Wanting to Get My Tubes Tied

My husband was a little hesitant too until I almost died after delivery and he told my dr that he did not want me to go back under the knife for anything else. He sacrificed and had the vasectomy done and even though there was pain for several days afterwards, now I think he's happier than me because it definately did not stopped his "manhood" and he never has to worry about protection.

Hi M.. I had my tubes tied 2 years ago after my son. I had an emergency c-section and went ahead and had it done while I was on the table, but as far as long-term (2 years)side effects, etc. I don't feel any different except releived that I don't have to worry about birth control.
If you have specific questions, let me know.

Vicki M.

I had my tubes tied after my 4th a little over 16 years ago and have never regretted it. No problems..........no side effects like with other alternatives. Since I had ceasarean, they just did it then. Good luck.

You might consider looking into the Sympto-Thermal method of Natural Family Planning. It is 99% effective, friends of ours have used it successfully for years. ccli.org will have some more info. (Yes, it's a Catholic site but I promise it has good scientific info, not just religious stuff.)

I had it done after my last child. It doesn't change your periods, but you don't have to worry about getting pregnant. The best thing would have been to have had it done when you had your last child, especially if you had a c-section, there would have been no extra charge.

I had a tubal after my 5th and it was a peice of cake. No problems at all. I waited until my 5th was a year old just to make sure it's the decision I truly wanted, since they often snip and burn the ends so it's considered permanent. Yeah, I know I had 5, but my husband didn't have any before marrying me, and it was just his 2nd, so there were things to consider. I also had ablation done where they kind of strip a layer of the inside of the uterus, which was performed at the same time as my tubal, because of my heavy periods, which have now been reduced to 2-3 days of light spotting and light bleeding. It's wonderful. I had an IUD before my 5th, and had no trouble, until it 'flipped' upwards, and they couldn't feel it so my Dr. had to search a little to remove it and by the time he got it out, I was too lightheaded for another and said I wanted the patch, got it and 2 months later was prego. with no. 5. So...if you truly are done forever, then a tubal is simple and great. I've even seen at my gyno.'s office now advertisements for in-office permanent sterilization for women. Maybe ask about that, that would have been better than day surgery to me! My ex husband had a vasectomy, and it wasn't a big deal, but after remarrying got it reversed. Women can't just do that. My husband now absolutely would not consider it, even after I'd carried and labored and gave birth to our kids, so I can relate with you. Tubals are no big deal as far as the procedure goes. Not like hysterectomies where your hormones are thrown for a loop or anything. You still have reg. periods. Just really make sure since your last is so young that you are truly done. With 4, I understand girl! But, my cousin's wife had her tubal after their 3rd and last baby girl. And, last week she drowned at 14 months. It's been horrible and terribly sad, and I know in no way they are even thinking of wanting another now, but they are both 24 and who knows in years to come. Good luck

M.,
Hello! I had my tubes tied 8 weeks ago w/my 2nd c-section! I only have 2 children (1 girl and 1 boy), but we knew we didn't want anymore! I have a little bit of pain every now and then on my left side, but other than that I didn't notice anything...the only concern I think a dr would have is that you have all boys, but if you want your tubes tied, just tell them! My dr almost didn't do it b/c she said I was too young (27) w/too few children. I expressed my want for the tubal and FINALLY when I was about the have my c-section (literally on the table), I signed my consent form and the procedure was done!! Good luck!

I would research specifically the effects of the procedure: both physical and emotional, especially concerning the intimate relationship. A friend confided that she was "never the same" again (trying not to give TMI!). That was 25 years ago! She doesn't know if it was physical or emotional, but she really regretted the decision. Just research thoroughly and good luck. I'm interested to hear if anyone else has had the same experience!

I had mine done last September after my I had my baby. I really regret doing it. I think I did it for the wrong reasons. I had 2 babies, perfect pregnancies, and then I miscarried the third. So when I got pregnant again, it was very hard emotionally and it was physically rough pregnancy. My fiance is a lot older than me, and has three grown children from his first wife, so he didn't want any more children. My last two babies are his, the one I lost and my little one I have now. So the morning after she was born, I had it done. It was the worst pain I have ever felt. Still, almost a year later, if I exercise too hard, or even after intercourse, I feel like I am having cramps for days afterward. I really regret doing theat. I honestly don't think we would have had more babies anyway, but just the fact that it is really over, really upsets me. I loved being pregnant, and I loved having little babies, and all that is gone for me now. I would really consider and IUD or something similar.

Hi M.!

