Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is a sterilisation procedure used as a permanent form of birth control by preventing eggs from entering the fallopian tube and being fertilised by sperm. The word tubal here refers to the fallopian tubes that allow the passage of eggs from the ovaries to the uterus while ligation refers to the tying off of those tubes.

It is a good choice of birth control if:

• You are an adult woman.
• You are in a stable relationship where both of you has agreed to permanent birth control.
• Pregnancy would be a health risk for you.
• You or the partner has a genetic disorder that you do not want to pass on to a child.

During the tubal ligation procedure, both fallopian tubes are blocked or cut. In most cases, it is possible to go home on the same day as the procedure. Tubal ligation is done under general anaesthesia (being asleep) or spinal anaesthesia (awake but unable to feel pain). After tubal ligation, you will enjoy sex normally and have your periods.

You should only consider tubal ligation as a permanent form of birth control. Although there are reversal procedures, only 50 – 80% of women can become pregnant later. Tubal ligation reversal is a procedure where fertility is restored after a woman has had a tubal ligation. Tubal ligation does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases, so it is important to continue practising safe sex.

A tubal ligation reversal is done by a gynaecologist or obstetrician by reconnecting blocked or cut segments of the fallopian tube. This will then allow the woman to become pregnant after previously tying her tubes. This procedure is also called tubal reversal or tubal sterilisation reversal.

Tubal ligation is a safe procedure, but all surgeries carry with them some risks. However, serious problems arise in less than one out of a thousand women.

Some potential risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding inside the abdomen or from a skin incision
• Side effects of anaesthesia
• Damage to organs in the abdomen
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Incomplete closing of a fallopian tube leading to pregnancy

Tubal ligation is a safe and effective form of birth control. However, about one in every two hundred women still becomes pregnant after the procedure. It is advisable to have tubal ligation just after your periods to avoid the possibility of a fertilised egg reaching the uterus after surgery.

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