Female Sterilization

I had a tubal right after my last c-section. The recovery was no different. I have no complaints. Its so great not to have to worry about birth control. Honestly, the long list cited by Marla below could mirror periomenopause as well!

I did it 15 months later when I was 100% positive foyr was enough. Best decision I ever made.

That list of side effects is wild. Never knew anyone to have any side effects. Usually makes life so much nicer. No more worries about becoming pregnant.

I had a tubal done after losing two babies in one year. I then had my uterus cauterized (I had a lot of female problems), then started have bleeding about 18 months after that - so I elected to have a hysterectomy. This decision was not done lightly. I am VERY happy with my decision. I've NOT needed hormone therapy - and everything was taken out.

If you know you are done having babies? You need to talk with your doctor and find out what can be done. If you have a vaginal delivery - I don't know how easy it will be to have a tubal ligation done then. I know it's easier when a C-Section is done.

Talk with your doctor to find out your options and what will work best for you and your family.

Congrats on the baby!! May you have an easy pregnancy and delivery.

If done during a C-section, there should be no difference in the recovery, and the pain meds for one will cover the other. If you need a C-section for medical reasons, you're already going to be pretty compromised and out of it for a bit.

If you are having a vaginal delivery, that's a different story. I had my surgery with one small incision under local, and I've accompanied many women during their surgery in my career as a health educator and patient advocate. Obviously a laparoscopic tubal ligation is much much easier than the c-section, but you're definitely uncomfortable from the gas used to inflate the abdomen and separate the organs. I have no idea if that's even recommended when the uterus is already so enlarged due to pregnancy. But it's certainly not easier at all - probably more difficult actually. Are you sure you want to be focusing on 2 things at once? I'd be surprised if your doctor will do them together but you can discuss. You'll be limited for a few days, more than a typical delivery.

The other thing the doctor will require you to consider - wisely so - is the effect of pregnancy hormones on your thoughts and decision-making. And if postpartum depression kicks in after the birth, you really don't want that mixed in to cause feelings of regret about a permanent sterilization.

Unless you're having a C-section, I'd wait. That's based on my personal and professional experience. But obviously you want to discuss this with your doctor on your next visit or two.

ETA: I'm blown away by the list of supposed post tubal ligation side effects. Many of them make no sense at all. For example, how does ligating the tube interfere with hormones? The tubes don't product hormones. How does it interfere with lactation? If you get a TL, you don't get pregnant, so how would anyone have a lactation problem (or care)? Depression, tears and mood swings? Sure, if you have regrets about the decision. Heavier periods? Sure, if you've gone off BC pills - but that's not because of the surgery. Once you control for surgeon error causing injury or massive scar tissue, not much is left. Changes in cycles, night sweats, chills? More likely due to natural changes that come with aging and nearing menopause, which would have happened without the TL. These reports have been sporadic since the 1950s and are not borne out by any controlled studies. Research it. Are there possible risks to any surgery? Of course. But they are limited and rare, and most are easily controlled. TL, especially under local anesthesia, is actually safer than childbirth.

I had a tubal ligation with my second c-section and I didn't have any harder time recovering than I did with my first c-section. My husband and I both had to sign a form saying it was what we wanted and had to get the hospitals okay (catholic hospital). So if you are planning to do so be sure to talk to your doctor now so you can jump through all the necessary hoops.

Why can't/won't hubby get a vasectomy?

My doctor and I talked about it before my planned C-section for my 2nd child. I really didn't think about mentioning it on the morning of my sons' delivery. Thankfully my doctor just happened to say "are we tying your tubes" before he left my room to go scrub because there were forms we had to sign. No difference in recovery from my 1st C-section. We had always planned on just 2, so we were very sure about the decision.

M

Wow!, that's quite a list Marla S and those same symptoms can come from birth control as well. I have known a lot of women that have had their tubes tied and never complained about all those symptoms.

I had a miscarriage in 2009 and a lot of complications after that. I decided to have an ablation done and can no longer have children. I have no regrets doing it, but I was 39 at the time.

If you know for sure that you no longer want children then talk to your doctor about the different options and side effects, etc..

If you are done and you know you are done, I would make sure the Dr. knows you feelings and takes care of things while you are in the hospital.

For me, hubby got snipped when daughter was 2 and I still feared and oopsie and stayed on bc. I only felt 100% comfortable when I had my hysterectomy and it was then that I felt much better, enjoyed sex better, etc because I knew there was no way I would have an accident.

I am not suggesting a hysterectomy by any means.. it just happen to be the best course of treatment for me at the time and I have ZERO regrets.

I had a csection and got fixed at the same time. No problems. I am glad I did. We have 2 happy girls and that is perfect for us.

I had Essure done.
I was like you, and 100% positive I was done having kids. There was never, ever a question as to wanting more. I have never had the regret that seems to sink in for a lot of people, and my youngest is 5.

