Tubal ligation, commonly referred to as “getting your tubes tied,” is a surgical procedure that’s very effective in preventing pregnancy. It involves cutting, blocking or sealing off your fallopian tubes to prevent your eggs from being fertilized by sperm. The term “tubal” refers to the fallopian tubes. “Ligation” means to tie. Your fallopian tubes are cut and tied with a special thread (suture) or blocked during this procedure using a clamp, clip or band.
Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome
Roughly 37% of women suffer from Post tubal ligation syndrome, following tubal ligation surgery. It is also said that of those 37%, women who have had their tubes cauterized at a younger age are at a higher risk for this syndrome.
Symptoms of PTLS include:
- Hot flashes
- Chronic Fatigue
- Irregular or Heavier Periods
- Loss of Libido
- Increased depression and/or anxiety
- Achy, sore joints and/or muscles
- Weight gain
- Memory Lapse
- Pelvic pain
- Increased headaches
Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome has also been linked with other medical issues which include:
- Castrative menopause
- Ovarian Isolation
- Imbalances of hormones or hormone shock
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Severe pelvic adhesions
- Bone loss/osteoporosis
- Misplacement of female organs
Can PTLS be treated?
Treatment for PTLS consists of tubal ligation reversal. A majority of patients that have had a reversal have felt an improvement in their overall health and wellbeing. The exact mechanism of action that improves these symptoms is unknown.
We can help you with your symptoms. A tubal ligation reversal is done in our facility as an outpatient procedure. Get started by clicking here.
Treatment Options
- All Treatment Options
- Tubal Reversal Surgery
- Bipolar Coagulation Ligation Reversal
- Irving Tubal Ligation Reversal
- Monopolar Coagulation Reversal
- Tubal Clip Ligation Reversal
- Tubal Ring Reversal
- Parkland Method Reversal
- Pomeroy Tubal Ligation Reversal
- Essure Tubal Ligation
- Adiana Tubal Ligation Reversal
Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation is a procedure that provides permanent birth control. It’s commonly called “getting your tubes tied.” In this surgery, your fallopian tubes are cut, blocked or sealed off to prevent pregnancy. Tubal ligation is safe and effective and can be done at any time.
Overview
The fallopian tubes can be blocked several ways during tubal ligation surgery (getting your tubes tied).
What is tubal ligation?
Tubal ligation, commonly referred to as “getting your tubes tied,” is a surgical procedure that’s very effective in preventing pregnancy. It involves cutting, blocking or sealing off your fallopian tubes to prevent your eggs from being fertilized by sperm. The term “tubal” refers to the fallopian tubes. “Ligation” means to tie. Your fallopian tubes are cut and tied with a special thread (suture) or blocked during this procedure using a clamp, clip or band.
Your reproductive system includes your vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The fallopian tubes are on either side of your uterus and extend toward your ovaries. They receive eggs from your ovaries and transport them to your uterus. Sperm can no longer reach the egg and an egg can’t reach sperm when the fallopian tubes are closed. This prevents you from becoming pregnant.
This procedure is also called tubal sterilization or female sterilization. It’s performed after vaginal childbirth or a Cesarean delivery (C-section), during another abdominal surgery or on its own. Tubal ligation can be difficult and expensive to reverse and doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Why do people get their tubes tied?
Tubal ligation is considered permanent birth control. It’s about 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. If you’re sure you don’t want to be pregnant or be pregnant ever again, getting your tubes tied is a safe and convenient form of contraception. It allows you to enjoy sex without worrying about pregnancy.
In some cases, removal of your fallopian tubes is recommended for treating certain conditions. Your healthcare provider may also recommend it if you have a high chance of being a carrier of a specific gene mutation (BRCA) that’s associated with ovarian cancer.
Procedure Details
How do I know I am ready to get my tubes tied?
You should carefully weigh your decision to undergo sterilization. Though tubal ligation has been successfully reversed in some people, the procedure is meant to be permanent.
People who are unsure if they still want children should choose a reversible form of contraception, such as birth control pills, an intrauterine device (IUD) or a barrier method (such as a diaphragm).
Your partner may also consider having a vasectomy, a method of sterilization that involves cutting and tying the vas deferens, a tube that transports sperm.
How do I get ready for tubal ligation surgery?
Before the procedure, you should discuss your decision for tubal ligation with your healthcare provider. Make sure you understand the risks of sterilization, how the procedure will be performed and any special instructions.
How is tubal ligation performed?
Your fallopian tubes are cut and tied with special thread, closed shut with bands or clips, or sealed with an electric current during tubal ligation. It can be performed in three ways:
Laparoscopic tubal ligation
Laparoscopy enables your healthcare provider to complete tubal ligation by making two small incisions — one at your navel and one just above your public bone.
