The Basics
Tubal ligation is a permanent form of birth control that involves surgery to tie off a woman's fallopian tubes.
Fallopian tubes connect the ovaries (which produce eggs) to the uterus, so blocking this pathway prevents the egg from reaching the uterus and becoming fertilized. This procedure can be done once a woman decides she does not want to become pregnant in the future. She can also choose to have it done after childbirth or after a cesarean section.
Tubal ligation surgery is usually performed in a hospital by a surgeon.
Risks and precautions
In general, surgery and the use of anesthesia come with some risks that are associated with factors like your health condition and what the surgery involves. Side effects are very rare but can include trouble breathing, reactions to the anesthetic, bleeding, infection, scarring, and death.
Other potential risks associated with tubal ligation are:
- damage to other organs (such as the bowels or bladder)
- pregnancy (if the tubes are not completely tied)
- ectopic pregnancy (where the egg implants outside of the uterus - this may occur if the tubes are not completely tied)
Some medical conditions might put you at greater risk of complications. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
- obesity
- diabetes
- previous surgery to your pelvis or abdomen
- history of pelvic inflammatory disease
Since this surgery is a permanent form of birth control, you should be certain about your decision before undergoing this procedure. While tubal ligation is reversible in some cases, the surgery done to reverse sterilization is not always successful.
Talk to your doctor if you are worried about any of the symptoms or side effects you experience after this procedure. It is important that you understand all the risks of complications and side effects of the procedure, and what you or your doctor can do to avoid them. Make sure that your doctor is aware of all your concerns.
Some people may experience complications or side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you after your procedure.
Before the test
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or possibly pregnant. You may not be able to eat or drink before the procedure; it is important to follow the timing that your doctor recommended, otherwise you run the risk of the surgery being postponed or cancelled. In general, people are advised to not eat for 8 hours before the procedure; and most hospitals ask that you do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure.
If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications, supplements, or herbal products, make sure you inform your doctor or pharmacist. Ask them whether it is necessary for you to stop taking any of these medications and products before the procedure. It is also important to tell them if you have allergies to certain medications or have certain medical conditions.
Plan to have someone drive you home from the hospital.