What is Tubal Ligation?

Tubal Ligation is a female sterilization surgical procedure, in which the woman's tubes are cut off, blocked or tied in order to stop the eggs in the ovary to travel to the uterus. In layman term, it means "getting your fallopian tubes tied". Thus it will prevent the male sperm to fertilize the eggs. Although Tubal Ligation is considered as a permanent type of sterilization, it is possible to reverse the procedure using Tubal Ligation Reversal surgery.

How is Tubal Ligation Procedure performed?

There are quite a few procedures to get a Tubal Ligation, but the two most popular procedures are Laparoscopy and Minilaparotomy. Both of these procedures are minimally-invasive procedures with higher success rate. Others like Culpotomy and Culdoscopy are generally performed due to certain medical condition like obesity. All of these procedures can be performed under either general or local anesthesia. Each procedure carries different risks and benefits.

Laparoscopy

Using this procedure, a patient’s abdomen will be filled with carbon dioxide gas to distant the abdominal wall from the fallopian tubes and uterus. There are two incisions made to the body. First, a small abdominal incision is made to insert a laparoscope (looks like mini telescope). Then the second incision is on the upper part of the pubic hairline. The second incision is meant as an entrance of the instrument that will be used to clip or burn the fallopian tubes. The whole procedure takes about thirty minutes.

Minilaparotomy

It is performed by making a small abdominal incision above the pubic bone. This procedure is used to minimize the visibility of the scar after the surgery. Instead of utilizing the surgical retractors and packs, this procedure uses microsurgical instruments.

Culdoscopy

This procedure involves making a small incision in the vaginal wall. The patient must be in a knee-to-chest position during anesthesia. A culdoscope (viewing tube) is inserted into the incision to find the fallopian tubes and then seal them.

Culpotomy

Similar to Culdoscopy, it is performed by making a small incision in vaginal wall. The patients would also need to be in a knee-chest position under anesthesia. Using this procedure, the fallopian tubes are bought out using a medical instrument in order to be sealed. Once done, they are put back and stitched the incision.

Can You Get Pregnant with Tubal Ligation?

Tubal Ligation is a very effective method for birth control. It has a success rate of 95% to prevent pregnancy.