Has Anyone Had a Tubal Ligation?

Updated on April 10, 2008
M.B. asks from National Park, NJ
32 answers

Hi Everyone,

I recently found out we're expecting our 3rd child. I'm wondering if anyone has had a tubal ligation. I'm thinking of getting the procedure done after my c-section. Any feedback of you're personal experiences would be appreciated.
Thank you!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Hi Everyone.

Thanks so much for all of you're responses. I going to go ahead and get the procedure done directly after my c-section. All of you're feedback was very helpful.

Thank you!

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Reading on

I had a tubal ligation at the same time as my c-section and did not even notice a difference. There is a 1% chance of becoming pregnant in the first year afterwards but almost a 0% chance there after. I am glad I had it done and do not have to worry about getting pregnant again. Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I had a tubal done years ago. Recovery time for the tubal was minimal. I think I took 2 weeks off of work. However, if you are having a c-section it may take longer to recover because of that. I had a hysterectomy 4 weeks ago and I know because of the incision my recovery time has been so far 4 weeks out of work with strict lifting restriction. Good luck to you and congrats on the upcoming birth.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

After looking into the side effects/recovery time and researching tubal ligation and vasectomy, my husband actually decided he would get the vasectomy since it was less of a surgery/recovery time than a tubal and there were less risks involved.

He had his vasectomy done 20 months ago (our youngest is 21 months) and no side effects at all!!

The only question would be your age. My OB was willing to do a tubal on me (I was 25, almost 26 when I gave birth to our fourth), but we had to hunt for a urologist to do a vasectomy on my husband (he was 26, almost 27)as most want to wait until the man is AT LEAST 30.

Look into all your options and do some research. Also talk to your OB/Gyn...mine was actually helpful in giving us info on both the tubal and vasectomy and he gave us a few urologists names when we decided to go the vasectomy route.

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.V.

answers from York on

Hi M.,

I had one after my second child was born. He was born at 1:30 in the morning and there were several emergencies while I was there, so they scheduled my tubal at 8am. It went well. It was quick and easy and my insurance covered it. It was tender there for a few weeks, but you'll be tender anyway with having a c-section. I haven't had any other issues other than, I had not in the past ever had cramping w/ my periods and now I have 1 day that I cramp terrible.

Hope this helps! Good Luck! S. - WAHM

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.F.

answers from Lancaster on

I had one after my fifth child and it was no more pain than having a child after a couple week you are fine and no more children so sex is fun again .

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.F.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I just had my third this past August. He was my third c-section. I had decided that I didn't want to take a chance having a fourth (after 3 c-sections, gestational diabetes with all 3, and complications with 2 of the births -- all three are healthy kids). I went for the tubal ligation after the c-section (and I mean directly after). As soon as the baby was out, my doctor did the tubal ligation and put me back together. It added probably 2-4 minutes onto the procedure. I am very happy I did it and did not have any additional complications in doing it this way. Having had 2 previous c-sections, I can honestly say that I actually had less pain and an easier recovery with number 3 (even with the tubal) than with the other 2. In fact, I didn't notice any difference caused by the tubal. As I mentioned earlier, it was done along with the c-section so it was not an additional surgery.

My only cautionary advice is to be sure that this is what you want. You can plan for it and get it approved through your insurance but be sure that it is what you want before you go in for it. I have to say my doctor was really good about asking me if I was sure. He asked me if I was sure it was what I wanted at just about everyone of my prenatal visits and 3 times the day of the surgery (my surgery was scheduled for 9 am).

Anyhow, good luck with your pregnancy and make the decision that is best for you. Hope my experiences and ramblings help you in your decision making process.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.B.

answers from San Antonio on

Congratulations on the new pregnancy. My husband and I found out a month ago that we were going to have our third and we have started discussing the options. I'm so glad you posted this as I wasn't sure how to ask the question.

