The Truth about Tubal Ligation
What do you do if two/three/four/one is enough? For some, it might be the IUD. For others, it might be the fertility awareness method. Or, perhaps your partner goes for the snip-snip, the vasectomy.
One urbanMama is looking into tubal ligation, and she wants to hear from your experiences:
I'm trying to find out about tubal ligation. Is it out-patient or in-patient, what is recovery like? Any side effects-besides no more babies? I've read the urbanMamas posts about birth control options did not see anything on gettin' the tubes tied.
What a great topic, as I have seen very little on it as well.
Given that my 3rd was going to be my last, and a C-section at that..I went ahead and had it done at the time. I was very solid in my decision in the first trimester with this. But I must admit, a couple of days before the C section, when I signed the consent form, I realized at that moment, that with one turn of the pen, I was saying goodbye to my fertility. Lots of hormones running around at the time, and probably that same feeling people lots of people have when they realized "enough is enough".
I can tell you that I have had NO regrets whatsoever! It is so freeing not to worry about getting pregnant or having to worry with pills, IUDs, etc. I LOVE it.
I had mine as an inpatient (given the C section) and no side effects. I was told the failure rate is slightly higher when you have it at the same time as a c section. But figure, if I get pg again after a tubal ligation, it was "meant" to be, and I can live with that!
Posted by: Rebecca in Sweden | April 15, 2011 at 02:21 AM
I had an IUD for many years, but recently had it removed due to anemia caused by heavy periods. I have four children, and would like to get a tubal ligation, but cannot seem to even find a doctor in Portland that does them! Now, with the invention of much less invasive permanent birth control for women (like Adiana or Assure), I wonder if "getting ones tubes tied" will soon be only something that happens along with another kind of surgery.
Posted by: Emma | April 15, 2011 at 09:46 AM
I also had a tubal after having a c-section with my third child. I have to say that while in no way would a 4th child be good for our family (or my marriage!), I regret not having that option any longer.
I would encourage anyone considering having a tubal to research and talk to your doctor about post tubal ligation syndrome. While my doctor won't validate that my tubal is the cause, after 25 years of lovely and predictable periods, I now find myself bleeding or spotting 2-3 weeks a month. Ironically (after making sure there wasn't something else going on), my doctor now says that birth control pills are the only option for addressing the problem.
Posted by: andrea m. | April 15, 2011 at 10:54 AM
I had a tubal ligation while having my 4th child via c-section. The cost for "tacking this on procedure" was roughly $2000.00....ekkk...insurance did not cover much of it, as it is seen as an "elective" procedure. I am guessing that price may be higher if it is not attached to a surgery you adding it to.
So maybe thats why not to many doctors offer it as a single surgery. I am sure the other methods (assure, etc) are probably cheaper and just as effective.
Posted by: Collor | April 15, 2011 at 12:14 PM
Had a tubal ligation 3 months ago after a regular vaginal birth. They did it day after I had the baby and was done laparascopically. Recovery from it was tougher than I thought. Immediate post surgery (36 hours), had a lot of pain but was controlled by pain meds. The gas pain within 24 hours of procedure was pretty bad. After two weeks, incision site felt normal. But if I had to do it over again, I would wait for a few months after having a baby. I have to admit, I knew more about baby car seats than post procedure pain. So, if your husband can have a vasectomy--have him get one...and take one for the team. But the pain post op was just surprising to me.
Posted by: Mel | April 15, 2011 at 01:42 PM
I have also needed to start taking birth control pills post tubal ligation. About as ironic as you can get and troubling to think about the possibility of getting a hormone-fed cancer., but the peace of mind that I won't get pregnant is worth it.
Posted by: cc | April 15, 2011 at 09:22 PM
We researched a tubal, but it was more expensive, major surgery, and less effective than my husband getting snipped.
I had taken birth control for 10 years before we had kids, carried and gave birth to our 2 lovely children, had an IUD inserted that had to be removed due to painful complications and then proclaimed, "I am done." My husband was willing to do his part. He had a full week of recovery, but no complications since.
Posted by: Jill | April 16, 2011 at 07:16 AM
Terrible experiences after having my tubal. Looking to have it reversed. Takes away the fullness and wholeness of a woman. Bleeding and abnormalties are excessive. Sex drive off, feeling depressed more. Body changes in extreme ways of discomfort. Women should never have this done, sin against nature and GOD. I'm truly sorry I had the surgery.
Posted by: Wanting my life back | December 11, 2011 at 03:54 PM
I prefer IUD since it's safe and you'll be able to control when you want a baby or not.