I just now saw your post but I'm going to respond anyway. I'm 39 years old and had my tubes tied almost 17 years ago after my last son, (I have 3 sons) and I was 22 years. Everything went well for me. I had the surgery at Baylor of Garland. My periods actually went from a solid 7 days heavy to light 3 days. I am now having a full hysterectomy in September due to cysts on my ovary. I never had any type of "female" problems nor has anyone in my family but i had my left ovary removed in April of this year. My doctor said that this has nothing to do with my tubal what so ever. I wishe dmy then husband would've gotten the surgery but he wouldn't. Men don't realize how much less invasive it is for them and the down time is much, much less than ours. I feel that alot of men are just really selfish where this is concerned. Good luck!

I tied my tubes immediately after delivering my second child. I hear it wasnt such a good idea to do right after labor but I'm the kind of girl who wants to take care of everything all at once. I was EXTREMELY sore for a week or so afterward. The first few days were horrible especially with a new born and another 14 month old to take care of. I'm super happy I did it but be prepared to have some backup for the first 5 to 7 days if you go for it. I found it hard to even stand up straight. I have also heard a bunch of horror stories about the procedure "not taking" and women getting pregnant after a tubal. So far, I'm in the clear and that was 6 years ago. Hope this helps and good luck.

I have several friends that have had their tubes tied with resulting heavy, long and painful periods. Your husband's fear about getting "snipped" is unfounded and he doesn't have to have insurance because it only costs around $600 and takes about 10 minutes in-office procedure. (Normally, you can pay over time). The recovery is only a couple of days of watching tv and relaxing on the couch. It is a much better alternative than you having your tubes tied. My husband had it done and I can tell you that it didn't affect his "manhood" at all. He won't be able to tell a difference. It is the best alternative. Tell your husband that he needs to at least consider it because the alternative could be him having to deal with you being on your period for longer amounts of time --with more pain.

M.,
DO IT!!!......it was the best decision I made....I am 55 yrs young and never regretted it .We wanted to have three children
....did that and are very happy. Did NOT have any problems.

It takes away a LOT of concern ....puts your mind at ease.
Wish you had done it while in the hosptal with your last baby.....but go back and get-er-done!

I also had that problem. The husband not wanting to lose his "manhood". Well, I did get my tubes tied. THEN had monthly issues that just kept elevating. Massive bleeding, cramping that was so bad I called into work. I had three options. IUD, ablasion, hysterectomy. At the time I needed the cheapest. So I went went with the IUD. Its been one year, no periods, cramping. or any other issues. So just watch out. You could have problems after words. Hope this helps. Katharine

M.-I had my tubal in 1984 after I had a baby with a c-section and never looked back! It is such a relief not to worry about it anymore!!! Do it it is such a relief!!!

M.,

I had my tubes tied after my 2nd child. I just spent the weekend getting her settled for her 2nd year of college. In all that time I have not had any problems. However, I must include that about 8 years after she was born I had to have a complete hysterectomy because of a tumor.

I would say to just be absolutely sure because reversal is extremely costly and not guaranteed.

D. T.

I had a tubal after having my 3rd child delivered via C-section. I have had no pain from it. I think it is worth it and since I was already cut open I went for it. The only problem I had was heavy menstral cycle which I never had before. My OB contribute it to age and hormal imbalance so had to take pill for a couple months to regulate it. It is better now. Otherwise, never had any problems and it was worth it.
Your husband's story is a cop-out. He wants you to lose your womanhood. Please, give me a break! Real men will do what is best for his family and wife. It is MUCH easier for a man to get his tied than a woman's. However, go for it.
The Mirena IUD, my sister tried to get one but her insurance would not cover it. She would have had to pay $1500 for it. So it is up to you. Good luck!

I, like you, was in a dilema about getting my tubes tied after having my third child. Original plan was to do it after my second but I backed out at the last minute. I am glad I did because my daughter born after that is a beautiful young woman now. When she was 6 weeks old I had my tubes tied, it's a long story why it wasn't done when she was born.
Anyhow, even now if I could go back and have it undone I would. Prior to the tubal my periods were consistent, like clockwork every 28 days. I rarely had cramps and despite them lasting 7 days they were of little discomfort and more of an inconvenience. After the tubal they became very irregular, severe cramping for at least a week before starting, nausea, severe mood swings, it was UGLY!
One month I would just spot, the next would be normal and them you would think someone had turned on a faucet! It got to the point where I was hemerrhaging (SP?) every other month. I finally had to have an Endiometrial Ablation done and that WAS the best decision i have ever made!
I know every woman is different but please look at all aspects before you make a choice. Some women have little to no problems but every woman I have ever spoken with about tubals has experienced the same thing. Trust me, it is no fun walking through the store and getting hit with cramps so severe you end up doubled over and cannot move.
Good Luck!

