This story was originally published by PGN.
In February, a Michigan state representative publicly commented that she had undergone surgery to prevent pregnancy. Her remarks raised questions about procedures like tubal ligation (also called female sterilization), which are increasingly common in states with abortion bans.
Tubal ligation is a safe and highly effective procedure and, unlike most birth control methods, permanently prevents pregnancy.
Here we tell you how tubal ligation works, what to expect if you have one, and more.
How does tubal ligation prevent pregnancy?
During tubal ligation surgery, a doctor cuts or ties the fallopian tubes , which prevents eggs from entering the uterus. This also prevents sperm from traveling through the fallopian tubes to fertilize eggs.
Is tubal ligation permanent?
Tubal ligation is permanent . It’s sometimes possible to reverse the procedure, but it can be a costly and complicated surgery.
“A limited number of doctors do that, and it doesn’t always work,” said Dr. Erica Schipper, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Sanford Health, in a recent podcast . “That’s why I tell my patients, ‘You need to be very sure you want a permanent form of contraception if you go through with this.’”
What can patients expect during and after a tubal ligation?
If you undergo a tubal ligation, you can expect to receive general anesthesia to put you to sleep during the procedure, which takes 20 to 30 minutes in total. This is usually a laparoscopic procedure, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a camera to view the inside of your abdomen. After the procedure, you may feel groggy and experience some pain.
Most people recover within a couple of days, but you should avoid lifting objects weighing more than 12 pounds (or about 5.5 kilos) for a week after the procedure and avoid swimming or bathing for at least two weeks. You may also experience vaginal bleeding for up to a month after surgery.
Doctors usually recommend that patients wait at least a week after the procedure before having sexual intercourse. This allows the surgical site to heal and reduces the risk of infection.
Some patients may choose to have their tubes tied during a cesarean section . In this case, the surgeon uses the incision made in the abdomen to deliver the baby and access the fallopian tubes. After a cesarean section, most people stay in the hospital for two to three days and then fully recover at home in four to six weeks.
How effective is tubal ligation?
Tubal ligation is over 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
If you’re not ready for permanent birth control, there are other highly effective options. Getting an intrauterine device , or IUD, is also over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and lasts for several years. A healthcare provider can remove the IUD if you want to get pregnant.
Read more about other birth control methods on the Planned Parenthood website .
What are the risks?
Tubal ligation is safe, but like all surgeries, it carries some risks , such as surgical site infection or allergic reaction to the anesthesia.
“Any risk that comes with any laparoscopic surgery also comes with this one,” Schipper added. “That said, this is a procedure that’s performed fairly frequently and usually goes very well.”
Where can I get my tubes tied?
You can have your tubes tied in a healthcare provider’s office, a hospital, or a health clinic like Planned Parenthood.
How much does it cost?
Depending on your health insurance, tubal ligation can cost anywhere from $0 to $6,000 , including follow-up visits.
If you are concerned about the cost of the procedure, contact your local Planned Parenthood for information on free or lower-cost birth control methods.
What barriers might people face when seeking tubal ligation?
Some patients find it difficult to obtain tubal ligation due to cost, limited appointments, and opposition from partners and healthcare providers who are reluctant to perform the surgery on younger patients.
“I routinely see patients who have been turned away by others because they say, ‘Oh, you might want to have children in the future.’ ‘You don’t have enough children.’ ‘Are you sure you want to do this? It’s not reversible,’” said Dr. Alexis O’Leary, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Helena, Montana, in a June 2024 KFF Health News article .
If your healthcare provider is unwilling to perform a tubal ligation, consult another provider or visit your local Planned Parenthood. If you can’t access a tubal ligation, discuss other birth control options with your healthcare provider.
You can also talk to your partner about the possibility of a vasectomy , if this applies to you. This minor surgical procedure for people with penises prevents them from releasing sperm into their semen, thus preventing pregnancy. Vasectomies are permanent, and the procedure is less invasive and less expensive than a tubal ligation.
For more information, talk to your healthcare provider.
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