Having a Tubal Litigation

Updated on March 10, 2011
T.A. asks from Hot Springs National Park, AR
39 answers

My husband and I are considering having my tubes tied. We have an appt on the 19th this month as our consult, talk about the methods, recovery, pre op, post op, etc. I am wondering what all you, if any, have done and what your experience has been with them. We are pretty sure we are going to have it done. I have had 2 cestions so surgery is not a big deal but I am a little nervous!

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So What Happened?

Ok, so we talked, alot, and have decieded that for us, this is not the thing to do. We really feel that God would not want us to manipulate our bodies in that kind of manner and know that right now we do not want more children. I am soooo thankful to all of you who responded with sincere responses. They really did help. We will just continue using condoms and pray that no more babies will come til we are ready to have them! Blessings til your cup runneth over! T.

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K.L.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Hi T.
I had this done 20 years ago and it was so easy. It was non invasive and done on an out-patient basis. I went in at 6 am and was home by 9. I have had no problems at all since. I highly recomend it.

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L.B.

answers from Tulsa on

T.~ I had my tubes tied 3 years ago and have not experienced one single problem. In fact, I was really surprised to read some of the other responses and the problems they have experienced because other than mentally knowing I will not get pregnant again, I do not have any reminders about it. I had my tubes tied right after my last c-section so I do not know about the recovery time or process when you go in specifically for that.
However, I see that you are only 26 and I really think that you should wait a few years. I know that you probably feel like you are done having children right now but you truly do not know what the future holds for you and you could really end up regretting having it done. I am one of those moms who had a late in life baby at 37 years old and it was the best decision I had ever made. She is such a blessing! You do not want that option permanently removed in case you do change your mind because they can not always be reversed and it is an expensive process. Here is a good article that you may want to read:

http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/surgery/a/tubligreversal...

I recommend that in addition to talking to your doctor that you do some research on your own and talk to other people about their experiences....just like you are doing now :-) Good luck making your choice!

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C.T.

answers from Little Rock on

If you haven't read "31 and Going Crazy" by Heather I think you might want to read her post and the responses to it. Almost all of the women I've worked with who have had their tubes tied have hormone imbalance issues that can cause you a lot of anguish for years to come afterward if you aren't careful. Going through the surgery is the easy part but dealing with depression, brain fog, anxiety, hot flashes, breast tenderness... all of that will effect your whole family so I highly recommend doing some reading on life after tubal litigation before actually going through it.

C.

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D.C.

answers from Birmingham on

I had my tubes tied 7 weeks ago. I had mine done during my second csection, so my surgery was alittle more drastic than yours will be. But recovery was no different than my first Csection. No lasting issues. I do have alittle depression but I doubt its from that. I have problems with birthcontrol so It was the best decision for me. Good luck!

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C.F.

answers from Lake Charles on

I had my tubes tied after the birth of my second child. I honestly have regretted it. Just be certain that it is what you want to do. If so, talk to your doctor about how it will affect your periods and hormones. My doctor did not discuss this in detail with me and I have had lots of trouble with my cycles since the tubal. On the upside it is very nice to not have to worry about birth control at all. Just be prepared for your cycles to be different.

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K.K.

answers from Houma on

Sorry, I put this on the wrong letter.

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L.L.

answers from Huntsville on

Hi, My husband had a vasectomy and it was a piece of cake for him. It is a simple procedure done right in the office so I think it only cost us a $20 co-pay! If I was you and had had two c-sections already I would tell my husband it was his turn. It is WAY less invasive than having your tubes tied and hardly any down time.

Also, my sister-in-law had TWO tubal pregnancies AFTER she had her tubes tied. She was misdiagnosed the first time with a uterine infection and she nearly died. She must be extremely fertile to have it happen twice, but it does happen! You should be able to research the efficacy of tubal ligation and vasectomies easily on-line. Neither procedure is 100% effective but perhaps one is more fail-safe than the other.