First, an intravenous line (IV) will be inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. You’ll be given a general anesthetic in the IV to relax your muscles and prevent pain during surgery.
A small incision is then made near your navel. A laparoscope, a thin viewing tube about the width of a pencil, is passed through this incision, and your abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide to make your organs easier to view.
Then, they insert a surgical instrument through a second small incision made at your pubic hairline. Your fallopian tubes are located and then sealed with a band, ring or clip. Sometimes, your healthcare provider will use an electric current, called electrocoagulation, to seal your fallopian tubes.
After your provider seals your fallopian tubes, they remove the laparoscope and use dissolvable stitches to close the incisions.
Laparoscopic sterilization is typically done as an outpatient procedure and can be performed at any time. The smaller incisions reduce recovery time after surgery and the risk of complications. In most cases, you can leave the surgery facility within four hours after laparoscopy.
Laparotomy
A laparotomy is a more extensive surgery that requires a larger abdominal incision and sometimes a day or two of recovery in the hospital. Your healthcare provider will make a two- to five-inch incision in your abdomen, then bring your fallopian tubes up through the incision. Next, the tubes are cut and closed off using bands, rings or clamps. Finally, your provider closes your abdomen with stitches.
As this is an open abdominal surgery, the recovery time can take several weeks. Generally, this form of tubal ligation is considered outdated and invasive compared to more modern practices, except when it occurs after a C-section delivery. In that case, your provider uses the same incision to deliver your baby and perform tubal ligation.
Mini-laparotomy tubal ligation (mini-lap)
Unlike a laparotomy, a mini-laparotomy uses a smaller incision — this is why it’s given the name “mini” laparotomy. This type of tubal ligation is typically done within 24 hours of a vaginal childbirth, when you’re already under epidural anesthesia. However, it can also be done under spinal anesthesia if you didn’t receive an epidural during labor.
After you give birth, your provider locates your fallopian tubes and uterus just below your navel. If a provider performs a mini-lap outside of childbirth, they make the incision just above your public bone.
Your healthcare provider locates your fallopian tubes, lifts them to the incision and closes them off using a special thread (suture). If the procedure isn’t related to childbirth, your provider may use bands, rings or clamps. The incision will be closed with stitches that dissolve.
Is getting my tubes tied a major surgery?
It depends on how your surgeon performs a tubal ligation. Your healthcare provider will determine the best way to proceed with surgery based on your medical history or if you’re having a tubal ligation immediately after childbirth.
A laparoscopic tubal ligation is less invasive because it leaves a smaller incision and has a shorter recovery time. A mini-laparotomy is slightly more invasive than laparoscopy and typically performed just after giving birth. The most major tubal ligation surgery is a laparotomy because it involves making a large incision across your abdomen.
What should I expect after getting my tubes tied?
After your tubal ligation, you’re taken to a recovery area for monitoring. If you’ve had a laparoscopic tubal ligation, you may be allowed to go home within a few hours. If you’ve had a mini-laparotomy or laparotomy, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight. If you get your tubes tied after giving birth, you’ll already have planned a hospital stay.
Some common restrictions you can expect after a tubal ligation are:
- Avoid lifting anything heavy for at least one or two weeks. If you gave birth just before your tubal ligation, it’s usually recommended to wait at least four weeks to lift anything heavier than your baby.
- Don’t drink alcohol or drive for at least 24 hours.
- You can resume showers as usual. Don’t swim or take baths for at least two weeks after surgery to allow for the incision site to heal.
- Gas in your abdomen may cause discomfort in your neck, shoulders and chest for 24 to 72 hours after surgery. Try taking a warm shower, using a heating pad or walking.
- You may have mild nausea. Try eating a light evening meal on the day of surgery. Tea, soup, toast or crackers may help relieve nausea.
- Your abdomen may be swollen for several days after the surgery. You can take over-the-counter pain medication or prescription pain reliever as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Vaginal bleeding up to one month after surgery is typical. Many people don’t have their next normal menstrual cycle for four to six weeks after surgery. When your normal cycle returns, you may notice heavier bleeding and more discomfort than usual.
What are the side effects of having a tubal ligation?
You’ll have some pain in your abdomen and feel tired after the procedure. The type of anesthesia used and how the surgery was performed can also affect your symptoms. The most common side effects of tubal ligation are:
- Shoulder pain.
- Bloating.
- Abdominal cramps.
- Nausea.
- Sore throat (from the breathing tube).
- Dizziness.
If you have pelvic pain that doesn’t go away after a few days, or if you have a fever, contact your healthcare provider right away.
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