Tubal ligation - pros and cons

skycsil

skycsil

Jedi Master
Hi everyone!

After dropping on the pill I reciently discovered that I'm pregnant! It seems that my fertility suddenly boosted on stopping on the pill. I'm 33 years old and facing an unwanted pregnancy for the first time in my life. I don't feel comfortable with the idea of an abortion, and my husband respects whatever I choose to do to my body, so I'm having the baby, but this "accident" really made me more conscious about it, so I think I'll go for a tubal ligation once giving birth next December.
Meanwhile, I'm making a little research. From what I saw so far, the ligation is no more dangerous than any surgery... except that some women report aches during menstruation, so still not sure.

If anyone here has her tubes ligated, or knows of someone who has it, I would deeply appreciate some advice.

Thanks in advance :)
 
I had a tubal ligation around 1980 and have not had any noticeable side effects. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
 
Should have also said:

As for advice, I cannot give any except: So long as you are sure you do not want more children, I think tubal ligation is safer than other forms of birth control.

With a tubal ligation, you still have your ovaries and therefore the hormonal cycle does not seem to be disrupted. Your egg simply cannot make it to the uterus and so does not get fertilized.

Birth control pills have a list of health risks, IUD's can be rejected by your body and can cause a lot of pain (I tried both before the tubal ligation) and other forms are not so reliable.
 
Thanks Fireshadow =)
My major concern are the risks of having complications during or after the surgery. I personally don't know anyone who has done it so have no idea how safe it is, but I'm quite determined on doing it, and so is my husband. I don't want more children, that's for sure.
I also thought on the IUD, but I do know some women who had trouble with it, against only one family member who's using it without having any problems. And, to be honest, I don't like the idea of having this weird wiring inside me :/
 
Hi skycsil,

Tubal ligation certainly is best in taking care of permanent birth control/sterilization. The downsides are that it is a major abdominal surgery, which is done in a hospital under general or spinal anesthesia. All risks and inconveniences that apply to such a surgery (chances for reactions to anesthesia, infections, and blood cloths, as well as need for recovery) apply here as well, you could research the rates and see if this is something you are comfortable with. The other potential downside is that the reversal can be problematic, should you change your mind.

It seems that it is most common and convenient for people to have it done while delivering their last child, especially if it ends up being a c-section. So, that's something to plan together and well enough in advance, if you decide to go on with it.

Forgive me for bringing up an what may be a sensitive question, but you appear to consider contraception, by default, more of a woman's responsibility. If you really feel that way, why is it? I mean, as a woman, you have to make a choice here between a major surgery, ingesting hormones which are classified as class I carcinogens, or sticking wires into your privates, and this IS a tough choice -- I am a woman too, I can relate. In contrast, for a male partner, temporary contraception is as easy as putting a condom on/taking it off, and for a permanent birth control, vasectomy is a minor outpatient surgery with practically zero recovery time. You say your husband "respects whatever you choose to do with your body". But perhaps he might want to consider doing something with his body, too, especially since the personal costs there are so much less. It takes two after all, in this situation more than anywhere else.

fwiw
 
Hi Hildegarda, and thank you so much for your advice, it seems the safest method so far, and I'm 100% sure I don't want my fertility back ;D

Hildegarda said:
Forgive me for bringing up an what may be a sensitive question, but you appear to consider contraception, by default, more of a woman's responsibility. If you really feel that way, why is it? I mean, as a woman, you have to make a choice here between a major surgery, ingesting hormones which are classified as class I carcinogens, or sticking wires into your privates, and this IS a tough choice -- I am a woman too, I can relate. In contrast, for a male partner, temporary contraception is as easy as putting a condom on/taking it off, and for a permanent birth control, vasectomy is a minor outpatient surgery with practically zero recovery time. You say your husband "respects whatever you choose to do with your body". But perhaps he might want to consider doing something with his body, too, especially since the personal costs there are so much less. It takes two after all, in this situation more than anywhere else.

fwiw
Click to expand...

