Tubal ligation is a safe surgical procedure that permanently prevents pregnancy. It is a procedure that is often referred to as female sterilization or “having your tubes tied.” You might opt to have this procedure done if you don’t want to have children or if you are done having children.
The procedure involves blocking, cutting, or manipulating your Fallopian tubes in such a way that sperm cannot reach an unfertilized egg once it has been released. Tubal ligation does not affect your regular menstrual cycle, and it is a more reliable, long-term method of pregnancy prevention than traditional contraception methods.
What happens during a tubal ligation procedure depends on what method your physician uses to obstruct the Fallopian tubes from being able to transport sperm to an egg.
With a standard tubal ligation procedure, your physician gives you an anesthetic to help prevent pain. Through incisions on your navel, it’s possible to access your uterus and fallopian tubes. Using special instruments, your physician seals or blocks the tubes with rings or clips.
Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery, is an alternative to open surgery. It involves a surgical technique of small incisions that are usually smaller than one inch. Through these incisions, your physician can use a tiny instrument called a laparoscope—along with other tools—to perform a tubal ligation.
With tubal ligation, you can return home the same day as your procedure, and you can return to most normal activities right away. Your physician might recommend avoiding sexual intercourse or strenuous physical activity for a few weeks.
If you’re entirely sure that you don’t want children or that you’re finished having children, tubal ligation can offer a permanent, safe solution for birth control.
Since the procedure doesn’t affect your regular menstrual cycle, you’ll continue to feel like your normal self and enjoy spontaneity and freedom when it comes to sexual intimacy.
Newton-Wellesley OB/GYN has offices in Newton and Walpole, Massachusetts where you can find a supportive and caring team of physicians. To learn more about tubal ligation or other procedures that can support your reproductive health, call us in Newton at (617) 332-2345 or in Walpole at (508) 668-5555 to schedule an appointment. For your convenience, you may also request an appointment online.
