About Tubal Sterilization

Tubal sterilization is not without risk. In the rare event pregnancy occurs post-tubal, it will most likely be a tubal pregnancy, which is very dangerous and sometimes fatal.

There are also the risks and side effects associated with general anesthesia if a tubal ligation is performed. Most doctors won't consider performing a tubal ligation with a local anesthetic because of the pain factor. Or, as the doctor who performed my tubal explained, "I saw one tubal ligation done with a local anesthetic. I've never heard so much screaming!"

Tubal Ligation A bilateral tubal ligation is the most common method of female sterilization performed. The normal path an egg takes down the fallopian tubes during ovulation is permanently blocked via several different methods (see below). The eggs will get reabsorbed into the body naturally. Tubal ligations are most often performed under general anesthesia via an outpatient procedure known as a laparoscopy. Two tiny incisions are made on the abdomen: one at or near the belly button, and one right along the pubic hairline. An instrument is inserted into the top incision to see the tubes, and an instrument is inserted into the bottom incision to tie the tubes. Both scars are very tiny and barely noticeable after a few years. Tubal ligations can also be performed vaginally or with only one incision just above the pubic hairline. Tubal ligations can be relied upon as soon as the woman is ready to resume sexual intercourse, usually after one week. As mentioned above, there are several different methods of rendering the fallopian tubes obsolete. In no particular order: Burning the tubes shut: This is the most common procedure. The tubes are cauterized or fulgurated shut. This method cannot be reversed. Binding the tubes shut: The tubes are "clamped" shut via a band or clip. As most of the fallopian tube remains intact, some doctors will tote this method as "easier to reverse." This does not mean this method is less effective, or can be reversed at all. Be aware that there have been problems with Filshie Clips, including migration of the clips into the abdominal cavity. Cutting the tubes: Part of the fallopian tubes are removed. The pieces of tube can be removed after the fallopian tube is looped and clipped, or a section of fallopian tube is removed between the ovaries and the uterus. This method is less common than binding or burning, and cannot be reversed.

Tubal Ligation Links from The Contraceptive Guide from Alberta, Canada Health And Welness Ultimate Birth Control Links: Tubal Ligation Feminist Women's Health Center: Female Sterilization from Family Health International Emory University: Tubal Sterilization Planned Parenthood: All About Tubal Sterilization Tubal Sterilization Links (and more!)

The Essure Method The Essure method is a new method of sterilization that does not require surgery or general anasthesia. Two micro-inserts are implanted into the fallopian tubes vaginally; similar to the way an IUD is inserted. The inserts cause the fallopian tubes to grow over them during the next three months, causing permanent blockage. Birth control must be used until the three-month checkup is performed and the tubes are officially declared blocked. As Essure is essentially an invention of the 21st Century, there is no long-term data available about the procedure. So far there is nothing to indicate it will not provide long-term protection against pregnancy. If the Essure method does not block the tubes completely (as has happened to a few women who have had the procedure done), it cannot be relied upon to prevent pregnancy.

Essure Links Essure's official website Aurelio Miro, MD's website Health A to Z FDA's documentation