Tubal ligation: All facts explained
Tubal ligation, also known as having your tubes tied or tubal sterilization, is a type of permanent birth control. During tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are cut, tied or blocked to prevent pregnancy.
Tubal ligation prevents an egg from travelling from ovaries through the fallopian tubes and blocks sperm from travelling up the fallopian tubes to the egg. This procedure doesn't affect your menstrual cycle.
Tubal ligation can be done at any time, including after childbirth (puerperal) or in combination with another abdominal surgery, such as a C-section.
Most tubal ligation procedures cannot be reversed. If reversal is attempted, it requires major surgery and isn't always effective.
When can you do a Tubal Ligation?
Any time after 3 or more months of childbirth/abortion, preferably within first 10 days of your cycle
Within 72 hours of a normal delivery
Along with any other abdominal surgery like Caesarean section
Along with surgical termination of pregnancy
Read on to know more…
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Tubal ligation permanently prevents pregnancy, so you no longer need any type of birth control.
It may also decrease your risk of ovarian cancer, more so if the fallopian tubes are removed.
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Damage to the bowel, bladder or major blood vessels
Reaction to anesthesia
Improper wound healing or infection
Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain
small risk of failure, resulting in an unwanted pregnancy in future
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If you have an interval tubal ligation, an incision is made through or above your belly button so your abdomen can be inflated with gas (carbon dioxide). Then a laparoscope is inserted into your abdomen.
Your doctor will make a second small incision to insert special instruments to help seal the fallopian tubes.
If you have a tubal ligation after vaginal childbirth, your doctor will make a small incision under your belly button. If you have a tubal ligation during a C-section, your doctor will use the same incision.