No problem at all, in fact I gave that a thought also, but I think so far it's the more effective method of all, and I have no problem on doing it, just want to be sure it doesn't bear much risk. I've also thought of suggesting my husband a vasectomy, but I think it would be more sensible for him than for me. Not that I discussed this vasectomy thing with him, but guys are very sensitive when it comes to their testicles, I don't want him to feel "castrated" or something, and I'll be more than happy about having my tubes ligated.
 
skycsil said:
I've also thought of suggesting my husband a vasectomy, but I think it would be more sensible for him than for me. Not that I discussed this vasectomy thing with him, but guys are very sensitive when it comes to their testicles, I don't want him to feel "castrated" or something, and I'll be more than happy about having my tubes ligated.
Click to expand...

is it a Freudian slip I am detecting? "It would be more sensible for him than for me"? ;)

It actually WOULD be more sensible for him to do a minor outpatient surgery rather than for you a major inpatient one, both from the respective health risks and possibly the financial burden, too.

But judging by what you said next, you mean either that "it would be more sensible for ME than for HIM", or "it would be more sensiTIVE for him than for me", right?

Yes, in the machismo culture, males do have insecurities about their masculinity, and some sensitivity over their reproductive systems being messed with. It is unfortunate that women sometimes have to compensate by denouncing their own femininity and allowing much more interferences with their respective reproductive system, both for birth control and general health reasons, as well as socio-cultural beauty standards.

I want to emphasize, this is a larger societal problem, and I am bringing it up in the spirit of Work and critical thinking that is central to this forum. Between you guys, whatever you decide to your mutual satisfaction, will obviously be perfectly fine.

I would just like to gently put out there that it may be still nice to discuss with your husband the various ways of permanent contraception, etc. You are afraid to offend him. But even if you have made your decision already, he may feel better to know that the decision, whatever it is, is a transparent and mutual; and may be he'll find ways to support you as a partner through it, too, and that would benefit your relationship.

fwiw

PS good luck to you, and I am wishing you and your yet unborn baby plenty of good health, emotional stability and inner peace. May all be well! :flowers:
 
I had a tubal ligation in May 1973. I did not experience any negative side effects. I made this decision because I had some serious problems with both my pregnancies. During pregnancy I suffered gestational diabetes, extremely high blood pressure, and borderline toxemia (this can kill both mother and child). The gestational diabetes is quite uncomfortable and in my case my weight went from 106 pounds to 156 pounds during the nine months. My height is 5 feet 3/4 inches. I am sure that this exacerbated the high blood pressure. Normally, I had low blood pressure.

Any surgery assumes risk. However, my research coupled with the technology at that time revealed that just after giving birth, an elected tubal ligation can be one of the safest. Mine was done immediately after giving birth; right there on the delivery table.

Since the uterus is still enlarged, the fallopian tubes are pushed closer to the surface of the abdomen and easier to locate. My surgery was the "belly-button" surgery. An incision just at the bottom of the navel is made (about 1" long"). The surgeon locates each fallopian tube and pulls each through the incision. A small section of each fallopian tube is snipped out and then cauterized (burned) to "seal" the tube. Since females possess 2 fallopian tubes, this procedure is done to each. During this surgery, as in all surgeries, the pieces of fallopian tube are whisked to the pathology department whose function is to confirm that the surgeon has indeed cut off fallopian tube (in this case). Once that is confirmed the cauterized tubes are then put back into postion and the incision closed. Just so you're aware, fallopian tubes are very tiny and akin to working with a piece of cooked spaghetti.

My suggestion to you is that if you elect female sterilization, do your homework and select your doctor/surgeon wisely. Originally, I had wanted the sterilization to be performed without an incision in my abdomen by going through the vagina and uterus. I was advised that more complications tended to arise with this procedure.

The discomfort afterwards was minimal and nonexistent after 1 week. Menstruation and hormones are not generally affected with this procedure.

Also there is a financial benefit to having this surgery immediately after delivery. Successful reversal rates of female sterilization are extremely low.

Hope this helps.

annette1
 
I had a tubal ligation in 1996 or so and I have not had any complications so far (I am 41). I do have bad cramps when "Aunt Flo is in town" but I have always had that from the get go so the tubal ligation did not cause that. It was a outpatient surgery. Just went in early in the morning and was released later that day.
 
Hildegarda said:
I would just like to gently put out there that it may be still nice to discuss with your husband the various ways of permanent contraception, etc. You are afraid to offend him. But even if you have made your decision already, he may feel better to know that the decision, whatever it is, is a transparent and mutual; and may be he'll find ways to support you as a partner through it, too, and that would benefit your relationship.
Click to expand...

I'm actually afraid to hurt him. Maybe because I think he'd probabbly get the vasectomy if I ask him. Anyway, you made me realise it would be nice to discuss all posibilities with him even when I have made my choice already. It will be difficult because he's working and living in a different city, but we plan to move togheter soon. Thanks Hildegarda for making me think deeper even when I thought I was thinking deep enough... I was considering different things but keeping it all to myself. And yes, the "castration" thing was too Freudian I'm afraid :D

Annette1: Thanks A LOT for your detailed explanation. I will talk to the obstetrician to see if I can have it right after giving birth. Fortunately, my health insurance will cover it, I think in its whole, and medical institutions here in my country are forced to find you a doctor that is willing to perform it in case your doctor refuses.

April: Thanks! I used to have bad cramps too, but that was before giving birth. Since then the pain went away, but if it returns I think I'll be prepared to bear it.

Thanks a lot girls! :hug2:
 
Hildegarda said:
I would just like to gently put out there that it may be still nice to discuss with your husband the various ways of permanent contraception, etc. You are afraid to offend him. But even if you have made your decision already, he may feel better to know that the decision, whatever it is, is a transparent and mutual; and may be he'll find ways to support you as a partner through it, too, and that would benefit your relationship.
Click to expand...

I think the suggestion of Hildegarda is very good. If your husband read a bit about the subject, he would rapidly see that it is an easy operation for man and there is no side effect.

The only side effect could be a psychological one since some men think that after the operation that they are not a man at 100%. But such thinking is based on fear and not on the reality and facts. The only thing that changes after the vasectomy is that you do not have any spermatozoa in your semen. That's all.

And as a man who has chosen that solution, I can testify that it was an easy operation and that I did not have any side effects.
 
I had a tubal ligation in 2005. The procedure was done in a planned parenthood surgery center. It was an outpatient procedure, done under "twilight anesthesia". I checked in about 8am and was out at about 11am. So it does not have to be done under general anesthesia or as an inpatient.

The incision is thru the belly button, there is no visible scar. The only thing I did notice, is the development of cellulite around the site of the incision. Ugh! This must be secondary to inflammation from the procedure, as I never had it before the operation.

My husband flat out refused to have a vasectomy - his family doctor advised him NOT to do it. This same doctor also advised me not to have a tubal ligation, but the alternative, unwanted pregnancies, made the decision for the procedure quite easy. If you are lucky enough, and your husband agrees to have it done, that would have been my first choice over tubal ligation.

Wishing you well on you current pregnancy, Skycsil. :hug2:
 
Thanks Lilou and Gandalf. I'll talk to him and we'll talk to a doctor to discuss the pros and cons of both, but I have no problem at all on having the ligation, I actually want to do it. Of course, if the vasectomy bears less risk and he's willing I might change my mind :)
 
Hi skycsil,
So, let me get this straight: Women are suppose to handle getting impregnated, carry baby, have painful periods, ovulation, delivery, baby feeding, make health endangering birth control choices, tubal ligation, face question of abortions and what not... And man responsibility is... to enjoy, relax and worry about defending their "masculinity" ?

I am sorry, but no one is going to check his bags to see how "masculine" he is to begin with, or no one will notice, so may be it's a good time you let him know that Santa Clause is not real and does not live down there to begin with ?

I mean what happened to male knight like bravery ? Seems like talk only. Most nowadays women seem to have much more balls then nowadays men, by having to do all of these brave responsible choices.