BTW, what is a WAHM? Good luck!
L.

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J.P.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I had my tubes tied after a difficult pregnancy nearly 3 years ago. There was very little pain except when I tried to bend at the waist. This only lasted about a week and then I just had to be careful about picking up heavy stuff for a few more weeks. My doctor went in through the belly button and did such a good job that 4 months later when I had to have a different surgery, that doctor couldn't even find a scar. I have not had any problems stemming from the tubal and am glad I had it done. I do have "baby blues" sometimes, but know that given my first pregnancy probelms, another one may have been very bad. I wish you luck and a speedy recovery. Remember not to lift heavy stuff for a while to give your body enough time to heal right.
J.

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S.L.

answers from Tulsa on

Hi TaAmi-

In January of this year, I had a miscarriage- in February, exactly one month later, I had a tubal.

Here are the things that made US choose...

I get VERY sick when I am pregnant.

I already have 3 kids.

I am 38.

I have back problems that get VERY severe when pregnant.

I am ready to start a new career and have worked VERY hard at it.

My husband has one child (by me), and never thought he would even have her.

Both sets of our parents are very rich with grandchildren.

My insurance covered me getting a tubal, but not hubby getting snipped (wonder why?).

Finances are getting too tight to have any "extras" in our lives now- let alone with another child to care for and raise.

We couldn't afford to move to a bigger house.

I'm sick of raising kids- ready to be kid-free.

My oldest kids will be having kids soon.

I understand that some of these things seem superfiscial to some ppl, but they were MY reasons. I can live with the choice I made.

What YOU need to consider before having the surgery is simple:

Might you ever want to have it reversed? If you say yes- have a non permemant form of birth control inserted. An IUD or Norplant might be better.

How do you feel about having more kids? If you are open to it, but "not right now" see number 1, above.

The most important thing I can stress here is that you should ALWAYS have a current PAP and pelvic exam on file before having the surgery. My OB GYN did mine without a prior exam, after I had a spontaneous miscarriage one month earlier. My family doctor was horrified!

As for post op and recovery time, just keep your lifting to a minimum and expect a recovery time of about one week to one month- depending on your body.

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M.F.

answers from Huntsville on

Good Morning - how about your hubby get a vasectomy instead? It is easier to do and much faster recovery time. I am amazed as to why men will have their wives undergo what is essentially major surgery when their procedure is easier, simpler and faster. Oh well, I am an old feminist and believe men should take the initiative haha. Well. whatever decision you make - I wish you much good luck.

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A.B.

answers from Lafayette on

T.,
Have you considered vasectomy options ? Less invasive, easier to reverse in the event you should so choose, no danger of adhesions. I know men are really weird about having things done "down there" and have some ridiculous masculinity issues, but it's really much safer than tubal ligations. PLEASE give it some thought. God bless and good luck. A.

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Y.B.

answers from Pine Bluff on

Hey T.,
I've had this done... It shouldn't be a big deal...and really all they should do is cut inside the belly button, about half an inch, then tie your tubes. It should be more of an out patient thing.
I had mine done after having twins, I was 25 yrs old at the time...I don't remember it being painful at all... Only thing about it...it will change your monthly cycle.
I knew that I had all the children that I wanted, and have not regreted it at all.

Hope this helps.
I have a son 17yrs and twin daughters 10yrs, SAHM with my twins, son lives with his Bio Dad.

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K.R.

answers from Lawton on

Hi T.,
My name is Kim and I'm 32. I had my tubes tied almost 2 years ago durind my c-section with my 3rd child. I haven't had any side effects mentioned by some of teh others. My experience has been great. My recovery was the 6 weeks of the normal delivery. Best decision I ever made. I do agree that you might want to do research and maybe wait for a year or so. I have a friend who had to have a hystorecomy(sp) and she has only one child. She has always hated that she couldn't have another child. I understand that you have 2 children and maybe things are stressful, but someday you might wish for another one maybe a girl. I thought I was happy with my first 2 and then we started talking one day and BAM a couple months later I was pregnant again. Just be totally sure you don't want more children first. You don't want to go through the whole surgery and then try to reverse it. Best of Luck with you decision!

