So you have decided you do not want any more children. After discussing all you options with your spouse about birth control you have decided the best option for you is a tubal ligation. (tubes tied)

A tubal ligation is the most popular form of birth control among married couples who have made the decision to “definitely not have any more babies”. This form of birth control gives you a sense of freedom you do not have with any other form of birth control. Once the procedure is done and you are released from the care of your doctor there is nothing else to do. You do not have to remember to take a pill, purchase birth control, implants (last only 3 years), IUDs, etc. Plus the tubal is the only one of these forms of birth control that is permanent.

The procedure consist of the surgeon making a small cut in your abdomen and cutting and sealing off both of the Fallopian tubes. This prevents the sperm from meeting up with the eggs. It is a rather simple procedure but there are some pros and cons you need to think about.

One of the best things about the tubal ligation is it works and it last forever. Your hormones will not be affected and there will be no changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body. You will still have a monthly period and your mood or sex drive will not change.

Because it does last forever it is important you are “absolutely  positive” you do not want to get pregnant again. The highest rate of post-surgery regret is in women under 30 years of age.  According to Eve Espey, MD, a professor of OB/GYN at the University of New Mexico. “Things happen in life that you don’t anticipate, and a 35-year-old may not be the same woman she was in her 20s.”

Another thing you can ask the surgeon about is the possibility of having the tubal reversed should you change your mind and want a child. It can be done but can be rather expensive.

It is very rare for there to be a problem with a tubal ligation. But there are some risk. Your doctor will discuss any questions you have about the risk.

You still need to play it safe. One thing tubal ligation can’t do is protect you from STDs, including HIV. Unless you’re in a monogamous relationship and you’ve both been tested, you’ll need to protect yourself every time you have sex. Use a barrier method, such as a condom.

Okay, some of the problems here may sound a little discouraging but we promise the pro for outweigh the cons of having a tubal ligation.  Yes, there are a few risk with the procedures but remember there are also a few risk with a pregnancy.

Your best bet is to have your tubal ligation at Outpatient Services East. The staff will put you mind at ease by discussing all questions you have concerning the procedure. The surgeon can tell you what to expect during the procedure and after. Give them a call at 205-838-3888