Tubal Ligation After C-section - Visalia,CA

In my family the ones who got a tubal have the worst periods now and the worst PMS. They said it changed everything. My husband is wonderful and took pity on me and when the baby is here and we know she is healthy he is getting a vasectomy. No fuss he will be be able to go back to work the next day where I would be hurting for a while and need time to recover. He also was great and said I never had to take the pill, weve been together 11 years and he was fine with condoms or other options so I wouldn't have to mess with my hormones. I hope your husband will do this option for you so you don't have to go through a tubal.

1 mom found this helpful

Not true in my case, only the first one or two after having it done and it has nothing to do with having your tubes tied, its because always after having a baby the periods are heavy for one or two months worth, I had my tubes tied 17 yrs ago, it did not change my periods... at all,

HI J.

Absolutely not the case with me. Quite the opposite although I think its more from having babies, my periods are very short (4 days and usually no cramps). And not having to worry about birth control....wonderful.

Blessings to you and your famiy and your new little one!!!

M.

My neighbor, and good friend's sister had a tubal ligation and now she is pregnant! And not very happy about since her two boys are 18 and 16 and about to leave home and her partner has already left on a two-year contract to work in Cuba.
I just wanted to share with you an example of someone I know who had one.

Did you ever consider getting a copper IUD? I read that they are actually the only form of contraception known to have fewer instance of pregnancy than TL. They are approved for use in the U.S. for up to 10 years (and in Europe for 12 years), and dont use hormones, just copper. I got it put in this past april. The only sort of "side effects" I have had is that I had some cramping and spotting the first few months, but less and less each month. My periods are lighter and shorter and no more cramping now, just a bit of spotting midway through my cycle. no big deal, way better than pills or condoms or worrying or surgery, as far as I am concerned.
Its kinda funny because it is actually the most commonly used form of birth control by women around the world. It has the highest rate of protection, and the lowest danger.
Look into it. But be careful not to get it mixed up with the Mirena IUD that uses hormones and is only good for 5 years. Hormones- NOT GOOD! DANGEROUS!

OH YEAH- if you DO decide that you DO want to have another child, you have it removed and you can get pregnant as soon as the first month because it is non-hormona!

GOOD LUCK AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO YOU!!

Don't do it! I had horrible side effects that lasted about 2 years. I would research it further. I found out later that sterilization is the worst thing you can do to a female body. Given the chance I would NOT do it again. I only wish someone had told me (the doctors didn't mention a thing, actually promoted it.
Good luck and Congrats!

I am not a doctor, but it seems odd to me that cutting the fallopian tube and not allowing the egg to get past the cut would cause ANY change in periods. I had an IUD after my second child. I had some cramping at first, but then my mom, the health nut, said to take vitamin E. Poof! No more cramps. Periods were a bit heavier, but not unmanageable. After my third, I had a tubal. Life is great! I never have to think about birth control again! No hormones, nothing. My periods are the same as before, just one day shorter. The pill makes you have shorter, lighter periods, so with a tubal your periods should be what they would be naturally. I had mine done while I was in the hospital, one day after birth. My recovery was just like it would have been just giving birth anyway and it was 100% covered as well. They went in through my belly button! I am an 'innie' so the scar isn't even visible. If I had needed a C-section they would have done it at the same time. I say "go for it!" Just don't forget to sign the papers within the waiting period. You can always change your mind at the last minute, but you need to have that waiting period. Good luck!

You've had a lot of responses....so I'll be quick.

There are a TON of side effects with tubals. Pretty much no one gets them ALL, most people get SOME, and a reeeeaaally small percentage don't have any at all until menopause. Not that menopause is always bad. My own Mum had PMS for 13 years (her own side effects from her tubal) until menopause hit, and then she evened out.

Personally, I have the copper IUD...which has the same failure rate as a vasectomy, and lasts for 10 years. First couple periods are gnarly (cramps during), but there are no hormone related side effects, because you're not mucking about with hormones...and aside from some cramping for a few days a month for the first few months you'd never know anything was there.

BTB..I've had mine now for 6 years...and like everyone else with copper...LO-OOOVE it!

I had a tubal. I do not regret it all. Not having to worry about bc or the chance of getting pregnant is wonderful.
My periods are maybe a bit heavier but nothing terrible or severe. I was on the pill before so that always made them lighter. They even seem a bit shorter too.
For my PMS and cramps I take Evening Primrose Oil which helps a lot.
As long as you and your husband are 100% sure of your decision, go for it.
Since you are having a c-section it will be easier for you. I had a separate surgery later the day of a vaginal delivery.

