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Dec 18, 2006
Tubal ligation side effects
by SirGan
 All women who are looking for some permanent form of birth control should be familiar with one attractive procedure called -a tubal ligation, form of female sterilization. Important thing about this surgical procedure is that making a woman sterile is very effective at preventing pregnancy, with a failure rate as low as 0.4%. Pretty convenient! What exactly is tubal ligation? Well, it is one specific surgical procedure in which a woman’s fallopian tubes are cut, clamped or blocked. The main result is prevention of woman’s eggs from traveling down to uterus. Not only that- it has double effect because it also blocks the sperm from traveling along the tube to meet the egg. All women should be aware of one important fact – the thing is that a tubal ligation is generally regarded as a permanent type of birth control, but good thing is that the reversal surgery is available. Unfortunately- there is no 100% guarantee and, even if someone had tubal ligation reversed, she may still not be able to get pregnant. Success rates for pregnancy after a tubal ligation reversal range between 70% and 80%. There are also several possible side effects and possible complications that could occur during and after the operation! Although the tubal ligation is an effective way of preventing pregnancy, it absolutely doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and that’s why- it will still be necessary to use condoms if a patient enjoys high-risk sexual life!Statistical dataStatistical data are currently saying that more then 700,000 of tubal ligation procedures are performed each year in the United States and almost 50 percent are performed right after a woman gives birth. Eleven million US women aged between 15-44 years rely on sterilization and more than 190 million couples worldwide use surgical sterilization and therefore-experts are saying that it represents a very safe and reliable method of permanent birth control.
Indications for the operationAre there any exact indications for the tubal ligation operation? Well, experts are saying that tubal ligation may be the best possible option for women who are certain that they wish to prevent future pregnancies- in other words- to be permanently sterile.
One thing is characteristic for these kinds of operations- it is extremely popular and attractive in the beginning- but later, some women regret their decisions and the rule is that -the younger the woman, the more likely it is that she will regret her decision.
Although some experts are saying differently- the fact is that this operation should be considered as a permanent procedure and that it isn’t recommended as a temporary or reversible procedure. Although the fact is that tubal ligation can sometimes be reversed, this requires a major surgical procedure and great majority of these women will not be able to get pregnant again in life.
ProcedureWhat are the most important facts about this procedure? Good thing is that, although highly effective, a tubal ligation is a relatively simple operation done in a clinic, doctor's office, or hospital and it can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
Techniques of operation
Every woman should know that 2 most common techniques of female sterilisation are:
· Mini-laparotomies
· laparoscopies
Other procedures include:
· laparotomy
· culpotomy
· culdoscopy
· hysteroscopy
· hysterectomy
What’s also characteristic- during the laparoscopy procedure, the woman’s abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide gas in order to separate the abdominal wall from the uterus and tubes. After this is done- the surgeon makes a first small cut just below the navel needed to insert a laparoscope, a small telescope-like instrument. A second cut is made just above the pubic hairline to allow the entrance of the instrument that will cut, sew or burn the tubes. In most cases- the complete operation takes no more then half an hour.
Post-op treatment
Most surgeons will advice a patient that, after the surgery, it is recommended that women take 2 to 3 days off. Many women are considered about how much time will have to pass until the nest sexual activity! Answer is simple! Sexual activity can start again when a woman feels comfortable, usually after just a week- great isn’t it!? Recovery time depends on patient’s pain tolerance, the type of anesthesia used, and overall healing ability. Some patients feel slight abdominal pain and tiredness and less often, patients may feel dizzy or nauseous or have shoulder pain, abdominal cramps, a gassy or bloated feeling, or general fatigue. Good thing is that most or all of these symptoms usually go away within two to five days, and most women return to their usual routines a couple of days after surgery.
Non-surgical method of tubal ligationIt is also important to point out that, about four or five years ago, a new, non-surgical method of blocking the fallopian tubes was presented to the patients and it is based on one specific form of tubal ligation which involves having a small coil placed into fallopian tubes thereby creating a barrier. Only problem is that, it takes between three and six months before this type of tubal ligation becomes effective. During this time- woman should use other available forms of contraception!
Results and possible risks of tubal ligationGood thing about this procedure is that great majority of women recover from the laparoscopic procedure with no problems. However, main problem is that there are no tests required to confirm that the patient is now sterile after a laparoscopic procedure.
That’s the reason why- during the first 3 months after the procedure, all patients should use another form of birth control after which- a final x-ray procedure is being done in order to confirm that the device is in place.
All patients should be aware of one very important fact- like with any other type of surgery, there are risks involved with having tubes tied, including infection and uterine perforation. Beside these possible side effects - women who have had their tubes tied and become pregnant are more likely to experience an ectopic pregnancy- which is considered to be a life-threatening condition. Other possible risks include menstrual cycle disturbances and gynecological problems.
Bleeding, infection or reaction to anesthetic may also occur. Other possible but very rare complications include damage to organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, ovaries, blood vessels and nerves. Although rare, deaths have also been reported in tubal ligation and patients should be aware of this fact.
Tubal ligation- pros and consAdvantages
Disadvantages
· Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS
· Requires surgery.
· Has risks associated with surgery.
· More complicated than male sterilization.
· May not be reversible.
· Possible regret.
SexualityEffect on sexuality represents a big concern for almost all patients because women are interested will the operation have any effects on sex! The answer is simple- women are fully able to enjoy sex after a tubal ligation and these facts are proven. Costs of tubal ligation Although not too many women think about this segment of this procedure- the fact is that the initial cost of a tubal ligation can be expensive, ranging between $1,000 and $3,000. However, experts are saying that, because the effects are permanent, it may be a more cost-effective solution for some women. That’s why- the bottom line is that women that are sure that they do not want any more children, should consider a tubal ligation as a best possible successful means of birth control. Tubal ligation procedure and age-issue Important thing is that the experts are saying that the incidence of menstrual problems after tubal ligation may be higher in women who undergo the procedure in their 20's. How come? Well, it is logical to assume that, if the tubal ligation technique does sometimes impair blood flow to the ovary, it will lead to menstrual irregularities earlier than normal and that’s why-the young women are in higher risk. Reversal of tubal ligation Women that are planning to have a tubal ligation should know that, in generally, tubal ligation is done with no intentions to be reversed! This is fact and most patients are satisfied with their permanent sterilizations. However, experts are saying that some types of procedure can be reversed with surgery. Best candidates for the reversal are those women who have left a sizable amount of tubal tissue in place. Oppositely to this- tubal ligation with the use of cauterization, or a salpingectomy are generally poor or no candidates for reversal.
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