Birth Control - Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Tubal Ligation?

Tubal ligation is a permanent method of birth control for women. It is performed surgically using different methods to block the woman's fallopian tubes which in turn prevents pregnancy by blocking the man's sperm from fertilizing the egg.

After tubal ligation, a woman's ovaries will continue to still release an egg on a monthly basis but they will dissolve and the patient will not get pregnant generally.

Tubal Sterilization Will Not:

• Cause weight loss or weight gain
• Cause menstrual cycle changes
• Changes in a Woman's Hormones
• Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Reduce a woman's libido or sex drive
• Cause Pelvic Pain

How Effective Is Tubal Sterilization?

Tubal ligation is highly effective but not 100%. The incidence of pregnancy is 3 to 6 out of 1000 women one year after surgery and increases to almost 2% 10 years after surgery.

How Is Tubal Sterilization Performed?

There are several different types of tubal ligation. At the Women's Center, we perform a laparoscopic tubal ligation. The patient is put to sleep using IV sedation and a small incision is made above or below the navel (belly button) and the abdomen is then inflated with hydrogen gas. Another small incision is made in the pubic region and the tubes are either burned or clips or rings are placed on the tubes. The gas is then released from the abdomen and the incision site is sewn with suture.

Can Tubal Sterilization Be Reversed?

Yes it can. In a slot of instances, the tubal reanastomosis does not work. Thus the reason we consider this surgery a permanent procedure.

What Can I Expect Afterwards?

Most women do not complain of any discomfort. You may experience some shoulder or next discomfort which is normal after air has been inflated in your abdomen. This can last for 2 or 3 days. .

What Are The Risks Of The Surgical Procedure?

Tubal ligations are safe procedures, but there are risks involved as there are with any surgery. Major complications, although rare, include reactions to anesthesia, infection, bleeding, perforation of the uterus or other organs, or accidental burns. If a pregnancy happens after the surgery is performed, there is almost a 50% incidence of an ectopic or tubal pregnancy.

How Much Does It Cost?

• The fee is generally $1,600.00.
• Medicaid and Medicare are accepted now. Other third party insurance plans will be accepted in the near future.

How Old Do I Need To Be To Have A Tubal Sterilization?

You must be at least 21 years of age if you have Medicaid insurance.

When Is Tubal Ligation A Good Choice?

• If you do not want to have any children in the future.
• If you want a permanent form of birth control.

Tubal Ligation May Not Be A Good Choice If?

• You are not sure you want to be permanently sterile.
• You might want children if your future circumstances change.
• You are being pressured into having the procedure performed.

If you decide that tubal sterilization is best for you, then call the Women's Center closest to you for this service.

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