Did you know tubectomy is a very common method of permanent birth control in women. If you are planning to get a tubectomy, here is everything you need to know about this procedure before you can opt for this major surgery.
Tubectomy, also known as tubal ligation is a surgery that creates a block in a woman’s fallopian tubes to prevent the eggs from descending and meeting the sperm. When the egg and sperm don’t meet, fertilzation and conception cannot happen, thus effectively preventing pregnancy.
Tubectomy is a permanent form of female sterilization. However, in very rare cases, a woman can get pregnant after tubal ligation. Though a tubal reversal surgery is possible, it comes with a lot of risk. More than 50% of the women who opted for reversal surgeries have had successful pregnancies.
When can You Get a Tubectomy Surgery?
The tubectomy procedure steps involve making incisions in your abdomen to access the fallopian tubes. For this reason, many women get a tubectomy soon after they deliver their baby – vaginally or through a C-section. This helps them avoid spending extra time and money on the hospital stay.
You can get a tubectomy at any time. You can also choose from multiple methods of tubal ligation depending on your comfort or your doctor’s suggestion. However, undergoing a tubal ligation soon after an abdominal surgery can increase the risks of post-surgery complications.
Different Methods of Tubal Ligation
There are multiple ways to perform a tubectomy surgery or tubal ligation. Your doctor might use one of the following methods
Monopolar Coagulation – The doctor will use an electric current to sear and damage the fallopian tubes. Next, they will use more current to cause more damage to the fallopian tubes. The tunes will seal as they recover from the damage
Bipolar Coagulation – The doctor will sear parts of the fallopian tube, with electric current.
Tubal Clip – This method involves tying or clipping the fallopian tubes to create a permanent block.
Tubal Ring – Here the doctor will use a silastic band to tie the tubes
Fibroidectomy – Instead of damaging the tubes, the doctor will disconnect the tubes from the ovaries. This will create a gap and prevent the sperm from reaching the eggs.
Tubectomy Surgery – What to Expect?
A laparoscopic tubectomy is a major surgery that requires hospitalization. You may not need to stay in the hospital for long. In most cases, they will discharge you on the same day, after observing you for a while.
Some women may experience the following soon after a tubectomy surgery. These are also known as post-tubal ligation syndrome.
Pain in the pelvic area or back
Sex can be painful or uncomfortable
Period cramps can be more intense
You may bleed more or miss your periods
You may have PMS or menopause symptoms
If these symptoms do not subside or if they surface only a month after your surgery, consult your doctor immediately to rule out infections.
Recovery After a Tubectomy
Tubectomy may sound simple but it is a major surgery. You need to take sufficient rest to recover well without any complications. Your doctor might suggest the following post-operative care:
Avoid intense exercise or physically straining activities for at least a week post-surgery
You can get back to work after a break for a few days
Avoid any form of sex for a week after the surgery
Take your painkillers as prescribed. In case of intense or sudden pain, contact your doctor immediately
Fainting, fever, bleeding, etc are all indications of infection. You should consult your doctor without any delay.
Complications of a Tubectomy
Though tubectomy is a very common procedure among women who don’t want to have children anymore, it can lead to certain unwanted complications such as:
Infection of the incision site, leading to foul-smelling discharge, pus or bleeding
Rashes or swelling in the incision area
Irregular vaginal bleeding between menstruation
Feeling weak or light-headed
Pain in the pelvic or abdominal area
Reaction to anesthesia
Injury to organs surrounding the site of surgery
Unusual vaginal discharge
Ectopic pregnancy
Questions to Ask Before a Tubectomy
Any woman who does not wish to have any children henceforth, can undergo a tubal ligation for permanent sterilization. Before you opt for this surgery, you may want to consider the following:
Are you ready for a major surgery that requires hospital admission and complete rest for a few days?
Are you ready for the complications and side effects if any
Are you aware of the laparoscopic tubectomy cost and risks of the surgery?
Are you sure you don’t want to have kids anymore?
If you are too young, do you want to take some more time and reconsider your decision?
Pregnancy After Tubectomy
In very rare cases, women may conceive naturally after a tubectomy. The success rate of tubectomy is very high but like every other medical procedure, it has its exceptions.
If you consciously want to have children after your tubectomy, you have the following options:
Tubectomy Reversal Surgery – The doctor will reconnect your fallopian tubes through a laparoscopic surgery. A successful pregnancy after the reversal surgery depends on various factors including both partner’s fertility and age.
IVF – You don’t need your fallopian tubes to work for an IVF, Your egg can be extracted, fertilized with your partner’s sperm under clinical conditions, and implanted in your uterus, thus removing the role of a fallopian tube.
Conclusion
Tubectomy is a very common procedure and many women opt for tubectomy to get their tubes tied permanently. After this procedure, they need not worry about timely contraception or unwanted pregnancies. Though there is a slim chance for the contraception to not work, it is very rare and you can always use extra protection around your ovulation time, to prevent pregnancies.
FAQs
1. Is tubectomy a major surgery?
Yes, tubectomy is a major surgery where the doctor will cut open the fallopian tubes, tie them together to prevent the eggs from meeting the sperm.
2. How many days of rest are required after tubectomy?
In most cases, the doctor will ask you to take full rest for a couple of days but refrain from strenuous physical activity, exercise and sex for a full week.
3. What care should be taken after tubectomy?
You have to keep the incision site clean to prevent infection. You should also follow the doctor’s instructions and take all your medications without fail.
4. How many stitches for a tubectomy?
The doctor may make just 1 or 2 incisions in the abdominal area, which will require stitching after completion of the surgery.
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