Birth Control Options: Tubal Ligation Pros and Cons

Tubal ligation is a permanent birth control method. It is also known as tubal sterilization. This

contraceptive method consists of cutting, blocking or tying the Fallopian tubes in order to permanently

prevent pregnancy.

Tubal ligation blocks the movement of the egg to the uterus by blocking, cutting or tying the

Fallopian tubes. This birth control method also blocks the movement of the sperm toward the Fallopian

tubes, preventing the fertilization of the egg. Tubal ligation does not interfere with the menstrual

cycle.  Tubal ligation is a birth control option that can be performed at any time. Usually it is performed

during the C-Section, but it can be performed after childbirth, any other contraception should be used for

at least one month before the procedure and continue using it even after the procedure until the next

period in order to minimize the chances of getting pregnant. Having this procedure done shortly after

childbirth, during C-Section, during the menstrual periods or in the time during menstrual periods

and ovulation, reduces the chances of getting pregnant at the time of the procedure.

Risks Associated with Chosen Birth Control Method

Tubal ligation is a reversible procedure. However, the reversal requires major

surgery and it is not always successful. Like any other medical procedure performed under anesthesia,

this birth control option has its own side effects, possible risks and complications.

Risks associated with  tubal

•  Reaction and side effects due to anesthesia
•  Damage to the bladder, bowel or major blood vessels of the abdomen and
•  Infection of the wound
•  Improper wound healing
•  Prolonged pelvic or abdominal pain.

Some women are at a greater risk for complications after tubal ligation than others. Higher risk rates for

complications have women who are obese, diabetic, who have had major abdominal surgeries in the past,

etc.

What to Expect After the Birth Control Procedure

After the birth control procedure  it is normal to have some discomfort at the incision site. You

might also experience fatigue, nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain and abdominal cramping, bloating,

gassiness, shoulder pain, etc. Avoid lifting heavy things and also avoid sexual intercourse for a week or

two. You should resume to your normal daily activities gradually. Seek medical help immediately in cases

when after the procedure you are having high fever, abdominal pain and cramping that is getting worse

by time, discharge from the incision site, bleeding from the incision site, etc.

Possibility of Tubal Ligation to Fail

Keep in mind that tubal ligation does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

Also keep in mind that there is always a possibility of getting pregnant even after tubal ligation. The rates

are very low, though. The younger you are, the greater is the possibility of tubal ligation to fail. Usually,

these pregnancies are ectopic pregnancies (a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus, usually into the

Fallopian tubes) which end into miscarriage. Pregnancy may occur if:

•  The tubes grow back together or recanalization occurs that allows an egg

to be fertilized by sperm.

•  The surgery was not done correctly.
•  You were pregnant at the time of surgery.

Keep in mind that reversing tubal ligation requires reconnecting the fallopian tubes. The success rates for

reconnecting are very low. If you are considering tubal ligation as a contraceptive method, be aware of

the fact that you can’t get pregnant and have biologic children in the future.