Thanks
R.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

If you are having a c-section, they can do it right then while they are in there if you are sure you want to. I had my last child at age 41. My husband and I had a deal. If I had a c-section, I would have it done at the same time. If not, he was going for a vasectomy. Well, I did wind up with the c-section and my doctor teased me later that my husband had payed him off so he wouldn't have to go :-)
It was fine and I had no side affects at all. I don't know about getting it later and what that entails. Guess you just have to be sure you want to do it if your doctor can do it while he is in there anyway.
Best of luck to you.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from York on

Hi, I only read a couple of the responses, but it looks like we all agree. I had one after my third just 8 months ago and no extra pain. You'll recover along with your c-section with no problems. Good luck and congrats! :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Make sure you are not delivering at a Catholic Hospital...they won't perform it during your c-section. I found this out the hard way!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.A.

answers from Scranton on

Hi everyone my name is Ci Ci, and yes i had an tubal ligation 13yrs ago, with 4 child that she is now 13. It was an very emotional ride because your hormones goes haywire at first. I said to myself for the first year, I felt like i was own an roller coaster ride, and why's that ,because when i done it. I was 29 years old and the doctor, told me i would go threw early pause, and i did. I always had bad cramps all my life, but its seems now i have headache also, And now I'm 41 my mood swings are worst, They say there medicine out their, but i never invesgate for them, But the positive side to all these is, I'm growing up with my children two grown, and i have two more that are teenagers were close,and I have one grand daughter. So life is high on volume, I'm glad i done it

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

U.C.

answers from Scranton on

hi my name is taaahirah i have a tubul ligation like 18 years a go .evey sense ive had it done i been suffering with bad periods please try another choice .this is not good. i truly regret every having this done especially known i been married for 5 years and my husband has no children not that he makes it a issue but i wish i would have did something different.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

I had the tubal and I'm regretting it. Not because I want more children but because it makes you moody and now I feel like I am having woman problems cysts ect. as a result. Have your significant other get the vasectomy if you can talk him into it. It's an easier procedure with no later side effects for him. I think once you mess with a womans insides it's all downhill after that.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.C.

answers from Scranton on

I had one done after the birth of my third child. It's usually
done through the belly button, and doesn't hurt. You're usually put to sleep for the procedure. Some minor discomfort
is normal, but they'll give you something for the pain. If you
are absolutely sure you want no additional children after your third child is born, then this is the way to go. And if you ever change your mind in the future, it can be reversed.
This costs more than a c-section, but some people actually
find that it's worth it. Hope all this helps at least a little.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.M.

answers from Lancaster on

M.,

I had a tubal ligation when my daughter was born. I had to have a c-section with her so they were able to do the tubal ligation while they had me opened. I only had to go through one surgery instead of two. Since you already know you'll be having a c-section you should discuss with your doctor your wishes. I never had any problems afterwards.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

F.V.

answers from Lancaster on

I had one with my c-section. The only draw back is that my periods are soooooo heavy (as I was on the pill before) and painful. I thought it was supposed to get lighter after a baby is born! Ha! (They were heavy before too without birth control, now I am on DepoProvera as well as having my tubes tied) Just make sure this is what you really want because around the same time my son turned 1, I was regretting having it done. I am ok with the decision now as I think it was a phase. Good Luck!
Chris

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.D.

answers from Philadelphia on

I had a tubal ligation after my daughter was born via a c-section. I have 2 children but I had 4 miscarriages inbetween
my pregnancies and knew that I didn't want anymore. I had no problems. I had 2 c-sections and recovered from them both the same with and without the tubal. It is nice not to have to worry about birth control. Best of luck to you. V.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.G.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I had one after the birth of my second daughter -- had no problems with any part of it. I did have a slight headache the evening that the procedure was done but not even as bad as some I have had during my period. And what a blessing for me it is to know that I do not have to fuss with contraception and its hormonal possibilities.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

F.B.

answers from Harrisburg on

I had a tubal ligation done after my last child's birth in February of 2007. I don't know what kind of information you are looking for, but I had it done at the same time the birth occured. I had a c-section too. I didn't have any adverse effects. I am glad I decided to get it done.

Stay at home mom of 3 children, ages 8, 2 and 1.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.E.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I had a tubal ligation after our third child. I had it done about a year after she was born and I had no problem. I had some pain in my shoulder on and off for a couple days due to the air, but that is normal. Other than that, I was pain free. My sister in law had a c-section last year and also had a tubal at the same time and she has had no problems. Good luck and congrats!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi,
I had a tubal done a year ago after my twins were born. I also have a 3 year old. It was the best decision for me because I had bad pregnancies toward the end and I knew I didn't want to go through it again. I also knew my husband didn't want to get a vasectomy. I did have a c-section and knew that would be the perfect opportunity to do it. Anyway, like others are saying...periods are really heavy for the first few days and then seem to tapper off after that. I also spot between period too. But i don't think I would want it any other way. If you know for sure you are done having children, then go for it.
Good Luck!
R.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.H.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hello M.:
I had a tubal and within one week I was fine (no pain.) However; I here if when you have a tubal and c-section at the same time you will have some discomfort and might have to take some medication (pain killer.) Your body is trying to heal from the c-section for one and then trying to heal from the tubal. M., I am not sure how old you are but if your doctor thinks you are too young he/she may not be willing to perform a tubal. Good luck with your up coming birth.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Williamsport on