Hi M.,
Had one in 1996 after having 2 kids and I was already over 35. Haven't looked back since. Had great insurance and I think I paid $10 co-pay. What a wonderful investment. Had no problems and was relieved not having to take birth control and all it's side effects. Don't be afraid. It's a quick and simple procedure. So sorry to hear about Lori's situation though. One of those rare things.

I had mine tied during the c-section with my baby. I have 2 by birth, 2 from my husband's first marriage. I experienced no extra pain - I recovered from the last c-section faster than the first.

The only time I regret it is when I want another baby. Sometimes I feel like I did it because of pressure - from my husband, from our finances.. but 99% of the time (when I'm not wishing I could have another baby), I'm grateful.

I had mine done 2 1/2 years ago. My Dr. was Fred Cummings, in Denton.

S.

Sorry so late getting back to you. I had my tubes tied in 1987 after the birth of my third child within 3 1/2 years. I was only 22 but had gotten pregnant on pills twice. I had a special needs child the first time and 2 "normal" babies after that, but with any children 3 babies in diapers at 1 time was tough. My doctor never hesitated and he did it while I was still on the delivery table immediately after giving birth. I did however have 2 boys and 1 girl. I too like the previous mamas had heavy crampier cycles. But now at 44 the Dr. tells me I'm perimenapauseal (sp?). I have a period just every once in a while and usually pretty light but the hot flashes are the worst!! I don't know if the early menapause symptoms, diagnosed at 39 are related to the tubal or not but the doc doesn't think so. But overall I've never regretted it. Good luck to you!!

G. M.

There is another option that you might consider. Its called Essure.Its a coil that goes into your fallopian tubes and they scar shut around it. This closes off the eggs from being fertilized and being able to implant. One thing that many women do not realize is that tubal ligation is abdominal surgery, and that it involves being cut open, having your body cavity filled with gas to enable them to perform the surgery and a lengthy recovery process. This isn't as invasive and has a much easier recovery time, which I would think with 4 kids would be an important factor! I am needing to consider sterilization myself and that is my first choice.

Of course that is simply my opinion, I'm no doctor,and you might want to speak to yours before deciding.

I had a tubal about 8 weeks after the birth of my last child, 7 years ago. It put me out for only a few days. I was tender around my belly button for a week or so. I love not having to think about it. However, someone once told me that sometimes women have heavier, crampier periods after a tubal. Mine HAVE become heavier and crampier - BUT - don't know whether it is due to the tubal or the fact that I'm in my 40's and am just generally changing?

You might want to talk to your Dr. about Essure. It is done in the office and is less invasive. I'm doing some research on Essure and considering that and looking at getting the tubes tied also. I'm also working on my husband (that's my preffered option and I'm hoping he will come thru for me).

The Essure blocks your ovaries from preventing eggs being released each month. When I asked about getting my tubes tied over the phone with the Nurse of my OB/GYN, they told me about Essure. Research Essure, on Essure's website I printed out a good comparison guide to Essure and getting your tubes tied, that was helpful.

I actually just had a somewhat new procedure yesterday called Essure. It is a great alternative to tubal ligation. No incision, very simple and painless. Look it up online and ask your doc about it. Almost no recovery time at all!!

Good Luck!

M.,

Dr. Christiane Northrup's book Women's Bodies Women's Wisdom addresses the issue. You usually find a copy at half price books. She is very popular.

She is interesting because she also speaks of her own personal decision to have her tubes tied after her children.

Good luck.

M.,

I had my tubes tied last summer - however, it was during my c-section with my triplets (they are my 2, 3, and 4th children). I have had no problems whatsoever. I couldn't even tell you that I had it done - except for the fact that I am not pregnant!!!

I had a tubal ligation done in 1992 while having a c-section birth with my daughter (my 2nd child). The doctor questioned me considerably since I was only 27, but I knew financially I wouldn't be able to afford any more kids. It didn't stop the "baby fever", but I am so glad I did it and wouldn't change my decision if I could. I couldn't take birth control pills, there was a lot of bad press about IUDs at the time, and condoms and diapraghms fail. I had a scheduled c-section, so I had lots of time to think about it before doing it. Just be sure you are done with having babies first - it's only been a couple of weeks and you're tired and hormones are out of control! Give it a couple of months, just to be sure. Congrats on the new baby, and hugs to the other 3 boys!

I had the procedure done about 11 years ago. It worked and with no problems. Highly recommend it.

Talk to your doctor.

I just read something about a procedure done in the doctor's office...I think it was a tubal but I'm not sure. I had not heard anything about it before.

I had blood clots during preganancy and can't take the pill either. I'm scared to have a tubal as well which is why this article made me think. I'm just not ready, yet.

My hematologist told me that although I only had blood clots during pregnancy I was to have heparin before ANY surgical procedure, just as a precaution. I'm not sure what your situation is but whatever you decide don't forget to take care of you. Make sure that anyone involved in your care understands the risks to you and does not treat it casually. Blood clots are scary. My dentist even has a note in his chart.

Personally, though, I think it's your husband's turn. You gave birth 4 times...it's his turn to go under the knife. Especially considering the risk to you! His procedure is definitly out-patient and he won't have the added risk of blood thinners.

If I run across the article again I'll e-mail you the link.

Good luck!

Hi M., I just wanted to advise you NOT to get Filsche Clips. I don't know if that is the correct spelling or not, but I had my tubes done w/these and I got pregnant 7 mos later. He is now the joy of our lives and can't imagine life without him, but if you def' do not want anymore children I would not recommend this procedure. Good luck!

Speaking from experience they can fail. I just had a miscarriage on 8-8-08, 8 1/2 years after I had a tubal. I was 6 weeks pregnant. I have 2 boys ages 8 1/2 and almost 11. I was advised not to have any more children, since I had such a difficult time with my second pregnancy. My husband didn't want a vasectomy either, worried about his manhood, too. Well, now that is are only choice, since my insurance will not pay for another tubal.

Hi M.,

I had my tubes tied after my 4th child. I am very grateful that I did. My husband would not get a vas. either. I have not had any problems from having that done... and that was back in 1987. Remember, everyone is different. You will need to decide what will be best for you. I did not want any more children and didn't want to run that riskso it was a good decision for me and my husband. Praying for you...

K.

I had mine done with my 3rd c section and it was more sore than the others but worth it...

good luck
A. J

I arranged to have my tubes tied immediately after I gave birth to my last child. The procedure was done through my belly button, so there is no visible scar. I was a little sore afterwards, but that was about it. No issues, no problems, would recommend it if you know you are ready for a permanent solution.

Had mine done in 1988 and never regretted it. It was easier for me than my husband, as I was having a C-section and cheaper since there was no additional surgery and no extra costs. The recovery is not that lengthy despite what one other person that responded indicated. It is much better than worrying about an unwanted pregnancy, the complications from the pill and the unknown complications from the other devices recommended (not knowing if they will fail, etc.). One less thing to think and worry about.

I had my tubes tied in the late 80's. It is one of the very best decisions I have ever made. I did have several days of discomfort but after that time period I " hit the ground running". I have had no negative issues of any sort.
The freedom to enjoy a spontanous sex life without worrying
about pregnancy was wonderful! I can reccommend this procedure but do have a very good physician, as I am sure you do.

Let me get this straight...you can give birth to FOUR children and he is okay with you having the risk of another invasive procedure and all of the possible complications because of his selfish, childish, miss-placed idea that he will lose his "manhood" by having a vascectomy????? As you can see from the responses about 50% of the women who had their tubes tied had serious complications. Getting "snipped" is a simple procedure with far fewer potential risks and almost no down time. But since your husband is so unselfish I am sure that he will take all the time off from work needed to care for you and the four kids.

I am sorry to sound so harsh, but I just can't believe this.

My recovery time was a little bit longer, because of how they do it with a c-section. I think if you are having it done seperately they just do it laproscopically and it's not a huge deal. DH about passed out when they did my tubes with the c-section - basically they pull your uterus out and lay it on your chest so they can get to the tubes, then literally punch it back into place. It was worse than the delivery he says (and he's seen 3), of course I couldn't feel a thing.

I just wanted to suggest you might consider the IUD. I have had Mirena for almost 5 years (time to get my new one soon) with few problems, but moslty benefits. my only problem was being somewhat irregular in the beginning, but now I get periods so light they barely count as periods. Haven't used a tampon or pad in 4 years - panty liners will do. With Mirena you get it changed out every 5 years, the copper kind works for 10. Both can be inserted in a regular doctor's visit - no surgery or big hospital production. "Get in, get out, get on with your life" - whatever commercial that's from, it would be perfect for IUD's! It way be an option you want to keep open. If you have complications with it, you can always have it removed - an option you don't get with surgical tubal ligation.

We knew after 1 child that our family was complete. My hubby got the snip snip and I stayed on birth control for fear of pregnancy.

In 2001, I had a hysterectomy. Although hyster is totally different......there is nothing like having a sex drive and enjoying sex to the fullest knowing you can't get pregnant.

I feel free, and love my life.

while i agree about waiting to have it done as well as him dealing with his "issues" (my man has had 2 surgeries down there and he's very secure thank you very much!), i can say from experience the surgery is an easy one to recover from. i had light pain and bloating for a few weeks, but nothing that taking it easy didn't cure. i'm done at 2 boys, so yes i can definitely imagine being done with 4 boys! ;)

I had mine done 14 years ago when my last son was born. I don't regret it and never had any discomfort or second guessing the decision. My scar is about an inch long under my belly button but I hear they are much smaller now. Sex is great without the worry of getting pregnant.

I just want to urge you NOT to make any decisions right now. If your baby is only a couple of weeks old your hormones are crazy right now, plus you are probably sleep deprived. Give it some time.

Remember that you will be down and unable to drive for a while, so make sure your husband is available. I got an ablasion due to heavy bleeding that doesn't allow you to conceive because you no longer have a uterine lining.

I wish you the best of luck.

I got mine tied following the birth of my third child, 2 boys and a girl. It was absolutely no big deal at all. I simply had 2 or 3 stitches inside of my belly button. I had delivered vaginally which is why they went in through my belly button. I believe that if you have the procedure done at another time other than immediately following delivery, that they make a small incision just barely above your pubic hair. I actually might recommend having it done when you don't have the big belly because it did change the shape of my belly button a little, it sort of frowns now, but it isn't a huge deal. My husband didn't even notice! Good luck and go for it!

I am a Labor and Delivery Nurse and I have to agree with the rest of the responses concerning your hubby getting the vasectomy, over you getting surgery! It is much safer, faster recovery, and less chance for infection for him to get snipped, than for you. The other alternative, very safe and popular right now is the little springs inserted into your fallopian tubes..in the dr office. Similar to a pap smear in pain, and takes about 20 min total. But you do need to use protection for the first 2-3 months until the scar forms around the spring. My best friend/nurse had the spring done about 8 mos ago, and no problems!

I had my tubes tied when I was 22, my boys were 13 months and 10 days apart. It was great until I was about 35. They didn't tell me back then, that because I was so young, that it could possibly cause problems when I got older. My periods
were only 3 days, but at about 35, I would get the cramps soooooooo bad, my breasts would get sore and I would get generally pretty moody. But in general, I loved having them tied, and the best thing was, we could have all the sex we wanted and didn't have to worry about getting pregnant. Good luck.

I had a tubal with my last child. Outside of the c-section recovery being a little more painful, it wasn't a big deal. I have never noticed a change in my sex life and recovery from the surgery should be fairly quick as well.

Unfortunately your husband is not alone in favoring a highly invasive procedure for his wife versus the out-patient surgery that a vasectomy is. If you trust your doctor you will be fine and it will be a positive change in your life. Now, you might also ask about whether there is any reason to consider a hysterectomy. I had one two years after the last child for several different medical issues and it is the coolest thing on the planet, never to have another period again. They leave your ovaries so you still produce the hormones you need but in my case, menopause is easier if one of your ovaries is damaged and only one really active.

Easier for the man to get "snipped" than the woman. if the husband truly loved you, he'd get snipped... he could have sex within 48 hours. trust me. my husband got snipped on a friday and was ready for sex in three days. I hear the same story from others... He'll lay about for about a day... ice pack... tylenol... Manhood... hahahahaha! More like chickenhood.

I don't know if any of the other ladies have suggested it, but have you looked into the new form of tubal. It's all done in the dr's office. They basically insert small, spring-like things into your tubes. These cause your body to make scar tissue around the springs and block your tubes. I just read an article on the procedure and it said it is very safe and VERY effective. It is also much less expensive than the full-blown surgery. The only downside that I could see is that it takes your body about 3 months to build up the tissue, so you have to use other forms of birth control during that period.

Anyway, you may want to talk to your doctor about this, it sounds like a great option. Good Luck!! And congrats on your new little one!!

I got my tubes tied right after my last child, and i have been so glad I did ever since! No worries about birth control, and no troubles at all. It was quick and after words just took a small amount of time to recover.