So if you're sure, you're sure. Just do it. Nothing much more to consider.
Only you know your own mind.

I have heard that in the past there was a minimum age limit that doctors would perform sterilization but his could have changed.

Just make sure that this really really what you want. If need be do a pysch eval to make sure you are in tune with this decision to its fullest.

I had a complete hysterectomy about 20 years back. When I did it I said I was ready and at the age of 43 I didn't want any more kids. My surgery was for medical reasons and I never looked back. The nurse stated that many women did not really think things through and had remorse after the fact.

So do what you want to do and know that this is it in this department and be prepared for any of the side affects that might occur.

Here's a big hug to you for your decision.

the other S.

You can have a tubal ligation done while you are open for a c-section, if you have one. I know someone who did this, and while I guess it's easier than going back in a second time, she said the recover was harder and longer than a c-section alone.

So, talk to your OB, but I think it might not be as simple as it sounds. And unless you are having a c-section for unrelated medical reasons, I don't think any of this applies to you.

I considered it, but decided that it was better for my husband to get a vasectomy. A vasectomy is easier, less risky, and has a faster recovery time. It is also cheaper if you have to pay your own medical bills.

I had a tubal when I had my son. He is number 5 and we definitely wanted to make sure there were no more. He was a c-section due to being frank breech. I did not have any difference between this c-section and the one I had for my first pregnancy in 99. If you do not have a c-section, they can do a laproscopic tubal a day or 2 after birth. I know a woman that had this option. Little cuts and she was done. That I know of, she did not have any problems except a little soreness.

My doctor made me wait four weeks postpartum before he would do mine, it was a vaginal birth. One of the best decisions I ever made. I was tired and sore for about 4 days, my MIL came to help with the baby for the first two days, which was wonderful. No complications, I got the triple threat (lol): cut, cauterized, and banded. They only had codeine to give me for the pain, and I can't take it. I stuck with 800mg ibuprofen and that helped a lot.

I had a tubal ligation after my second daughter. The procedure was fine. Just a tiny scar in my naval... Not a big deal that way. However, after my daughter was 6 months old I was so so so so so sorry I was no longer able to have anymore kids. Getting sterilized for me had a big psychological effect that I didn't expect, even my libido tanked.

Needless to say after tons of research and lots of payments I was able to find a great place to have my tubal ligation reversed. I now have a beautiful miracle 3 week old son. :) Best money ever spent!

Just do some other form of birth control. It's easy and reveresable and you are guaranteed not to have any of the regret or other symptoms that many women experience that come with being sterilized.

Before you do this, please look into Tubal Ligation Syndrome. There are a lot of things on the internet about it if you do a search.

My mom had her tubes tied in 1977 after having my brother. My dad said it was like have some other person come home that you no longer know or recognize. She had most every symptom you can have, as did my aunts who had it done.

I am also done having kids, but my husband can get a vasectomy if he wants a permanant solution. I have been using the Nuvaring for the past 8 years (except when we had 2 kids) and have been pretty happy with it. My gyn recommended the Mirena because it lasts up to 5 years, and it works with your body to help you go through premenopause and perimenopause. I am still considering it.

This is a list of 50 of the most common side effects of a tubal. I can honestly say that after what I have seen and read, I will not be getting one of these.

Depression
Unexpected tears and mood swings
Very fast pulse rate
Breast milk production is reduced
Chills, clamming feelings, night sweats, hot or/and cold flashes
Ectopic pregnancy
Sleeping disorders and trouble sleeping through the night
Dry vagina
Abnormal periods, longer cycles, shorter cycles, heavier periods, lighter periods
Loss of libido
Reduced Lactation Ability
Progression of ovarian
Growth of Adenomyosis
Pelvic pain
Severe headaches
Acute discomforts in pelvic region at the time of ovulation
Changes in finger nails or toe nails, weaker, brake or crack easier
Weakening of bones after few years
Change in breath and body odor, bad taste in mouth, burning roof of mouth, and burning tongue
Increased bleeding in gums and other problems
Pain in the arms and legs
Acute feelings under the skin
Loss of balance, light-headedness, and dizziness
Increase in facial hair
Hair loss and thinning in head, pubic or whole body
Weight gain
Infections and allergies increasing or developing
Exacerbation of pre-existing disorders
Unexpected attacks of bloat
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Nausea, gas pain, indigestion, and intestinal distress
Loss of breast size
Tenderness of breast
High stress in muscular tissues
Sore joints, aching, tendons and muscles
Crawly, itchy skin
Distressing memory lapses
Mental confusion, awkwardness, lack of concentration
Apprehensions, feelings of dread
Chronic fatigue (crashing)
Color changes in vaginal area (color gets dark, red to purple)
Loss of sex drive
Increased menstrual bleeding
Increased cramping
Nervousness
Tubal pregnancy
Hormonal imbalances
Changes in appetite
Heavy bleeding
Feelings of hopelessness