Hi M.,

I had a tubal Ligation, after I had my 3rd child, I also had a C-section with my 3 child, and I think personally if you are going to have it done, your best bet is to have it done while you are on the operating table. One thing that I did want to mention, is after I had my tubal, my period for the 1st 2 months was really really heavy, like after having a baby.

Good Luck with what ever you choose.

Congrations on the baby.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Harrisburg on

I had a tubal after my c-section and I have no regrets. I was given the option to either have it immediately after my c-section or later on. If you do not want anymore children, I would recommend having a tubal immediately after your c-section.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi M., I did exactly what you are thinking about - had a tubal done after the birth of my third boy. It's very easy, since they already have you opened up, and I had no additional pain or recovery time from it. As I recall, the proceedure was pretty quick too. It was the right decision for us, we knew we wanted to stop at three kids and now there are no birth control issues to have to deal with. Not to mention the fact that my husband was thrilled to not have to go the vasectomy route! :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.A.

answers from Lancaster on

Hi M.,

2 years ago, I had a tubal with my c-section. To be totally honest with you, the tubal was more painful that my c-section incision was!! That is, after I came home from the hospital. It is well worth it, though. The pain lasted about 3 weeks, but that meant no b/c pills for me. I would do it again! Congratulations on your pregnancy!!!!

Best wishes,
V.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.A.

answers from Harrisburg on

Hi, M.. I have three children & last year I had a new procedure done called Essure. They implant coils in your fallopian tubes & it takes three months for the tissue to grow around it (would need birth control those three months) & then you go in & they inject dye & x-ray your abdomin to make sure the tubes are close. Everything went great & there's no recovery time like a tubal! I spotted a little, but that's all. You can look up the procedure on line. Hope this helped.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Pittsburgh on

No, I have not had a tubal, but I did have a procedure called "Essure" that is safer and easier. Totally painless! Ask your doctor about it. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi M.,
Like the other moms said, be sure this is definitely what you want. If you are not 100% sure that you are done having babies wait. You can suffer from depression and it can get worse if you've had a tubal and aren't 100% it's what you wanted. Also, be sure you then schedule to deliver at a hospital that will allow this procedure.
Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.G.

answers from Allentown on

I had mine done after my 3rd c-section just after my daughter was born. This was 17 months ago. I have noticed that my periods are very heavy for 3 days but then taper off into very light for 2 days and I have some spotting between periods. I also still have a lot of abdominal pain, but that could be because of the c-section and not the tubal. But even considering all this, it was the best decision for us. If this is your 3rd c-section it might be a good decision for you also, as if I were to have another baby I doubt it would carry to full term and my uterus would probably rupture. As with each c-section you get thicker scaring and your uterine walls become thinner.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.B.

answers from Altoona on

I did have a tubal done and my situation is very similar to yours. I had already had 2 children a girl and a boy so when i found out that i was pregnant again me and my husband decided that we didnt want to have any more children, so i planned to have it done after delivery. All went well and it was relatively easy, i was only sore from it for a day or two. But the reason i wanted to respond to this is because me and my husband have since divorced and now i am with a man that i love very much and even though i already have 3 kids he doesnt have any. And i am starting to wonder if maybe i made the wrong decision because i think that i would like to maybe have a child with him someday. And i cannot. So my advice to you is please weigh out the pros and cons. There is no right answer for everyone but just make sure that you make the right decision for yourself and your family. Best of luck!

ps. not to mention the mood swings that everyone else has mentioned, i can add that they are not terrible for me all of the time but i can definitly tell that they effect me from time to time.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

Yes. I had it done on a friday & back to work on monday. However I did not have mine when I had my c-section. My son came 7wks early so we hadn't even thought that far ahead.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions