Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation, also known as when a woman has her “tubes tied”, is a surgical procedure that prevents pregnancy. Most women who undergo tubal ligation have completed child bearing, and choose to have their “tubes tied” as a long-term birth control method.

During tubal ligation surgery, both fallopian tubes are either blocked or cut, which prevents the egg from traveling through the fallopian tubes to where it would normally then be fertilized by sperm. It is a laparoscopic, outpatient procedure, and is up to 99.8% effective as a form of sterilization immediately post-operation. Discomfort after the procedure usually ranges from mild to moderate, with most women able to return to normal daily routines after 2-5 days of recovery. The benefits of tubal ligation are:

• No future costs or routine(s) for birth control
• Menstrual function will not change
• Permanence
• 50% risk reduction for ovarian cancer

Patients who are interested in tubal ligation should discuss the procedure with their PGOMG physician.