Considering a Tubal Ligation? 4 Things to Know First

Is tying your tubes on your potential list of “to dos”? Maybe you’re finished having kids or you don’t want them at all. Whatever the reason, there are a few things every woman should know before making the decision to move forward with the procedure.

• Not all procedures are the same: Tying your tubes is the umbrella term for tubal ligation, a surgery that prevents pregnancy by ensuring the fallopian tubes don’t deliver those necessary eggs. Women who are positive they’re done with pregnancy can choose from a long list of operations based on their needs. The fallopian tubes can be sealed with an electrical current, partial amputation or closed using clamps. Inserting a metal spring or implants inside the tubes is another option.
• Don’t fret too much about the surgery: Although all that talk of clamps and implants may sound scary and painful, the outpatient procedure these days isn’t that complicated. Tubal ligation involves laparoscopy, which means the patient will only receive a small incision below the belly button. For women who choose implants, since those are inserted through a dilated cervix, no incision is made. Also, the procedure can be done right after a C-section or 48 hours after a vaginal birth. The entire operation takes about 15 minutes and requires very little downtime.
• It’s effective and non-hormonal: For women tired of the rollercoaster of birth control, tubal ligation may be the answer. Not only is it 99 percent effective but the surgery has no effect on menstruation, does not impact hormonal levels and women will enter menopause naturally.
• Make sure you are 100 percent sure: Some physicians refuse or are very reluctant to tie a young woman’s tubes because the surgery is pretty much permanent. Reconnecting and repairing fallopian tubes after they’ve been blocked is difficult and the success rates are low, therefore, counseling is recommended before making the final decision.

Deciding to move forward with a tubal ligation is a serious decision. If you would like to enjoy having sex without worrying about birth control and are sure you’re done having children, then schedule a consultation with Dr. Ghozland to discuss this procedure.