can be done by placing a telescope in the uterus and watching as the openings to the tubes are blocked with small coils. This is known as an "Essure" tubal ligation. Alternatively, a laparoscopy may be done, in which a telescope is placed through the navel and the tubes are not tied, but burned or closed off with plastic clips, loops, or rings.

What happens right after the procedure?

These are usually performed as outpatient procedures. The woman is usually kept in a recovery room after the procedure until she has recovered from the anesthetic.

What happens later at home?

Most women recover with no problems. Vigorous exercise or other straining that could cause discomfort around the incision should be avoided. Oral pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (i.e., Tylenol), usually manage the pain.

Most of the time, women can return to work and routine activities in 2 to 3 days. Sexual intercourse may be resumed as soon as it is comfortable, usually within a week, unless the woman has just delivered a baby, in which case she should wait 6 weeks.

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

Complications are uncommon but may include:

• anesthesia-related problems such as difficulty breathing or medication reactions
• bleeding at the site of the tubal ligation, incision or surrounding structures
• infection
• blood clots
• sterilization failure, or incomplete closing or spontaneous reforming of the tubes with possible unintended fertility. This happens about once in every 400 tubal ligation procedures. Otherwise, this method of contraception is safe and reliable
• increased risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, if pregnancy does occur

The consumer health information on Activeforever.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen.