Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that involves blocking, tying or cutting a woman’s fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from traveling into the tubes and being fertilized. It is a permanent form of birth control so you must be sure that you do not want to have more children in the future. Tubal ligation is not 100% effective; pregnancy can occur if the tubes grow back together or create a new passage. This is a rare occurrence and the procedure is effective for most women.
Tubal ligation is performed either laparoscopically, with tiny incisions in the abdomen, or through a laparotomy or mini-laparotomy, which is open surgery with a larger incision. A full recovery usually takes about a week, and complications with this procedure are rare.
While a tubal ligation is reversible, it does not have a high reversal success rate. It is important to discuss the different birth control options with your partner before undergoing a permanent procedure. Talk to you doctor today if you are considering this procedure.