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R.R.

answers from New Orleans on

Hi T., I had my last child when I was 34. At that time my Dr. advised against a tubal stating that I was too young even at that age. They are not easy to reverse and that I would need to be sure that is what I wanted. You never know what the future holds for you or your family, you are still so young! Take care and consider all the options, there is lots of great advise on this website!

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K.H.

answers from Lafayette on

Hey T.,
I also had two c-sections. I had my first section in 2000 and my second section in 2002, along with a tubal ligation. I was 32 and my husband was 27 at the time. We knew that we wanted just two children and since I was having a section anyway, it was our best course of action. In my experience, the recovery was the same as recouping from a c-section. It's been six years now and I have had no problems. The people I have known, who had problems AFTER a tubal ligation where ones who had been on birth control pills up until the procedure. Their issues were with hormonal changes. I never took the pill and my cycles went right back to normal after each section and my tubal ligation. I'm 38 now and am enjoying my 8 year old son and 6 year old daughter. I have no regrets.

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N.L.

answers from Gadsden on

I know you and your husband made up yourm mind on having a tubal. In reality your body will still produce the eggs they have no where to go sooo
You will then develope indrometeous ( i spelt it wrong) it would be easier in the long run if your husband has a vasectomy. he would not have any complication at all afterwords

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M.S.

answers from New Orleans on

As I am sure that you already know that every experience is different in many aspects. From my own experience I was just a couple of years older than you are when I had a hysterectomy. I had many complications after the tubal ligation that led to the hysterectomy. Excessive bleeding for at least 21 days per month and became rather anemic as well as pain and discomfort. I had tried all that was recommended by my physicians including birth control to try to lessen the flow to no avail. It was a very trying time for me. Today, I am 42 years of age and after the hysterectomy, I have never felt better. It took me two years of dealing with complications from the tubal that finally, my OBGYN and myself was able to convince a board of 12 doctors (1 gynecologist) on the insurance board that the hysterectomy was needed. They felt that I was much too young to have one. Get second opinions and try other alternatives first. If it all fails to suit you... Good Luck and best wishes. Melissa S.

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M.G.

answers from Texarkana on

I talk with my dr last week about the same thing but there is somthing new they are doing that can be done in dr office. It is called essure you can get info on it at www.essure.com. There is no surgrey but it takes up to 3 months to take effect .That is the route I am going.Good luck.

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L.F.

answers from Tulsa on

Had a tubal 5 years ago and love it. What I didn't like though is the hormones getting out of whack when I got off the pill. I had cramps for the first time since I was 18 years old. My periods were, I'm sure no heavier than what would be considered normal, but I was used to lighter shorter periods. So it was a little reality shock for the first couple of months. I also got middle aged acne, ugh!!! But I am back on the pill now for that problem. Surgery was fine recovery fine. No pain really. I just went home and slept for the rest of the day.

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J.H.

answers from Oklahoma City on

The worst part about having my tubal done was the shaving. They put a pad over the area that had to stay in place for 10 days, and the itching nearly killed me. You could try waxing a few days before the surgery so you dont have a problem with razor bumps AND regrowth :}

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B.L.

answers from Oklahoma City on

26 is young to be making a forever binding decision - have you looked into some of the new IUDs? I have friends that are very happy with them and only have to mess with them every 5 years.

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T.J.

answers from Huntsville on

I had my tubes tied 13 years ago and have never had a problem. The procedure was snap and if I remember correctly, I had the it done on a Wednesday, stayed home form work Thursday, went back to work Friday and left for vacation on Saturday. I do remember "no heavy lifting" for a few days though.

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A.H.

answers from Biloxi on

Hi T..

