What is tubal ligation used for? Is it reversible? What are the consequences and what is the procedure? Here are a few things to consider before making that big decision.
Tubal ligation is surgery to permanently prevent pregnancy. Although it's sometimes possible to reverse the effects with a second surgery, it's more of a procedure for women who don't or don't want to have more children.
Decision making
A tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that aims to permanently prevent pregnancy and there are a number of risks associated with this operation. It is therefore important to be sure that you do not want any more children before taking these steps. Several doctors also suggest not making this decision immediately after childbirth and waiting a few months to think about it seriously. If you have any doubts, it would be safer to use another form of contraception since the operation to reverse the tubal ligation is not always successful.
Advantages and disadvantages
The tubal ligation has the advantage of notinterfere with the hormonal cycle, cause no long-term adverse effects, be reliable and permanent, and reduce the costs associated with contraception. However, it requires several appointments with the doctor, which implies a fairly long wait in our he alth network. Also, its irreversible nature implies a risk of regret if the mother changes her mind along the way.
The procedure and its risks
The ligature can be performed at the time of a caesarean section, while the patient is already under anesthesia, if the decision has already been made. Otherwise, the operation will take place under local or general anesthesia and in the form of laparoscopy, i.e. the doctor will insert a laparoscope (a camera fitted with a light) under the navel and the instrument required for the operation. intervention by making an incision above the pubis. In order to prevent the passage of eggs to the uterus, the tubes can be blocked with bands or burned with an electric current and then tied. This procedure takes about thirty minutes and the patient can return home the same day.
Among the risks associated with the operation, it is possible that nearby organs, such as the ovaries, intestine and uterus are damaged. Bleeding and infection may also occur, and blood vessels or nerves may be damaged. If complications arise, emergency surgery or blood transfusions may be needed. Although very rare, deaths have alsobeen reported.
After surgery
Surgery is effective immediately and contraception is therefore no longer necessary when you leave the hospital, unless you have new partners since it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Women who have tubal ligation continue to have periods and can resume sexual activity as soon as it is comfortable to do so between four and seven days after the operation.
Recovery takes two to five days during which women may experience cramping, neck and shoulder pain, mild nausea, and a dry throat if a breathing tube was used during surgery. It is also possible that the woman feels general fatigue and her abdomen is swollen.
Accidental pregnancy
Following surgery, there is a minimal risk of pregnancy ranging from 1% to 2.5%. In general, it is the youngest patients who present the greatest risk of accidental pregnancy. If you become pregnant after tubal ligation, you have a good chance of having a normal pregnancy, but the risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy is still increased. If you have had this surgery and are experiencing sharp pain on one or both sides of your lower abdomen, skipped your period and feel faint or dizzy, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
