Tubal Ligation

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2004
Tubal Ligation
5
Wed, 05-12-2004 - 2:18pm
I'm 38 and am not interested in having any more children. I am considering sterilization by laparascopy and was hoping there is someone, who's had the procedure, out there who can give me some feedback on the safety of the procedure and any risks.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: pfselby
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 8:00am
Well...we don't have too many women that stick around that have tubal ligations--it's one of the few methods where women don't have issues that they need to talk about, at least not here. But here's an article you might read that could answer some of your questions if nobody else stops by: http://www.contraceptiononline.org/contrareport/article01.cfm?art=263

There is also an alternative to the tubal that is also permanent sterilization, the procedure is called Essure. It's an outpatient procedure (local anesthetic) where a flexible coil is inserted into each fallopian tube via the vagina and cervix. Over the next several months, scar tissue grows around the coil and blocks the tube so that an egg can't pass through. It, like the tubal, isn't 100% effective, but it's pretty close. Here's a link you might check out for Essure: http://www.essure.com/consumer/c_evaluate_options.aspx

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
In reply to: pfselby
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 11:06am
Welcome!

My husband am I recently made the decision between a tubal or a vasectomy. We chose the vasectomy. Why? Well, with a tubal, you are under general anesthesia and I dont like being "put under". With a tubal, there is a chance of nipping several organs before reaching the fallopian tubes; though I am sure that is rare. The recovery is longer; not just from surgery but from the anesthesia. With the vasectomy, it was done under local anesthesia. It took 1/2 hr. My husband had slight discomfort and did not need any pain relievers. Unless you consider beer a pain reliever! Anyway, the next evening he drove into town and has had no problems since then. Plus, the cost of our vasectomy where our insurance paid 80%, was a grand total of $42. We would have paid several hundred for a tubal. As far as Essure goes, my gynocologist(who actually said if my husband was willing, the vasectomy is a safer procedure.) said she is not confident in its ability to prevent pregnancy as well as a tubal; she says the success rate is not good enough for her. If you are still unsure about having a tubal, you may want to try an IUD. They last from about 5-10 years. Hope my two cents helps!
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2004
In reply to: pfselby
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 4:06pm
Thank you so much for this feedback. My doctor encouraged by husband to get a vasectomy as well, but he appears less willing than your husband. In any case, my sister who is a doctor and another friend who is also a doctor both concluded that no surgery at all is the best option and if my husband wouldn't do it, I should opt for different method of birth control altogether.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
In reply to: pfselby
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 5:02pm
My husband wasnt thrilled with the idea of a vasectomy either. But, as time went by, he decided that it was the best thing since he really didnt want more children. Maybe your husband will feel the same in time. Let us know what you decide.
Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
In reply to: pfselby
Tue, 11-02-2004 - 9:25am
Hi,

i know this is a reply long after your posting but I would suggest that you make sure your doctor knows what he is doing. I had my tubes tied on the 15th July this year, I had a period that they say you should have before being safe. I had my peiod on the 05/06 August and one week after having completed that period I fell pregnant. I am now nearly 13 weeks pregnant. It is really had to come to terms with after having gone through the operation.

I hope my input help make up your mind if you have not had it done already.

Good luck

Wendy