What is Tubal Ligation?
Often referred to as “getting your tubes tied”, tubal ligation surgery is the most common form of female sterilization that is performed to prevent pregnancy.
Tubal ligation may be a good option for women and their partners who know they do not wish to become pregnant in the future. Different techniques can be used to perform tubal sterilization and the procedure is considered a permanent type of birth control.
Who is a Candidate for Tubal Ligation?
- Adult women who are done adding to their families.
- Women whose health would be at risk if they were to become pregnant.
- Adult women who are in a stable relationship and their partners agree to tubal ligation as a form of permanent birth control.
- Individuals who have, or their partner has a genetic disorder and they agree they do not wish to pass it on.
If you are not certain that you will never wish to become pregnant in the future, tubal ligation may not be the best choice for you.
How is Tubal Sterilization performed?
Tubal ligation can be done in a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility. Both of the fallopian tubes are either cut and cauterized or blocked during the surgery to prevent future pregnancies. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia and sometimes, if the patient desires, it is done immediately after childbirth while the mother is already under some type of pain-blocking anesthesia.
A typical procedure of getting your tubes tied takes about 30 minutes and normally includes the following steps:
- A few tiny incisions are made near the belly button (maybe one in the lower abdomen as well).
- Gas is used to inflate the abdomen to help the surgeon access the fallopian tubes better.
- The surgeon inserts a laparoscope into one of the incisions to access the fallopian tubes. A laparoscope is a surgical instrument that resembles a thin narrow tube and is outfitted with a camera.
- The surgeon uses other special surgical instruments that are also lowered down through the laparoscope to reach and hold on to the fallopian tube.
- The tubes are then modified using one of many techniques that ultimately seal them off. They may be cut, banded, tied, clamped, and sealed with electric current.
- When the surgeon has completed the procedure on both tubes, the incisions will be closed using one or two stitches and covered with small surgical dressings.
What is the Success Rate of Tubal Ligation?
- The risk of pregnancy after tubal ligation is <1 in 200. Tubal ligation is 99% effective and very few women get pregnant after undergoing tubal ligation.
How does Tubal Ligation compare to other Forms of Birth Control?
Tubal sterilization has many advantages over other forms of birth control including:
- Works immediately.
- Can be performed immediately after childbirth.
- No schedule monitoring or daily pills are necessary.
- Does not create hormone imbalance side effects like other contraceptives.
Can Tubal Ligation Be Reversed?
Tubal sterilization is considered a permanent procedure to prevent pregnancy however it sometimes can be reversed through Tubal Ligation Reversal Surgery.
The ability to reverse the tubal sterilization depends on the type of technique used to perform the initial ligation. The success rate of the reversal procedure is between 45% and 80%.
What are the Risks of Female Sterilization Surgery?
Tubal sterilization is considered very safe but all surgical procedures have associated risks. Some potential tubal ligation risks include:
- Infection.
- Side effects related to anesthesia.
- Damage to nearby abdominal organs.
- Failed sealing of a fallopian tube resulting in pregnancy.
- Post-tubal ligation syndrome (PTLS).
- Ectopic pregnancy after tubal ligation.
- Bleeding from the incision site or internal abdominal bleeding.
Tubal Ligation Side Effects
Typical recovery after getting your tubes tied can take between one and three weeks during which you may experience:
- Gas.
- Fatigue.
- Dizziness
- Shoulder Pain.
- Abdominal Pain.
- Discomfort or Pain at the Incision Site.
Will Tubal Sterilization affect my Menstrual Cycle?
You will continue to have menstrual periods however, some women may experience periods that are irregular in length, flow volume, or days between cycles.
How much does Tubal Ligation Surgery cost?
The cost of tubal ligation will vary depending on different factors but averages around $7,100. But we offer it for $3,999* for a limited time until December 31, 2023. Take advantage of our limited-time special prices.
During an initial consultation with an expert from the IBI Advanced GYN center, we will discuss pricing and specifics unique to your situation. Call us and learn more today.
Flexible Financial Options are available for eligible candidates. Insurance plans may cover all or a portion of your female sterilization surgery. Although there are no age requirements for getting your tubes tied, certain insurance plans will only cover women over the age of 21.