Posted by: chiropractor Chatswood posture | January 19, 2012 at 01:33 AM
Hi. I hopped on here trying to find an answer about tubals being less effective and i'd like to tell any woman out there NOT to do it. I had severe post pardum depression after my tubal. My son turns 1 tomorrow and i feel like i missed the first 9 months of his life being on pills to make me feel sane! And sadly, he is my last. I am off the meds, but i still dont feel like me..." somethings's missing" and my periods used to be like clockwork on a monthly calendar! I sit here typing this having my tubes tied a year ago from tomorrow, and am 14 days late. I hope my tubal failed, honestly because it was done immediately after my c section at the age of 28 which puts me in the 5 % likelyhood of a normal pregnancy, but im still not me. I do believe that i have TLS( Tubal Ligation Syndrome ) and as for pain, because i had a c section, i did not notice a difference there as my 1st was also a c section, but what it does to a woman hormonally is insane! It is my biggest regret in life so far! Sincerly, a mom who missed the first 8 months of her last baby's life :( Please i beg of anyone reading this, taking the pill, using condoms....expensive monthly even weekly but totally more worth it than getting a tubal and having to live with the biggest mistake of your life.
Posted by: Amanda | October 27, 2012 at 08:01 PM
I had a tubal after my c-section 4 months ago and have had no problems what so ever. I'm glad to know I don't have to worry if I took my pill on time or if we have condoms readily available. Pain after the procedure was the same as with my first (also a c-section) and recovery was fairly easy considering you're still have major abdominal surgery. Our insurance paid all but $18.00. I'd definitely recommend looking into all your options and be positive you are sure you won't want to have any more children since reversal isn't guaranteed or cheap!
Posted by: Laura | November 20, 2012 at 10:06 AM
hi i just gave birth to my second child September it is now December he is 3 months old today i had a c section then a tubal done right after while i was still on the surgery table... let me say don't get a tubal if u "think" you may want more children. bc once you sign those papers its goodbye to what a woman was made for baring children i had my tubes tied bc i have hadpreclampsia bad pregnancy's my first was a misscarrige 2nd severe gave birth at 32 weeks my little girl was 4 pounds!! then 3rd started rough with high blood pressure then they told me their was something in my blood that if i didn't get a certain shot or take medication for it my baby would die within minutes of being detached from me. thankfully everything went well and i have my little girl and baby boy i didnt want to take any chances so i got tied. i remeber signing those papers n feeling guilty n sad it hits you at that moment on what you are doing. and unless you have 5000 dollars there is no turning back. i have not had any major problems but i haven't yet started my monthly and i am bloating extremely bad im hoping to find out what going on with me today (wish me luck!) i hope what ever decision you make its what you and your partner both agree on bc it is a life long decision :) GOOD LUCK
Posted by: kelsey | December 10, 2012 at 06:43 AM
Honestly, it is a personal choice. I am young (only23) and had my tubes tied after c-section with my second child. I chose it because it was a surprise when I found out I was pregnant the second time. I truely did not want to go through the infant stages again (the crying, bottles, diaper changes, no sleep, the carseat, stroller, diaper bag,everything). Being that my first is a boy and was 2 and I was having a girl, I felt my family was complete. I am not good remembering a pill daily, I didnt trust the shot or patch, and having something inside me for 5yrs did not seem right to me. Plus I knew ppl that had their iud come out, mpve out of place, and hurt in some sexual positions. Meaning each problem would be another dr visit. My insurance paid 100% of of it, so it was the best solution for me. I never have to worry about being protected or getting pregnant and since I am still so young, I can get my body right without the worry of another big weight gain and I can focus on moving forward in life with no more "what ifs". I am COMPLETELY happy. I had some discomfort during the procedure, but the healing and aftermath went smoothy. No problems then or now.
Posted by: Crystal | February 04, 2013 at 09:24 PM
Also, only weird thing is I gave birth in may and had my first period in oct (a normal period, nothing unusual), but skipped 2 months and had a period this month (another normal period). but I never had my periods on a schedule, so I wasnt too concerned, especially since I knew I wasnt pregnant. Im waiting to see if it comes next month at the same time. :)
Posted by: Crystal | February 04, 2013 at 09:36 PM
i am 28 and have one child that is 3 and will be trying for baby number 2 this summer. me and my husband have talked about it and we only want 2 weather its 2 girls or if we have a son, we will be done. i want to have them tied after i have the baby because i will be having a c-sec for the second time and figure my dr can do it at the time of birth. im not sure if snipping is the best or if the new procedure where they put coils in your fallopian tubes is better. does anyone know?
Posted by: jessica | February 14, 2013 at 11:00 AM
Jessica, I was looking into and had decided to get Essure (the coils they put in your tubes) two years ago, when at the doctor's office I changed my mind and opted for an IUD. Now, two years later, I'm having complications with the IUD and want it removed, but need to have an effective birth control method. My husband and I are done having kids and are happy with our family the way it is. So I decided to look into Essure again, as well as vasectomy and tubal ligation. When I did a search this time into Essure, and any complications, I found a bunch of information regarding women experiencing severe pain and cramping at the locations of the coils. With vasectomy, I found that depending on the study, up to 20% of men can have what is called post-vasectomy syndrome and experience among other things decreased libido, extreme pain, and increased risk of prostate cancer. For women, getting your tubes tied, can result in a similar syndrome where women can experience depression, hormanal fluctuations, decreased libido, increased bleeding during their period, increased cramping. None of it sounds terribly inviting. And now I don't know what to do because I can't take the Pill, the possible complications of permanent birth control are very uninviting, we really don't like condoms, natural family planning seems complicated and not very reliable. I'm at a loss. But I digress. My point was, do your research before you make any decisions. Google whatever permanent methods you are looking at along with their complications. If you do a search for "Essure complications" it brings up a bunch of information that your doctor might not tell you. Same for "tubal ligation complications" and "vasectomy complications". Best of luck!