I would definitely talk to your doctor about your options and maybe even your husband, maybe he would be willing to get a vasectomy? I have heard both good and bad about all options of birth control and to the point of I am NOT getting a tubal or IUD when we're done having children. My mom and 2 of her friends had a tubal, my mom 16 years ago, her 2 friends approx. 4-5 years ago and their periods were much heavier. My mom had a period every 3 weeks for 7 days, it was heavy and she had horrible cramps. Same with the other 2 ladies and all 3 of them have since had a hysterectomy within the last year. I know it's different for everyone but I know I won't be getting a tubal only to have to get a hysterectomy, and hopefully my hubby will get a vasectomy without batting an eyelash. I am due with my 2nd in March via c-section but I am not *sure* we're quite done yet :) Goodluck :)

J.,

I just had a tubal in April after my 3rd c-section. I had a c-section, 17 years ago, 19 months ago and the last one 8 months ago. Yes, I had my last two just over 10 months apart. I am an older mom, so we had to do something due to my health during the last 2 pregnancies. The period afterwards was difficult. There was more pain then the others. But, now it is much lighter and I hardly have any pain with it. Having the tubal was the right decision for us. My husband was 44 when the 19 month old was born and 45 when the 8 month old was born. I was 35 and 36. So, we are not spring chickens. I had gestational diabetes with the 2 last pregnancies and I was anemic with the first one.

Best of Luck! You need to weigh all your options and the final decision on what is right for you, is up to you and your husband.

Hi J.,

I can't offer advice on the tubal ligation itself, but whatever you do decide, check with the hospital in which you're going to give birth to see if they have any regulations about notifying them before hand. Some hospitals, especially Catholic ones, have a manditory waiting period after making the decision.

My last child was an emergency c-section (after 8 lovely days of labor!) Since I was trying for a VBAC, I hadn't discussed tubal ligation w/my OBGYN before hand. When it became apparent that I was headed for another c-section after another very difficult pregnancy and delivery, I asked that a tubal ligation be done at the same time. The doctor wasn't allowed to honor my wishes because I was giving birth in a Catholic-owned hospital, which required 6-wk notification if you wanted to have a tubal ligation. They required this waiting period to give you time to "reflect" on your decision and hopefully (in the eyes of the Church) reconsider your desire to stem fertility. OK, I can see where they were within their perview to require that of practicing Catholics, but it was the ONLY hospital in town, and I'm Jewish (and so was my OBGYN)! Really ticked me off at the time.

Anyway, to be forewarned is to be forearmed!

Keep in mind that a tubal ligation is not 100 percent effective. I had one in 2001 and had a baby in 2004. Of course he's a joy and wouldn't want it any other way. As far as periods go I didn't notice any difference.

J.,
There are a lot of responses here - and I think you should review all of your options (I am sure you have by now!) before making your decision. I had a tubal done after my c-section in August 2008 and did experience some of the TL syndrome side effects (shock pains in the area around the ovaries when you are ovulating) but did not experience a heavier flow. I did have the copper IUD when I got pregnant with my twins so I am not much of an advocate for that bc method (ha!). If you google tubal ligation syndrome you can pull up a lot regarding disruption of blood flow to the ovaries which is a risk with tubals. I would review that with your doctor and your husband before making the decision. I definitely wouldn't have done anything differently as I am in the "older" category as well and the twins made numbers 3 and 4 for me.
Hope this helps a bit - Happy New Year!
A.

I had a Tubal during the same surgery session that I had my C-Section. I had no side effects what so ever. I was also thirty five. About 10 years later I started having heavy periods because I developed fibroids and I had a hysterectomy 14 years after my tubal because I was anemic from all the heavy periods. There is no physiological reason why a tubal ligation should cause heavy periods as a tubal has nothing to do with the lining of your uterus if they go through and external incision. I thought it was a great way to not worry about birth control. Some husbands cannot abide the thought of a vascetomy. Please talk to your doctor and read the literature about post tubal complications before you decide.

Instead of tubal ligation, you could have the esure proceedure. No periods at all afterwards.

I had my tubes tied after my third, during my C-section. There was no additional healing time than the normal with a c-section, no side effects whatsoever, no difference in my periods AT ALL. But, then again, everyone is different. I am SOO glad I had mine done at the time of the c-section. It's a relief not worrying about birth control anymore.
Good luck.

Are you planning on breastfeeding? If you are you wont have to worry about the periods for a while. I had my 3rd and final baby last January and had my tubes tied at that time. I am still breastfeeding so have yet to experience a period, so I cant speak to that. Good luck!

