Tubal ligation is a procedure that involves cutting, blocking, or pinching shut the fallopian tubes in order to prevent any further pregnancies. Even though the procedure itself is very minimally invasive and can usually be performed as an outpatient procedure, there is still a lot to consider before deciding to have this surgery. The following are some of the most important things to consider before going through with the surgery.
It's permanent.
Tubal ligation is sometimes referred to as “female sterilization.” It is important to be aware that this type of surgery is considered a permanent form of birth control. If there's even a chance you'll want children in the future, perhaps you should consider another form of contraception that can be reversed later if you wish.
It increases your risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Even though tubal ligation is supposed to prevent any future pregnancies, about 1% of women with tubal ligations still become pregnant. Additionally, if you do become pregnant, it is likely to be an ectopic pregnancy. This means that the egg becomes fertilized outside of the uterus, and the only option at that point is to terminate the pregnancy.
It is difficult to reverse successfully.
Because of the nature of tubal ligation, if you ever decide you would like to try to have it reversed, the reversal surgery would be much more invasive than the original procedure. Even if it is successful, only about half of women who have a reversal procedure are able to conceive again. Additionally, you will always still be at risk for an ectopic pregnancy.
It comes with risks.
Even though tubal ligation is a fairly simple procedure, there is still a small chance for complications. You have a higher risk for problems if you have a history of diabetes or obesity, or if you have had surgery on the pelvis or abdomen before. Some of the risks associated with tubal ligation include:
- An adverse reaction to the anesthesia
- An infection due to improper healing of the incision site
- Damage to the bladder, bowel, or major blood vessels
- Prolonged pain in the pelvis or abdomen
It's not your only option.
Always keep in mind the other options for contraception that are available to you before you commit to this permanent procedure. For example, if you don’t want to have to worry about taking a birth control pill every day, there are options such as the birth control implants, shots, patches, IUDs, and condoms. Also, if you and your partner have decided together that you no longer want to have children, men can have a vasectomy. This procedure is even less invasive than a tubal ligation and will achieve the same effect if you are in a monogamous relationship.
It does not protect against STIs.
Lastly, it is important to keep in mind that even though a tubal ligation will prevent you from ever getting pregnant again, it will not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, using some other form of contraception will still be necessary to prevent these kinds of infections.