Vasectomy is the least he can do to honor you in that respect. I agree with others, talk to him about that. Why do you think he would get offended ?

Good luck !
 
I wonder if this thing that I just found could help as an alternative to the chemical pill and other methods

_http://www.sisterzeus.com/Silphio.htm

The Ancient World's "Birth Control Pill"
Silphion
Ferula species
The Giant Fennel Family

Silphium, a member of the giant fennel family, was used by ancient women during the seventh century B.C.E. for contraception. A rare plant growing in a narrow 30 mile band along the dry mountain sides facing the Mediterranean Sea in northern Africa near the city of Cyrene, in what is now Libya.

The plants usage as a birth control agent was so effective it was commonly known and very widespread. Some became very wealthy exporting large quantities of Silphium to ancient Greece. So important was silphium's role in Cyrene's way of life that its image and usage was immortalized on the city's coins, one such coin depicted a woman touching the plant and pointing to her reproductive area, making its use quite clear.

Ancient texts recorded its usage as a contraceptive agent, Soranus wrote, women should drink the juice from a small amount of silphium about the size of a chick pea with water once a month. He added that it "not only prevents conception but also destroys anything existing". Another ancient herbalist/physician, Dioscorides, too, gave it for contraceptive and abortive purposes.

Within forty years of silphium's discovery, it became increasingly rare due to over-harvesting. All attempts at cultivation failed. As silphium became harder to find and more expensive, ancient women turned to other plants. Another member of the Ferula species, asafetida (Ferula assa-foetida) became an acceptable substitute for silphium. It was only a matter of time before silphium disappeared from the earth forever. Asafetida, managed to survive and is used today to give Worcestershire sauce its distinctive aroma.

Modern researchers tested plants of the same genus (Ferula) and found anti-fertility effects ran in the family. Crude alcohol extracts of asafetida and a related plant (Ferula orientalis) were found to inhibit implantation of fertilized eggs in rats by 40% (asafetida) and 50% (F. orientalis). Other Ferula species have produced impressive results; one species F. jaeschikaena was found to be nearly 100% effective in preventing pregnancy when administerd to adult female rats within three days of colitus (penis/vagina intercourse).

In 1963, the resin from asafetida (Ferula assa-foetida) was found to be effective in humans as a contraceptive and for inducing early abortion. (trying to find out more about this)

A old recipe to prevent conception for a year is as follows. Keep in mind those who knew how to use the recipe safely are long gone, if you try this I really don't know what will happen to you, no one really does.

This information came from the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. April 1975, vol.64 no.4, Potential Value of Plants as Sources of New Antifertility Agents part I by Norman Farnsworth, etal. pg 535-598. I'm not sure where they got this information, the reference they sited was confusing.

The article was a review of a great many plants, I believe they looked over research others had done and compiled the information made sense of all of it and put together a second list of plants who's effects on fertility they felt warranted further research.

All the plants in the article are identified by botanical names, most of which I have been unable to attach a common name to. By using scientific names this insures that the plants used are the correct ones, as more than one plant may share the same common name. But it is easier for me to remember and pronounce common names.

This is an Apothecary recipe, trying to make it at home would be like trying to make the prescription drugs we buy from the pharmacy. They are too complicated to be made at home. So don't try this at home! Its only for your safety, we don't really know what the effects of this concoction on fertility, especially if not done correctly. Or what the risks or side effects might be......

To Prevent Conception for one year
An Ancient Recipe - not for home use

4 drams active principle of Embelia ribes
4 drams Piper longum
2 drams Ferula assa-foetida
4 drams of borax

The above was taken to prevent conception for one year in equally divided doses daily for 22 days while abstaining from intercourse.

The recipe doesn't tell us what the active principle is or how to get or make it, and does not tell us which parts of the plants should be used. Information only the pharmacist would know. The measurement used is a dram, an apothecaries' weight equal to 1/8 ounce. I have put this recipe here only because I think it is interesting, and I want you to see the power herbs have. They are to always be used cautiously and with respect.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Trending content

Back
Top Bottom