Sterilization - Tubal Ligation

Female sterilization provides a permanent contraception to women, meaning that it works to protect against pregnancy forever. It is a good option for those women who prefer not to have children or can't use contraception that is not permanent. Besides that, it should only be used by adult women who are absolutely sure that they do not want any more children in future. Other thing is that it may not be reversed.

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation surgery is a permanent form of female sterilization and is effective immediately. In this form contraception, the fallopian tubes are severed and blocked to prevent fertilization. It is also known as getting one's "tubes tied". In a tubal ligation, fallopian tubes are cut, burned, or blocked with rings, bands or clips. Tubal ligations are 99.5% effective as birth control. But, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. By a tubal ligation, hormone production, libido, and the menstrual cycle can be affected.

Usually, hormone levels and a woman's menstrual cycle are not noticeably changed by sterilization. Ovaries continue to release eggs, but they stop in the tubes and are reabsorbed by the body. Some women experience improved sexual pleasure because they are less worried about becoming pregnant.

As tubal ligation is considered permanent sterilization, thus the decision of having it should not be made lightly. Thus, before making decision, consider and know your all options.

What Are The Advantages?

Provides permanent birth control.
Straight away effective.
Allows sexual spontaneity.
Requires no daily attention.
Simple procedure.
Cost-effective in the long run.

What Are The Disadvantages?

Requires surgery and has risks associated with surgery.
In rare cases, you may suffer an injury to an organ like the bowel or bladder.
More complicated than male sterilization
Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. " May not be reversible.
Possibility of Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome.
May develop an infection inside the belly or near the stitches.

Can Tubal Ligation Be Reversed?

Tubal ligation may not be reversed, however it depends upon the amount of damage done to the tubes when they were blocked and the place on the tubes where they were blocked. It also depends upon the blocking method used for the tubal, as well as the skill of the surgeon doing the reversal. If you are thinking about reversal, discuss your feelings with your doctor.

With the improvement in surgical technique, reversal of tubal is reckoned to be minimal success. The chance that the average woman seeking reversal will have a pregnancy is much smaller than many published success rates suggest. The reversal operation is more difficult and far more expensive than a tubal. If you are seriously thinking about reversal now, a tubal may not be the right step for you at this time.

How Soon After The Operation Can I Have Sex?

After surgery, you need to take it easy for few days like you should not lift anything heavy weight. As far as having sex is concerned, you can have sex as soon as you are comfortable.