Having a tubal is nothing. I had it done over 25 years ago. With my tubal ligation, my tubes were cut, burned, and tied. When I woke up from the surgery, there was a band-aid across my belly-button! The scar eventually fades into your belly-button and out of sight. (not that there was anything to see in the first place.) It's a tiny incision! I never felt any pain afterwards---not even any discomfort. I cried for two years after the surgery, just looking at babies. Not that I wanted any more--Lord knows, I didn't, but just the fact that I COULDN'T have any more kids made me cry at the sight of them. I got over it. I am very glad I had the surgery! (Have all the sex you want, without the worry of conceiving again!!) It took a load off my mind!

I imagine the proceedure has come even farther since I had it done in 1982, so it will be a piece of cake!! You have nothing to fear. So, relax! Good luck!

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C.Y.

answers from Decatur on

I had tubal litigation after second child. Do not regret at all. And was very easy as far as recover. I was back to normal with in two days. It is normal to be nervous. No that God has you in his hand and everything will be ok. My prayers will be with you.

M.G.

answers from Oklahoma City on

you could do a iud i have one and i love it. i might want another child but im not sure this gives me 4 years to decide. and if i do then we just take it out. just a thought. good luck

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S.P.

answers from Birmingham on

I had my tubes tied and was just grogging the same day. Be sure to tell the dr. you want them CUT and tied. If they just to a tie, this procedure can un-tie without you knowing (actually happened to a friend of mine and along came their #3 unplanned child). I told my dr. to cut, snip, donate a piece ...whatever was necessary for no more babies with this procedure. This sounds personal but I would have like to know before hand ... you will need some sanitary napkins for a few days because you'll have some bleeding immediately following the procedure. They went through my belly button and there has never been a scare. I was very pleased with this procedure and relieved that I couldn't get pregnant again. I LOVE my children, but didn't want a larger family.

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J.H.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I know there are already lots responses to this, but I wanted to add my story. I had a tubal after my 2nd child when I was 28. I have not regretted it at all, even though I thought that I would have more children. My reason for having it done was that I had problems with fertility. It took 3 years of not actively trying to get pregnant the first time and then 6 more years of actively trying to get pregnant the second time. It was heartbreaking not to be pregnant all those months/years in between and we just couldn't take any more. Every person and family is different. Each one will have a different experience with the same situation. Any type of surgery is a risk, so you have to weigh the benefits to yourself and your family against those. I would suggest that you make sure you are 100% sure before you go ahead with it. Since my tubal, I did have some cycle problems, but I had those before the tubal, so I don't know that it was because of the tubal. Just make the decision that is best for you and your family. God Bless!

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B.W.

answers from Pine Bluff on

I had a tubal litigation about 3 years ago. No problem. The doctor may tell you that you can go back to your normal routine in a few days that actually depends upon you and your body. I personlly took a week to get myself back on track. I have not had any problems.

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S.C.

answers from Little Rock on

I am 38 years old.I had my tubes tied 4 years ago when I had my daughter.I had a 12 year old son.My daughter was a surprise.I thought I should have the tubal to be certain I wouldn't have anymore. I have been very emotional and tired. My hair has thinned and my skin has wrinkled quickly. Everyone else I talk to hasn't had any problems. Maybe they have, they just didn't connect it to the tubal. Pull up tubal ligation syndrome on the internet. I have also heard of women getting pregnant. I was in pain and could not sit up without help but I had just had my daughter. I wasn't sure wich was causing so much trouble. It took me several weeks to feel better.Doctors will not tell you of the more serious side effects.

G.W.

answers from Little Rock on

I have three babies 9 year old boy,5 year old girl,4 month old boy and I home school. I think I am done but way to scared to do anything that final. I will be 37 next month and I will not ever do that because I might want one more . Who knows? I don't! So I got the Mirena it is good for 5 years and you can change you mind at any time.Please think long and hard life changes so fast you never know how you might feel 4 years from now.

