Tubal Ligation Experiences

Updated on October 13, 2009
B.T. asks from Benton Harbor, MI
15 answers

I am considering having a tubal ligation done at the end of the year after the birth of my 4th child. Yesterday my doctor was describing two different methods that can be used to complete the procedure. 1)A procedure done in office where they place two coils in your tubes and after about 12 wks. your body "grows around them" or 2) An outpatient procedure done by making a small incision or two and going in to "tie" the tubes. My question is - what has your experience been with either type of procedure, including recovery time, pain factor, etc?

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G.N.

answers from Minneapolis on

I had a tubal ligation using the 2nd method you described after having my 4th. I had a c-section and honestly could not tell it had been done based on any extra discomfort.

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A.L.

answers from Des Moines on

B., I had a tubal after my youngets daughter was born, back in 99 and well I had them do my tubes a day after she was born. But I had mine cut tied and burned less chance of them coming undone. W ith them just being cut, it is a proven fact that they will grow back together. But if you are thinking about EVER wanting more children I would not go cut,tie, and burn as it is a 100% fix at least for me it has been. I am not sure, but I have been told by people who have had just tied that it only lasts for about 7-10 yrs. but this again is what I have been told so do not know for sure. I just know in my situation, mine are completely done for. Hope this helps. My other suggestion is this ask them to do this either the same day you have your child, or just the day after. Believe me it is much easier to have them do it either right after or day of birth as your tummy is already big , if they wait till 6 weeks then they have to fill your tummy with air to see the tubes.

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L.B.

answers from Omaha on

B.,
I had a tubal done in April after miscarrying and then feeling like I could never go through it again. First let me put this note out there...unless you are 100% sure that you want this procedure do not do it! It is more of an emotional decision rather than a physical one. Trust me on this.
I had the incisions through my belly button and anoter just below my hair line. The incisions are very small and I can't even tell they were done. It's only been 5 months so if you're worried about scarring don't fret it! The one thing about this procedure is that it can be very uncomfortable. They fill your abdomen with gas so they can see what they are doing inside. You wouldn't think of this as a problem...right! They try and get as much gas as possible out before closing up but there is no way to get it all out. With it being a gas what else is it going to try and do to get out of your body but to rise! you may feel pain in your diaphram or shoulders. The shoulder pain is called reverted pain but it all passes in a day or two.
If you are planning on having this procedure please make sure you have a good support team surrounding you. You'll need to take it easy and relax for at least a few days following the procedure.
Good luck on your decision! I wish you the best!

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L.S.

answers from Grand Forks on

Hi B.,

I just had this procedure done on aug 2nd. My second child was born 7/15/09 by emergancy c-section with complications where i didnt have enough amniotic fluid and then came to find out my placenta was attached to my uterus! Some of the pieces are still inside and that is why i had this done. It was either this, d&c, or hystarectamy (sp?). I had same day surgery where they put me out and went in under my belly button and where my c-section scar is. I was sent home with pain pills that helped with the pain. I was in a lot pain for about a day and a half. then mild pain for a couple of days. The only thing that was hard was when my 2 year old would bump my tummy!

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M.S.

answers from Milwaukee on

I just had the latter procedure done in august. Little sore the first day but was able to walk around and function taking care of three kids. The in office procedure would have been more painful since I would have to be awake for it. Sleeping through it sounded way more appealing since I had just recently given birth to my son. Good luck with whatever you choose.

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J.J.

answers from Omaha on

Hi B.,

I know you're feeling overwhelmed right now with 3 young children in tow and one on the way. It sounds like your hands are very full! I have 4 children and one on the way so I can empathize with you. :)

However; I suggest you really think about this decision. When you speak with your doctor it sounds like an obvious and easy decision, but it may be one you regret. I recommend you do a lot of research about the physical complications that can happen to your body after a tubal. Your doc will tell you it's a low risk; however, he's the one getting the money for the surgery. I know women and have heard of several stories of women who've had a lot of complications and ended up having a hysterectomy. It's not natural for one to mess with the tubes. Your body isn't broken and it's not natural to fix something that isn't broken. It may only cause your body to not work well.

There are other options out there. I've used Natural Family Planning for 15 years and I know my body well! I don't put any un-natural hormones in my body. Yes, at first learning to chart your cycles can seem scary and daunting, but after a couple months you realize how your body works and it's so empowering to your mind to be in charge of your own body!!!

