What is tubal ligation?
Tubal ligation is a surgical technique that is used to prevent pregnancy. It's usually referred to as "getting your tubes tied." Female sterilization is another term for it. The fallopian tubes are referred to as tubal. Every month, an egg is released from an ovary and goes to the uterus via the fallopian tube.
Ligation is a verb that implies binding. This stops the egg and male sperm from connecting, preventing conception. Both fallopian tubes are blocked or severed during this procedure. It is often performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgical clinic. In most circumstances, you can leave the hospital on the same day. This operation can be performed under general anaesthesia (asleep) or local or spinal anaesthesia (awake but unable to feel pain).
You will still have your periods and can engage in sexual activities after the operation. Women may feel more at peace because they do not have to worry about an unexpected pregnancy. Tubal ligation is a permanent method of birth control. Although it can be reversed with another operation, only around 50% to 80% of women who have their fallopian tubes reattached can become pregnant. This procedure does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. You must continue to practice safe sex.
Why would I require a tubal ligation?
The following are some of the reasons why you should use this birth control method:
- You are an adult woman.
- Pregnancy would put your health at risk.
- You or your partner have a genetic condition you do not want to pass down to your children.
If you are unsure whether you want to become pregnant in the future, this kind of birth control may not be the best option for you. It may also not be a good idea if you intend to have other partners in the future. Having a new partner may cause you to reconsider being pregnant.
What are the dangers of tubal ligation?
Tubal ligation is risk-free, but all operations are. Serious difficulties affect less than one in every 1,000 women. You will be required to sign a consent form outlining the risks and advantages of the procedure, which you should discuss with your surgeon. Among the potential hazards are:
- Bleeding from an incision or the inside of the abdomen
- Infection
- Damage was done to other organs within the abdomen
- Side effects of Anaesthesia
- Ectopic pregnancy (fertilization of an egg outside the uterus)
- Incomplete closure of a fallopian tube that results in pregnancy
Even though tubal ligation is a safe and efficient pregnancy control method, around one in every 200 women may become pregnant after the procedure. Having the operation soon after your period begins may reduce the possibility of an already fertilized egg reaching your uterus following surgery.
These disorders may increase your risk of complications following surgery:
- Diabetes
- Past abdominal surgery
- Pelvic Inflammatory disease
- Lung disease
- Overweight
Other dangers may exist based on your unique health condition. Before the procedure, share any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
How should I prepare for a tubal ligation?
Inform your surgeon about any medications you are taking in the days leading up to your surgery. Herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications are examples of this. You may need to stop using aspirin or other blood-thinning medications that may cause bleeding.
Other topics to discuss include:
- Inform your surgeon if you or anyone in your family has ever experienced an allergic response to general or local anaesthesia.
- If you smoke, you may be advised to quit before surgery.
- You may be given instructions on when to cease eating and drinking the day and night before surgery. It is customary to have nothing to eat or drink after midnight if you are under general anaesthesia.
- On the morning of the procedure, ask your surgeon if you should take regular medications with a little sip of water.
- Wear loose, comfortable attire on the surgery day to simplify dressing afterwards.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you during the early recovery period if you are having the operation as an outpatient.
What takes place during a tubal ligation?
Before the treatment, an intravenous (IV) line will be placed in your arm to receive fluids and medications to help you relax and sleep. If you are under general anaesthesia, IV may give you sleep medication. A tube may be placed in your throat to allow you to breathe in the anaesthetic through your lungs.
You will be given a numbing drug in your abdomen or spinal area if you receive local or spinal anaesthesia. You may be awake during the procedure but should not feel any pain. The process itself takes roughly 30 minutes.
What usually happens throughout the operation is as follows:
- The surgeon will make one or more small cuts (incisions) near your abdominal button. - The surgeon may also create a tiny incision in your lower abdomen.
To inflate your stomach, gas may be poured into it. This provides your surgeon with a better perspective and more space to work.
- The surgeon will insert a small tube with a light and a camera on the end into your abdomen. This tube is known as a laparoscope.
- To locate and grasp the fallopian tubes, your surgeon will use long, thin instruments inserted through the laparoscope or another small incision.
- Electric current can cut, knot, clamp, bind, or seal the tubes.
- Following surgery, the surgeon will close the incisions in the skin, most likely with 1 to 2 stitches. He or she will apply tiny dressings to the affected area.
What happens following a tubal ligation?
Following your surgery, you will be brought to the recovery room to be monitored as you recover from anaesthesia. Once you can take fluids, your IV will be removed. You should be able to leave in a few hours.
At home, you can generally expect the following:
- You will gradually be able to resume your regular diet.
- Some discomfort is to be expected. Inquire with your surgeon about pain medications.
- For a few days, you may experience shoulder aches. This is due to the gas that was injected into your stomach. This pain is often relieved by lying down for a bit.
- For a few days, keep your incision regions dry. Bathe and dress according to your surgeon's directions. You may have to return to get your stitches removed. Maintain all of your follow-up appointments.
- In a few days, gradually resume normal activities.
- Heavy lifting should be avoided for a few weeks. Inquire with your surgeon about when you can resume specific activities.
- You should be able to resume sexual activity in approximately a week.
Inform your surgeon of any of the following:
- Pain that is worsening or that is not alleviated by medication
- Any blood, discharge, redness, or oedema
- Fever
- nauseousness or vomiting
- Feeling dizzy or fainting episodes