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H.J.

answers from Albany on

Read up on Post Tubal Litigation Syndrome on the internet. It is a nightmare.

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S.M.

answers from Fayetteville on

I had a tubal litigation 31 years ago when I had my second child. I did have it done after they delivered my daughter by c-section on the same day. I did not have any problems.

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C.C.

answers from Birmingham on

Hello T., A couple of questions... are you sure you don't want any more children AND why does your husband not want to have a vasectomy? A tubal is more of a liablility than a vasectomy medically. Both of us because of medical reasons my husband couldn't have a vasectomy & I couldn't have more children. I had a tubal when I was 45 and had no problems, but also I had my first & only child at 40. I'm glad you're going for a consultation, have the dr explain the V & T Both!:) Good Luck & God Bless! C. C

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D.B.

answers from Birmingham on

I am a 50 yr-old mom with 9 kids. I have not had a TL but my husband had a vasectomy and it was not a positive thing. Ending openness to life betrays the marital bond and purpose of marriage. We ended up regretting the decision to end procreation and adopted 7 children to expand our family. How I have wished that we could have had more natural children!! But the Lord turned us into a large family anyway as was the original plan. Ending your fertility is also detrimental to your health - increase in chances of uterine and cervical cancer, and breast cancer, as well as other reported health consiquences. I am also an RN and have noticed trends. Menopause is harder the sooner you end your fertility. You won't hear this from mainstream MDs and media, but there are studies out there that tell of this and more. Do your research and think twice of breaking something that isn't broken!!! God bless you in your discernment!!!!! :)

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T.D.

answers from Lafayette on

T.... I had my tubes tied after my 3rd C-section. I have 2 boys, 14 & 11, and a girl, 4. At the time, my husband and I felt we were done having children, however, I still get urges to have another baby. I think as a mom, you will always have that as your children grow up. Having my tubes tied seemed so perfect...never having to worry about birth control and it was great until about a year ago. My periods went crazy. A lot of heavy bleeding. I ended up having a procedure called Novasure which stopped the bleeding almost completely. I don't know if this had anything to do with the tubal or not, but I thought I would share my experience with you.

On a personal note... make sure you are done with having children. I said I would never have a baby after being 30 and had my daughter at 31. It was the best decision we made.

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V.H.

answers from New Orleans on

Dear T., I am a 41 year old women and i have had a tubal litigation at the age of 26 after having my beautiful twin daughters. I have had heavy painful periods after getting it done to the point of being diagnose with fibroids tumors, were I had to get a total hysterectomy. I wish you luck on your decision

lady v metairie

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C.C.

answers from Tulsa on

I have 3 1/2 yr old g/g twins and I had a c-section as well, but had my tubes tied when they were in there...ever since my periods have been COMPLETELY out of whack. I never had PMS before, (I thought it was something women made up) rarely did I have cramps and now I have PMS (Post and Pre Menstrual) and the most severe cramps you can imagine & my period was lasting up to 9 days!! I have since done research and there is a condition known as "Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome" - No one brought this up to me, I didn't even know it existed until I started have all these problems. My advise is do the research, I wish I would have. I hope this helps, sorry if I put a damper on ya! But I have been there - and I wish SOMEONE would have told me.
Good Luck!!

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C.T.

answers from Tulsa on

I had a tubal after/during my last c-section. I would just say make sure you are done having children. Because of the timing I can't say much regarding any after effects.

Can I ask what exactly you do? I also am a WAHM with residual income. I love to meet other WAHMs.

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K.C.

answers from Houma on

Hi T.,

I had a tubal ligation when I was in my 20's. I had 3 sons at that time...one being disabled. My husband passed away shortly after and I have regretted that tubal ever since. Sometimes God has other plans and we don't seem to look at what the future might hold. I wish you the best with your decision. I am a teacher but I also help folks turn a monthly expense into residual income!

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