Tubal ligation, commonly known as getting your tubes tied, is a form of permanent birth control. It is a surgical procedure that involves blocking or cutting the fallopian tubes, which prevents sperm and eggs from meeting. Approximately 700,000 women undergo this type of surgery each year, highlighting its popularity as a form of birth control.
If you are considering getting your tubes tied, then this blog post is for you. Here, we will highlight what you need to know before undergoing this surgical procedure. We will look at who is a good candidate, preparation, the procedure itself, effectiveness, and reversal.
Table of Contents
Who Is a Candidate for Tubal Ligation?
If you are sure that you do not want to conceive a child, whatever the reason, you are a good candidate for tubal ligation. Some women choose this procedure as getting pregnant may put their health at risk; others may wish to avoid passing on a genetic disorder, for example. We recommend that you speak to a medical professional about whether tubal ligation is the best option for you.
Preparing for Tubal Ligation
Once you have made the decision to undergo this procedure, a pelvic exam will be performed and there will be an assessment of your overall health.
The surgery itself will require anesthesia, therefore you should disclose any medication you are taking. Depending on the type of medication, you may be required to stop taking it prior to the surgery. Your doctor will also advise on when you should begin fasting before the surgery.
It is recommended that you wear loose-fitting clothes on the day of the surgery. Also, be sure to arrange transport as you won’t be able to drive immediately following the procedure.
Tubal Ligation Surgery
There are two main methods of tubal ligation:
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Hysteroscopic sterilization
For more information on which option is most suitable for you, speak to your doctor. In terms of effectiveness, laparoscopic sterilization is effective right away. It has a pregnancy rate of around 18 to 37 out of 1,000 women after 10 years. Hysteroscopic sterilization takes about three months to become effective; it has a pregnancy rate of less than 1 out of 1,000 women within 5 years.
Is Reversal Possible?
Yes, reversal of tubal ligation is possible. There is a surgical procedure that reconnects the blocked segments of your fallopian tubes. The average tubal reversal pregnancy rate is 70%.
If you are interested in learning more about this procedure, click for tubal reversal costs.
What to Know Before Getting Your Tubes Tied
The bottom line is that tubal ligation is an effective and safe method of birth control for women. Speak to your doctor for more information about the tubal ligation procedure and the available reversal option.
Like this blog post on what to know about getting your tubes tied? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