Posted by: Rosalie | February 20, 2013 at 11:20 PM
I recieved a tubal after my 2nd child c-section.. I was told from the doctor I would have no side effects. Boy was he wrong, I never had cramps now I do, I never had heavy bleeding (now I'm to the point of peeing blood), severe headaches (probably because of heavy bleeding. My period use to last 4 days now it is 7 days on 2 days off 1 day on 1 day off another day on.. So regretting having this done... He tried putting me on a hormone pill and it didn't work. :( My tubal was 3 years ago and it has had no change in the above symptoms..
Posted by: Casey | March 08, 2013 at 09:47 AM
I had my tubes tied during my 3rd c-section of my 3rd child because my husband DID NOT want any more kids. I was hesitant to get it done as I really wanted a 4th child, but decided to go ahead with it as he REALLY did not want anymore. I REGRETTED THE DECISION immediately, even while I was still in the hospital recovering with baby. Now the option to have more children is gone, unless we spend $6,000 to have it reversed, which doesn't give you good odds to have a baby afterwards. Not only is my option to have more children gone, but I now experience the worst periods every month. Prior to the tubal, my periods were regular, light only lasting 3-4 days. NOW they are extremely heavy, to the point where I need to wear the heaviest tampon and pad together and change them every 2 hours, even through the night. My period lasts around 10 days or more. I never would have got the tubal done had I known that my periods would be so heavy, it is awful. So before getting the tubal, make sure you are 100% REALLY done having kids. I wish my husband would have got fixed instead, as I really hate my periods now, they are awful and not worth having the tubal done to stop pregnancy.
Posted by: Marlena Ladouceur | March 31, 2013 at 01:12 AM
I had my tubal ligation done after our 3rd child, immediately following a c-section in 2004. I've not had any complications and am very pleased with the outcome. I'm now 36 and divorced. Should I remarry, I may have another child with the assistance of intrauterine infertilization.
Posted by: Melanie H. | April 20, 2013 at 10:46 PM
Its been 2 weeks since my daughter was born april 9th and I am still heavily bleeding from a c section and tubal ligation right after a spinal. The experience post surgery has been horrible. I have a lot of pain and for me to say that is pretty serious as I have a high pain threshold. My sons birth was 3 yrs ago c section and the pain was nothing in comparison to this. My bleeding is horrible it is the heaviest flow ever and I just want it to finally stop. I don't want to take birth control as that's one of the main reasons I asked for the tubal. I'm done having kids but gees getting this bleeding would be fantastic. Sheesh. I get headaches and backaches. It is downright awful.
Posted by: lrballard | April 24, 2013 at 11:45 PM
Coming up this August will be 7 years since Ive had my tubal ligation done. Every since Ive had it done Ive had regrets. At the last minute I wanted to opt out, but I couldnt speak since I was under anesthsia since epidurals dont work for me. I have since had severe complications, went from no cramps to feeling as though im in labor every month, weight gain, headaches, backaches mood swings, depression, fatigue and high blood pressure now, not to mention my cycle last anywhere from 7-10 days, before my tubal i was prefectly healthy,exceept for having asthma... I DONT RECCOMEND HAVING A TUBAL LIGATION
Posted by: Gee | May 07, 2013 at 09:06 AM
I just noticed this thread and wanted to let people know that entirely removing the fallopian tubes to prevent ovarian cancer is slowly becoming an option. If you are in a situation where you are thinking about ligation, you might want to know more about this option: http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2013/02/22/fallopian-tubes-breeding-beds-for-babies-and-ovarian-cancer-should-they-be-removed-for-cancer-prevention-bc-says-yes/
Posted by: anon | May 07, 2013 at 12:46 PM
Had tubal after c-section. Nothing but problems for almost 3 years now. There's a lil something called Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS) and its very real. Don't do it.
Posted by: Lynne | May 12, 2013 at 08:12 PM
I am a 36 year old mother of 5 beautiful children, I chose to get a tubal based on a lot of emotion, life events that were temporary, and because of complications that left me no choice but to have a c section, it has now become one of the biggest regrets of my life. I was text book when it came to my periods, ovulation, length of cycles, etc. Now I'm a mess! Periods every 2 weeks, that last 7-10 days, stop and start, heavy bleeding and clots, I have had all the tests done to rule out the causes, hormones, thyroid, and x rays and ultrasounds, and no answer! It has totally disrupted my sense of well being, my intimacy with my husband, and Dr's do not want to recognize that post tubal ligation syndrome exists! In their medical minds, the procedures they performed are a success because I have a healthy baby, and I'm sterile. I truly believe once the circuitry of the uterus, fallopians and ovaries are disrupted, and eggs are not able to be travel there normal journey, it causes the uterus to totally dysfunction, signals are disrupted and the brain doesn't know what to tell your body to do!
Posted by: April | May 17, 2013 at 02:29 PM