Why is this procedure done?
A tubal ligation is a long-lasting type of birth control for women. After this surgery, it would be rare for a woman to get pregnant. A womans eggs are made in her ovaries. Once a month, an egg leaves the ovary and travels down a long thin tube to her uterus or womb. This tube is called the fallopian tube. If a sperm meets the egg, a woman can get pregnant. ‚
During a tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are cut or tied. Cutting or tying the tubes will stop the sperm from meeting the egg. After this surgery, most women cannot get pregnant. ‚
A tubal ligation is a permanent form of birth control. You should be 100% sure before you have this surgery. You and your partner should have talked about your decision to not have any more children. A tubal ligation's reversal can occur but is not always successful. ‚
This surgery does not protect you from sexually-transmitted diseases. You will still need to use a condom to protect yourself and your partner against these diseases. ‚
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What will the results be?
Pregnancy will be prevented. There may be fewer problems compared to other procedures. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
Your doctor will do an exam and may order. ‚
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home. ‚
You and your doctor will talk about if your tubes should be cut or tied. You will also decide if you want to be asleep or awake for your procedure. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. The drug will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Your doctor will make 3 to 4 small cuts in your belly. A scope with a tiny camera is put through one of the small cuts to look at your fallopian tubes. Your doctor will put small surgical tools into the cuts to do the surgery. To be able to view the site, gas will be put in your abdomen. Then, the tubes will be tied or cut. Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover the cut with clean bandages.
- The procedure takes 20 minutes or more.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You will be given drugs to keep you comfortable.
- Most often you are able to go home the same day of your procedure.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Try to walk each day. Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent lung, belly, and blood problems.
- You will continue to have periods as you did before.
- Talk with your doctor about safe sex as you can still be exposed to sexually transmitted diseases.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Wound opening
- Heavy blood loss
- Blood clots in your legs or lungs
- Damage to your bowel, bladder, and other organs inside the belly
- Tubes dont close all the way and you could become pregnant
Where can I learn more?
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq011.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20121019T1510392929 ‚
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/BHCV2/bhcArticles.nsf/pages/Contraception_-_female_sterilisation?open ‚
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) ‚
http://www.sogc.org/health/health-tubal_e.asp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