J. ~ I had my tues tied 14 years ago. It's fantastic. No regrets. A fe bad periods but nohing I would report to anyone to prevent them from making a decision. In addition, I take Evening Primrose Oil. It's fabulous. I just love it. It controls my PMS, rlieves my cramps and it's totally natual. It's a vitamin. My doctor recommended it and I get it at Target or any dug store for less than $10. I take 150mg a day and according to my doctor I can take it for the rest of my life because it's a vitamin. I highly rcommend it.
I think taking care of a newborn while caring for an infant would be far more difficult than taking care of a newborn with cramps!
Best of luck and happy holidays to you and your family.

Hi, J.. If you're not sure about a tubal, you might want to consider an IUC. I use an IUC also (the Mirena), as so a couple friends of mine. Lighter periods, no worries, 99.9% effective. Love it. I've had mine for 7 years with no complications, very light periods, no problems. A friend of mine just got it a couple months ago and loves it too. Good luck.

Hi! Yes, your period will be different, but, necessarily harder. My PMS symtoms changed after a couple of months. They weren't as regular. The clock that my body ran on seemed to not be working. It has been a long time, so the details are a little fussy. I would do it again!

I had a tubal after my c-section and I have not had any issues with it . I can tell you that you will be more sore if you do it at the same time but it is not that bad Hope it helps Krissy

Hi J.! My name is M.. I'm 31 yrs old. When I had my last child 6 yrs ago, I had my tubes tied ( tubal ligation). My periods were lighter at first, but now there the same. I think it all depends on the person. I'm pretty sure your obgyn well tell you the same. Have you asked your obgyn yet? If not I would consider it. I hope I could be some kind of help. Take care of you and your family.

~M.

I have heard that the heavier periods have more to do with the fact that you no longer use birth control pills. I have noticed that as well but it's not overwhelming. Besides, I also found that the healing process of having the baby and the surgery was far easier than waiting. Talk to your doctor and see what they say. I am all for having the surgery at the same time. :) Happy Holidays!

~V

my experience..I had a tubal after 2 c sections and it's not that the periods are heavier, it was that before, when I was on birth control pills, it controlled my period. So I had to go back on them because I hated the heavy periods and cramping.

Mine have not been any better or worse. I had my tubal done during my CS 14 months ago.

if you are absolutely certain that you want no more children, why not get a hysterectomy? i had to have an emergency one, and i tell you, the premenstrual stuff is much milder. just something to consider. oh, and it did not affect my sex life either!

Hi J.. I had a tubal ligation at 30. We had our two children and it was time to stop taking the pill. I had no increase or change in periods. Of course later in life when the "change" comes it will change. Tubal Ligation had nothing to do with it. Remember every person is different. Guess the most important thing is to talk to your Doctor. Just like in child birth their are all kinds of stories, don't listen, just talk to your Dr.

There is no reason to expect heavier periods after the procedure. Talk to your doctor, not your friends. If they were on the pill before that would be the reason for the heavier periods.

J.,

I had that done after my second and final. My periods were not that bad. After the initial bleeding from having the baby stopped my first period was pretty heavy but after that they slowed down. It has been almost a year and everything is going well. So don't worry you'll be fine!!

S. M

I had mine done a couple weeks after my last child. At age 24 I did not notice any change in my period. Not even now at age 42. And I have to say that not having to take any birth control is a great thing.

I just had a tubal after a vaginal delivery and was never told anything about worse periods! I know there are soooo many side effects from the pill, i.u.d, and basically any other contraception. Since you are sure #4 is it (was for me, too!) than I would definately go ahead seeing as it's permanent and better than putting chemicals, or plastic inside of your body:)There is also no risk of infection or bladder infections like the others. I have also heard of worse periods from the i.u.d.

I use an IUD. No fuss, no muss. There's nothing to deal with or think about. It's good for 10 years. I chose the kind without hormones. As I understand it, IUD's are particularly effective contraception for women who have had children already. But ask your doctor.

Inital periods were a bit heavier, but now I'm back to normal.

Good luck!
D.

I haven't had a tubal, but my friend has. I don't know if her periods are worse, but I do know that they are pretty bad now just from seeing her during those times. Also, she has had a tubal pregnancy since.

There are many stories out there about women who have had tubal ligations and have gotten pregnant afterwards. I guess the most effective procedure is where the tubes get cut and cauterized instead of just tied, but there is a lady that had hers cauterized and she got pregnant, because the tube grew back together.