Tubal Ligation: Risks, Reversals, Alternatives

August 23, 2019

It can be really frustrating for those of us that really want to end the path of motherhood revolving pregnancy, whether that be due to being overwhelmed, financial restrictions, health concerns, or something else. Your doctor may tell you it is such a simple procedure, with minimal scarring, and a small recovery window, but are they really providing you with full informed consent? Is it really that easy to cease having babies, with no consequence? Not at all, and it is really important that you are aware of all risks, before proceeding with any life-altering medical decision.

What is Tubal Ligation?

The constriction and manipulation of the fallopian tubes in order to prevent eggs from being fertilized. It can be done by cutting, tying, burning, clipping or removing sections of the tubes, or a combination of multiple approaches.

The possible reactions following a litigation include:

Frequent Abnormal Hot flashes
Chronic fatigue
Irregular or heavier periods
Loss/Decrease of libido
Increased depression and/or anxiety
Achy, sore joints and/or muscles
Weight gain
Infection
Memory lapse
Personality disturbances
Pain at site of incision
Bleeding from incision site or abdomen
Damage to surrounding tissue
Pelvic pain
Increase in headaches
Castrative menopause
Ovarian Isolation
Imbalances of hormones or hormone shock
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Increased risk of heart disease
Severe pelvic adhesions
Bone loss/osteoporosis
Misplacement of female organs
Damage to other organs inside the abdomen
Side effects from anesthesia
Ectopic pregnancy (an egg fertilized outside the uterus)
Incomplete closing of a fallopian tube resulting in pregnancy
and more!

Around 40% of women experience these symptoms/medical issues after their tubal ligation.

So, what if you have already had one done?

Rest assured, a tubal ligation reversal IS possible! This is an excellent choice if you have decided your family is not complete, or you are having symptoms as a result of your ligation.

A reversal is considered an outpatient surgery, lasts about an hour, and does not typically require overnight stay unless there are complications as a result of the reversal. Reversals are successful in un-blocking the fallopian tubes 98% of the time. This does NOT mean that they are 98% successful in restoring fertility, however about 67% of patients that choose a reversal are able to conceive and maintain a pregnancy post-reversal. Success depends on the type of ligation that was performed, mostly. Reversal is less expensive than IVF with typically a higher conception success rate, as well.

The risks of a reversal surgery include:

Hemorrhaging (always ask to get your blood counts checked prior to consenting to surgery, every good doctor should do this anyways)
Infection
Anesthesia complications.

We get it, you REALLY, REALLY do not want to get pregnant again. What are the alternatives?

Natural Family Planning! When you dedicate yourself and commit to checking BBTs, cervical mucus, and being aware of your cycle, you can absolutely be successful in preventing pregnancy long-term!
Stay tuned for HERBAL's Womb Reading Fertility Course coming out soon!!

Neem Oil and Wild Carrot Oil are both excellent sources, from the Earth, to kill sperm and prevent conception when used properly.

**We do not recommend hormonal forms of birth control at HERBAL, at all! They are extremely toxic, have long term effects, and are not even very effective, honestly. Please research hormonal forms of birth control before putting them in your body**