| Tubal ligation is a technique in which a woman is | | | | week. The advantage of this microscopic surgery is |
| surgically sterilized. This surgery prevents the eggs | | | | that even tiny openings of the fallopian tubes are |
| from getting transported from the ovary to the | | | | visible and the joining of the tubes can be done |
| uterus, by blocking the fallopian tube somehow. It | | | | efficiently and accurately. |
| can be done by cutting, clamping or pinching the | | | | In case of laparotomy, a much larger incision is |
| fallopian tubes. Hence the procedure is also known as | | | | required on the abdomen, approximately 5 to 6 |
| getting your 'tubes tied'. | | | | inches in length. There is a much longer recovery time |
| The surgery can be done through laparoscopy, | | | | for surgery and the level of discomfort is also more. |
| laparotomy, a mini- laparotomy or even through a | | | | The process in which another opening is created in |
| vaginal approach and women can return to their usual | | | | the uterine cavity to allow the remaining segment of |
| activities after a period of one week. Another option | | | | the fallopian tube to be connected to the uterus is |
| is a non-surgical procedure known as the Essure | | | | called Tubal implantation. This is required when there |
| procedure. | | | | is no proximal tubal opening into the uterine cavity |
| However, it is not uncommon for a woman to realize | | | | after tubal ligation and the section of fallopian tube |
| that she wants to get pregnant again after she has | | | | left is distant from the uterus. In all the reversal |
| undergone tubal ligation. It is estimated that out of all | | | | procedures the patient is required to wait for a |
| the women who have undergone tubal ligation, six | | | | period of time, usually one year before conceiving. |
| percent want to experience child birth again. So what | | | | In cases where tubal reversal is not possible, In Vitro |
| then? Are there no options left? Is this condition | | | | Fertilization (IVF) can be considered. It includes the |
| completely irreversible? No, the woman can get | | | | fertilization of the eggs outside the uterus. Once the |
| pregnant even after this, some cases might be | | | | eggs are fertilized the resulting embryos are |
| difficult but it is not impossible. | | | | transferred back into the uterus where they are |
| The effectiveness of tubal ligation is 99 percent but | | | | allowed to implant to the walls of the uterus so that |
| sometimes the fallopian tubes re-connect and hence | | | | the fetus can develop. |
| pregnancies are possible. However, most pregnancies | | | | The disadvantage of this procedure is the possibility |
| in these cases are tubal pregnancies. | | | | of multiple pregnancies. Along with that the woman is |
| Otherwise there is also a Tubal Ligation Reversal | | | | also required to take medication for the stimulation of |
| surgery which can be done. Tubal reversal is a | | | | the developing eggs. |
| microsurgery which is done to repair the fallopian | | | | However the success rates of the IVF are quite high |
| tubes. This procedure is best for women whose | | | | and the patient does not have to wait one year to |
| tubes have been constricted by either rings or clips | | | | see whether the procedure is successful or not, as in |
| or those who have a section of fallopian tube | | | | the case of tubal reversals. |
| removed. There are various methods by which this | | | | So, tubal ligation is not then end of the road for |
| reversal can be performed. Laparoscopy, laparotomy, | | | | women who want to experience the joy of child |
| Tubal Implantation being a few of them. | | | | birth. But certain treatments may not work for all. |
| Laparoscopy usually involves a very small incision. The | | | | Hence, it is best to consult with your physician and |
| patient is required to spend only one day in the | | | | weigh all options carefully. |
| hospital and can resume all normal activities within a | | | | |