Tubal ligation sterilization, also known as "tying the tubes," is very common in the Hispanic community. Many Hispanic women have it done early in life, having already had enough children and wanting to prevent future pregnancies. There are several ways to effect the sterilization, and the procedure is considered permanent.
Nonetheless, it happens frequently that women who have been sterilized, years later want to have children again - be it because their grown children have left home and the house feels empty, or because they remarry after divorce and want to have children with their new husband.
In some cases, the tubal ligation can be reversed. This procedure, known as tubal reanastomosis ("untying the tubes" or "tubal reversal"), has a success rate of between 50 to 80%, depending on the patient's age and other health factors, as well as on the surgeon's skill.
For these reasons, tubal ligation sterilization is not recommended for young women. Consult with a surgeon who specializes in tubal reversal before having your tubes tied.
Sterilization namesSterilization surgery - female; Tubal sterilization Sterilization DefinitionTubal ligation is the surgical procedure commonly known as "tying the tubes". A woman's fallopian tubes transport mature eggs from the ovary to the uterus approximately once a month. When sperm travels from the uterus through the fallopian tubes toward the ovary, it may encounter a mature egg -- and fertilization may result. Tubal ligation permanently sterilizes a woman by preventing transport of the egg (ovum) to the uterus, and by blocking the passage of sperm up the tube to the ovulating ovary where fertilization normally occurs. Sterilization DescriptionTubal ligation is done in the hospital or outpatient surgical clinic while the patient is under anesthesia. One or two small incisions are made in the abdomen (usually near the navel), and a laparoscope (a device similar to a small telescope on a flexible tube) is inserted. Using instruments that are inserted through the laparoscope, the fallopian tubes are coagulated (burned), sealed shut with cautery, or with a small clip placed on the tube. The skin incision is then stitched closed. The patient is able to return home a few hours after the procedure. Tubal ligation can also be performed immediately after childbirth through a small incision near the navel or during a cesarean section. Sterilization IndicationsTubal ligation may be recommended for adult women who are certain that they wish to prevent future pregnancies (permanent sterilization). Keep in mind that tubal sterilization is not a trivial surgical procedure, and that it carries some risk. While sterilization is very popular, some women who choose to have the procedure regret their decisions later. The younger the woman, the more likely it is that she will regret her decision. Tubal ligation is not recommended as a temporary or reversible procedure -- it is considered a PERMANENT form of birth control. The operation can sometimes be reversed if a woman later chooses to become pregnant. However, this requires a major surgical procedure. Following tubal ligation reversal, about 50% to 80% of women eventually become pregnant. Sterilization RisksRisks due to anesthesia include:
Risks of any surgery include:
Additional risks for tubal ligation include:
Expectations after surgeryMost women recover with no problems. There are no tests required to verify sterility. Sterilization ConvalescenceMost women are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for several days. Oral pain medications can usually manage the pain. Most women are able to return to work within a few days. Sexual intercourse can be resumed as soon as the patient feels ready, usually within a week. |
Sterilization Illustrations Tubal Ligation Surgical sterilization which permanently prevents the transport of the egg to the uterus by means of sealing the fallopian tubes is called tubal ligation, commonly called "having one's tubes tied". This operation can be performed laparoscopically or in conjunction with a Cesarean section, after the baby is delivered. Tubal ligation is considered permanent but reversals can be done in many cases.
 Normal Anatomy The ovaries are connected to the uterus by the uterine tubes (fallopian tubes). The egg travels through the tube to the uterus.
 Procedure Tubal ligation is surgery to tie the tubes (fallopian tubes) of a woman which causes permanent sterility by preventing transport of the egg (ovum) to the uterus. Tubal ligation may be recommended for adult women who are certain that they wish to prevent future pregnancies (permanent sterilization). Tubal ligation is not recommended as a temporary or reversible procedure. Tubal ligation is done in the hospital while the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia). A small incision is made in the abdomen and a small telescope (laparoscope) is inserted. The tubes (fallopian tubes) are tied off and cut apart. The skin incision is stitched closed. The patient is able to return home within a few hours after the procedure. Tubal ligation can be performed immediately after childbirth.
Most women recover with no problems. There are no tests required to verify sterility. Most women are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for several days. Oral pain medications can usually manage the pain. Most women are able to return to work within a few days. Sexual intercourse can be resumed as soon as the patient feels ready (usually within a week). |
[Article from the MedLine Plus Medical Encyclopedia of the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.]
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