Tubal Ligation

What is Tubal Ligation?

Tubal Ligation (sterilization) is an outpatient surgical procedure to block a woman’s fallopian tubes. This is a permanent form of birth control. Once this procedure is done, your eggs cannot move from your ovaries through either of your 2 fallopian tubes and into your uterus. The procedure cuts the path for both your egg to reach your uterus and for the sperm to connect with the egg for fertilization. Many people refer to this procedure as having your “tubes tied.”

How is the Procedure Done?

This is done as an outpatient procedure in the hospital. That means you will get to go home after the procedure. Anesthesia is used, so you are asleep for the procedure while one or two small incisions are made on your abdomen near your belly button. A flexible tube with what that looks like a small telescope on it (laparoscope) is inserted into the incisions. Instruments are then inserted through the tube. Your doctor then coagulates (burns) and cauterizes your tubes and seals then shut. A small clip is then placed on each tube. Your doctor finishes the procedure by closing your incisions with a few stitches. After being in recovery, you should fell well enough to go home.

A new alternative to outpatient tubal ligation is an in office hysteroscopic sterilization. The Group for Women offers this procedure. To learn more, call The Group for Women to make an appointment with your doctor 757-466-5751.

More information is also available in this article by The Group for Women’s Jeffrey Wentworth, MD, In Office Hysteroscopic Sterilization.