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What is tubal ligation?
The fallopian tubes are a pair of ducts that connect each ovary to the uterus. Once an egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube, it moves through the duct to the uterus, where it can develop into an embryo.
Bilateral tubal ligation, also known as having your “tubes tied” or tubal sterilization, is a female sterilization procedure in which the fallopian tubes are surgically closed and sperm can no longer fertilize the eggs.
Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that can be used as a permanent birth control option. Many women who are finished having children choose to have tubal ligation so that they no longer have to worry about taking hormonal contraception or replacing an IUD.
Tubal ligation does not impact your menstrual cycle, so you will continue to have your period.
What are the methods of tubal ligation?
Dr. Aliabadi can close your fallopian tubes through the following tubal ligation procedures:
- An electric current is passed through your tubes to close them.
- Tying the tubes together in a small knot.
- Sealing the tubes off with a clip or band.
Tubal ligation is often performed laparoscopically under general anesthesia. During a laparoscopic tubal ligation, one or two small incisions near the belly button allow access to the fallopian tubes.
A tiny lighted camera is then inserted. Guided by the camera, Dr. Aliabadi will seal off the tubes. If laparoscopy is not an option, a mini-laparotomy, which uses a smaller single incision, can also be performed.
A tubal ligation can be performed at any stage of a woman’s life. They are often performed postpartum if the woman is sure she is done having children. They can also be performed at the same time as another pelvic surgery, including a C-section.
In some cases, tubal ligation is performed for other reasons, including:
- To decrease the risk of ovarian cancer
- Because a pregnancy would pose a serious health risk for the woman
- To prevent passing a genetic disorder onto a child
The decision to have your tubes tied should not be made lightly. Tubal ligation is considered a permanent form of birth control, but it is possible to reverse a tubal ligation should you wish to become pregnant in the future.
What is tubal ligation reversal?
Some women may regret having their tubes tied. Women under the age of 30 or women who had their tubes tied under pressure or marital distress are more likely to consider having a tubal ligation reversal.
If you change your mind about having children following tubal ligation, the surgery may be able to be reversed.
A few factors should be considered before determining if you are a candidate for reversal surgery, including:
- Your general and gynecological health.
- Your age. Women under the age of 40 are more likely to have a successful tubal ligation reversal.
- How long ago your ligation was performed.
- The method used in your ligation. Tubes sealed with clips or bands can be opened more easily than other methods.
- The health and length of your fallopian tubes. The longer your tubes are, the greater the chances of a successful reversal.
- Any previous pregnancies or pregnancy complications.
- Any previous surgeries for gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or uterine fibroids.
A complete medical history will be taken, and some tests will be performed to evaluate your candidacy for a tubal ligation reversal.
How are tubal ligation reversal surgeries performed?
Reversal surgery may be performed in a hospital, but it can often be performed in a surgical center as an outpatient procedure. It should take no longer than three hours.
It’s done much like a tubal ligation in that you’ll be under general anesthesia, and the surgery will be performed laparoscopically.
Only one or two small cuts will be made in the lower abdomen so that the laparoscope can be inserted, the clips or bands blocking your tubes can be removed, or the cut ends can be stitched back together.
Tubal reversal recovery
Tubal ligation reversal is often considered a major surgery compared to tubal ligation. It takes a higher toll on the body and may take longer to recover fully. If your procedure was performed in a hospital, you may need to stay overnight for a day or two.
If your surgery was performed on an outpatient basis, you should be able to return home after 2-4 hours. You will need a friend or relative to take you home and care for you following the procedure. Most women can return to their normal activities after 10-14 days.
Pain is one of the most common tubal ligation reversal side effects while recovering from surgery. Your doctor can prescribe you medication to manage this. Complications are rare, but any infection, bleeding, pain, nausea, fever, or vomiting during tubal ligation reversal recovery should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy following tubal ligation reversal
Generally, women have about a 40%-85% chance of becoming pregnant after a tubal reversal. Your ability to conceive naturally depends on various factors, including the type of ligation and reversal, as well as how much scar tissue is left in your fallopian tubes. Dr. Aliabadi will discuss these factors before surgery and at your follow-up appointment.
In general, younger women tend to have an easier time becoming pregnant after tubal ligation reversal. Pregnancy is most likely to occur within the first year after surgery.
Ectopic pregnancy
One of the adverse side effects of tubal ligation and reversal is an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy. It occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube, and the cells begin to divide and grow. This is a non-viable pregnancy and is considered a life-threatening emergency that must be immediately treated with surgery.
IVF
After consulting with Dr. Aliabadi or a fertility specialist, you may wish to try an alternative route to pregnancy, such as in-vitro fertilization. IVF allows your eggs to completely bypass your fallopian tubes by extracting the eggs, fertilizing them in a lab, then implanting the embryos directly into your womb.
Have questions about your health? Talk to Dr. Aliabadi
Dr. Aliabadi isn’t only an expert OB/GYN but is knowledgeable in all aspects of women’s healthcare and well-being. While she can’t treat your heart attack, Dr. Aliabadi and her caring, supportive staff are available to support you through menopause, childbirth, infertility, or even just routine gynecological care.
We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700.
The practice of Dr. Thais Aliabadi and the Outpatient Hysterectomy Center is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. We are near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.
Tubal ligation involves cutting or sealing the fallopian tubes to block sperm from reaching the egg, while salpingectomy entails the complete removal of the fallopian tubes. Salpingectomy is irreversible, while tubal ligation can sometimes be reversed.
While tubal ligation is an effective form of birth control, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases.
The ovaries still release eggs after a tubal ligation, but they can’t pass through the fallopian tubes. Instead, they are broken down and reabsorbed by the body, which is normal and safe.
Tubal ligation is generally performed by a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology, like Dr. Aliabadi, who can discuss your candidacy for tubal ligation or tubal ligation reversal in Los Angeles.
Sources
Tubal Sterilization
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470377/
Laparoscopic Reversal of Tubal Sterilization; A Retrospective Study Over 135 Cases:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6333701
Pregnancy outcome of laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis: retrospective results from a single clinical centre.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470377/
Birth control methods.
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods
