Tubal ligation is the medical term given to a procedure that has been used by many women as a permanent form of birth control. It involve surgically clamping, cutting, clipping or burning the patient’s fallopian tubes with an aim toward preventing the eggs released during ovulation from travelling into the uterus. In the same way, the procedure prevents sperm from travelling through the fallopian tubes, making conception all but impossible.
Tubal ligation has been shown to be a very effective way of preventing pregnancy, particularly during the first year following the procedure. However, if it is not performed correctly, in subsequent years it is possible for the fallopian tubes to reform and for conception to occur.
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with having a tubal ligation. These include infection, uterine perforation and, in some women, even an ectopic pregnancy. Some women also experience an irregular menstrual cycle and other gynecological problems following the procedure.
Further, although tubal ligation is believed to be one of the best permanent birth control solutions (and certainly the best long-term option available for women), it is important to note that the procedure does not protect the patient against sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, even if the procedure is successful it is still highly recommended that the patient use condoms.
Whereas a male vasectomy is relatively minor surgery, often performed on an out-patient basis, a tubal ligation is major surgery and involves a higher degree of risk. Moreover, the recovery time after a tubal ligation is much longer than that of a vasectomy and the cost can be much higher. These factors, combined with the inherent risk of side effects and the risk of the procedure having to be repeated, are all things to consider before having a tubal ligation. Talk to your medical professional and get all the information you can before proceeding. And remember: Although in most cases a tubal ligation can be reversed should you want to get pregnant in the future, you should go into the surgery with the mindset that it is permanent. You may not be a candidate for reversal.