What is a tubal ligation?

• A tubal ligation is a permanent method of birth control. It is the surgical operation that a woman can have to prevent pregnancy.
• A tubal ligation is not reversible. It cannot be undone. You must be sure that you do not want any more children before having a tubal ligation.

An operation is done to block the Fallopian tubes. When the Fallopian tubes are blocked, the sperm and egg cannot meet. Fertilization of the egg is impossible.

How effective is a tubal ligation?

• A tubal ligation is almost 100% effective. That means fewer than 1 woman out of every 100 who have a tubal ligation will become pregnant.
• You will be sterile immediately after the operation is done. You cannot get pregnant.
• A tubal ligation does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STD). If you are concerned about infections, use a condom every time you have sex to protect yourself from STD.

• You might feel a few small pains or discomforts after the operation. These pains are not serious and should go away in a few days.
• The pain or discomfort you feel will depend on which method is used to do your tubal ligation.
• Talk to your doctor if you think the pain is lasting too long or is worse than it should be.
• Some women may have more serious problems after a tubal ligation. Call your doctor immediately if you have:
  • fever greater than 39°C
  • dizziness that is followed by fainting
  • abdominal pain that does not go away or is getting worse
  • bleeding or fluid coming from the cut
• You can have intercourse when you are finished healing. Your doctor will tell you when you are ready to have intercourse.

• A tubal ligation will not affect your sex drive or your ability to have sex.
• Many women say sex is more enjoyable because they do not have to worry about pregnancy.
• You will still be the same woman after a tubal ligation. The only difference will be that you cannot get pregnant.
• Your body will continue to make female hormones and you will still get your period every month.
• Your body will release an egg every month until menopause. The egg will be naturally absorbed in the tube.

How is a tubal ligation done?

• Your family doctor might do the tubal ligation or refer you to a specialist (gynecologist). Alberta Health Care will pay for a tubal ligation.
• A tubal ligation is done in a hospital, with a local or general anesthetic. The operation is usually done as "day surgery", which means you do not stay in the hospital overnight .
• Three different methods are used to do a tubal ligation. In each method, the surgeon finds the Fallopian tubes and either cuts and ties them or seals them shut. The three methods are:

1. Abdominal method. The surgeon makes a 3 to 4 inch cut through the skin above the pubic hair line to reach the Fallopian tubes.
2. Laparoscopy. The surgeon makes two tiny cuts, in or near the belly button, one for a light and the other for an instrument to seal off the tubes.
3. Vaginal method. The surgeon makes a small cut at the top of the vagina to reach the Fallopian tubes. This method leaves no visible scars.

• You and your doctor will decide which method and type of anesthetic is best for you.
• You can have a tubal ligation shortly after you give birth to a baby or along with a therapeutic abortion. Talk to your doctor about these options.

Important

There is no "medical" reason for a tubal ligation except to make it impossible to get pregnant.

Remember that tubal ligation is a permanent sterilization procedure. Make sure all of your questions have been answered before you decide whether you want a tubal ligation.

Questions?  

Visit your local health centre, birth control centre, or your doctor. For confidential information about STD/HIV, call 1-800-772-2437.