There's a book you can get at the library called "Take Charge of Your Fertility" which will explain the basics of charting. I know 2 methods of charting. One is charting temperature and mucos symptoms and the other is just charting your mucus.

For 8 years my husband and I taught NFP through the Couple to Couple league. It's a class you take for 3 months - one class per month. There's another method that is local called naprotechnology or the Creighton Method by Dr. Hilgers. It's a series of classes as well. Either class gives you excellent instructions with couselors to help you read your charts. I would be happy to give your more info on this.

Please! Please consider other options. This could be something you regret forever!

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S.B.

answers from Fargo on

hi. i had mine done when my youngest was a little over a month old. the doctor that i had kept trying to talk me out of it. i wanted it done. but she does things a little different. she uses clamps instead of cutting,tying and burning.which i did want but oh well. any ways. the first day was hard. i was pretty out of it after the procedure. my husband had the day off so he was able to help with the kids. as far as pain. it wasn't to bad. the first day after the procedure was the worst. but i had to start taking care of both kids by myself the very next day. i did not leave the house AT ALL.if i needed some thing i waited till hubby got home. any ways i have no scars what so ever. you can't take bath for like 4 weeks i think. it has been over a year since i had it done. i don't know how old you are but if you are some what young and there is a slim possibility that you would want more children go with a implant or other birth control options. i was 24 almost 25 when i had the procedure done. and i am regretting it in a way. i am wanting another baby and i know i can't have any more. but any ways. the choice is yours. think about it way before you do it. where i live they won't do the procedure the same day you have the baby unless you have a c-section. if you have it normal they make you wait 2 months after the baby is born.
S. mom to two wonderful boys. 4 almost 5 yr old and also a 1 1/2 yr old.been married for 3 yrs but been a couple for 8yrs to a wonderful guy and father

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R.C.

answers from Birmingham on

I had the outpatient tubal 7 weeks ago. I only had one incision, it started inside my belly button and was about an inch long. The recovery was quick. It was sore to the touch for about a week but I was back to doing things like normal the following day. I've heard bad stories about tubals so I was a little nervous, but my doctor explained things well and I am very pleased w/ my results. Good luck to you on what ever you decide.

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T.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I am a part of a clinical trial for the Adiana procedure. I had it done in 2003. It took me 30 min, and i was on my way home... It was the same type of pain as my period, and after a 2 hour nap, the only remaining symptom of having something done was a very tiny amount of spot bleeding. The next day I couldn't tell that anything was different.
I believe that it is out on the market now, but I am not exactly sure.
here is a link http://www.adiana.com/index.html
It is a similar idea to the metal coils, but uses a small silicone implant... the size of !/2 a grain of rice, It iakes about 12 minutes to actually do it. It is WAY easier on your body too :)

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A.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

I have experience with option #1, called Essure. I had the procedure done a little over a year ago. So far, no problems at all. There was some discomfort during the insertion of the coils, but that was it. I went right back to my regular activities afterward. No recovery time and no incisions necessary. The worst part for me was my body's reaction to the local numbing agent. Caused lightheadedness, dizziness for about 1/2 hr. But the procedure itself was simple. After 3 months of letting the scar tissue form, I went back for the dye test to make sure my tubes were blocked. I watched the screen and saw with my own eyes that the procedure was a success! Again, only minor discomfort during the actual procedure. I have had no side effects and have not noticed any changes except maybe a lighter period (not sure it's related). I highly recommend this alternative to a tubal!

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E.K.

answers from Milwaukee on

I am considering the same thing. I have had an IUD and want something permanent. I hear essure is great. If you know in your heart you are ready to be done go for it. I know that I am done for SURE. I have no desire to get pregnant again. And know that will not change. I do think it is possible to do something like this with no regrets. Good Luck deciding what to do.

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M.W.

answers from Madison on

Hi B.,

I had the 2nd procedure done and it really was a piece of cake. A little sore for a day but nothing major. Take it easy for a couple of days and you will be like new again. Good Luck!

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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

k

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J.L.

answers from Duluth on

I had option #2. I have had not problems I was down one day andthen felt fine. The other option was not available with I had mine, doing it in the office is nice though. Good luck!

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A.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I had it done during my c-section with my third child in Feb 2008. My doctor used some kind of clips that tie the tubes shut. There was no additional pain or recovery time. The only thing that has changed for me is my periods. They are heavier and last a few days longer. Good luck!

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