Tubal ligation is a permanent form of contraception, sometimes referred to as “getting your tubes tied”. This procedure can either be performed postpartum, at the time of cesarean section, or at any time a woman has completed her childbearing and desires permanent sterilization. If performed via laparoscopy, a small cut is made in a woman’s abdomen and the fallopian tubes are sealed, which can be done by banding, clamping, or removing a portion of fallopian tube. The risk of pregnancy after a tubal ligation is quoted to be 10 in 1000. If pregnancy should occur after a tubal ligation, your physician will rule out a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy, which can be life-threatening.
Most recently, the recommendation is to consider “salpingectomy”. This is a procedure whereby the entire fallopian tube is removed on both sides. There is evidence that by doing a bilateral salpingectomy (removing both tubes), you will reduce your risk of ovarian cancer. With this procedure, you will NOT get pregnant.
With tubal ligation and salpingectomy, the partner’s sperm should be unable to reach a woman’s eggs.
Due to the permanence of these methods, a woman can be sexually active without the concern of pregnancy.
While uncommon, complications may include blood loss, infection, anesthesia issues, injury to organs, requirement for larger incisions during surgery, and wound separations.