Tubal Ligation Q & A

What is tubal ligation?

Tubal ligation is also called tubal sterilization. During this procedure, your Unified Premier Women’s Care OB/GYN blocks, cuts, or ties your fallopian tubes. This prevents your eggs from moving down the fallopian tubes, which means they can’t be fertilized and you can’t get pregnant.

A tubal ligation prevents pregnancy, but it doesn’t affect menstruation. You’ll still shed uterine lining exactly as you always have.

Who is a good candidate for tubal ligation?

If you opt for a tubal ligation, you should be absolutely certain that you’re done having children. If you’re looking for a permanent birth control option that won’t bring on early menopause, and won’t even interfere with your normal menstrual cycle, you may be a good candidate for tubal ligation.

Your doctor at Unified Premier Women’s Care can determine if you’re a good candidate for tubal ligation. If this procedure isn’t right for you, your doctor can suggest something that will better fit your birth control needs.

How does tubal ligation work?

Your Unified Premier Women’s Care doctor uses the least-invasive method possible for your tubal ligation. Usually, this means a laparoscopic procedure while you’re under general anesthesia. During laparoscopic tubal ligation, your doctor creates a couple of tiny incisions inside or near your navel.

Next, your doctor inserts a laparoscope that contains a miniature camera through an incision, which allows for a close-up of your fallopian tubes. Through the other incision, your doctor places small medical tools, and then closes off your fallopian tubes using these tools. Finally, a few small stitches or surgical tape closes your incisions.

What is the recovery like after laparoscopic sterilization?

Your dedicated OB/GYN at Unified Premier Women’s Care can perform tubal ligations at WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia. In most cases, you’ll be able to go home several hours after your laparoscopic procedure, although you may need to spend one night in the hospital in some situations.

After your tubal ligation, you’ll need to have a family member or a friend drive you home. It’s good to stay active by walking, but don’t over-exert yourself. Avoid lifting or moving anything heavy until you see your OB/GYN for your follow-up appointment.

Most patients take anywhere from a couple of days to a week off work after a laparoscopic tubal ligation.

Request an appointment by calling the office today to learn more about tubal ligation.