Although many women opt for tubal ligation as a method of contraception, they should be aware that this procedure can sometimes fail. That is why any decision regarding parenthood and tubal ligation must be made conscientiously.
This contraceptive mechanism can be effective if executed correctly, but the woman must also take into account several aspects to contribute to its effectiveness.
What is reversible tubal ligation?
What is known as tubal ligation is also called tubal sterilization or tubal ligation. This is nothing more than a contraceptive mechanism in which the fallopian tubes are blocked or tied, and in some cases cut to permanently prevent pregnancy.
Tubal ligation prevents the egg from being transported from the ovaries, and blocks the sperm’s path to the top of the fallopian tubes to the egg.
It is important to note that this surgical procedure does not affect the menstrual cycle of women at all.
On the other hand, tubal union can be performed at any time. In fact, it is usually combined with a cesarean section, normal delivery or some other surgical intervention at the abdominal level.
Although tubal ligation is generally not a reversible procedure, this can be achieved by major surgery, which is not always effective.
Reversible tubal ligation is a surgery performed to allow a woman to conceive again. In this case, medical specialists are in charge of reconnecting the fallopian tubes. Reversing tubal sterilization is not always possible, since there may be little tubal extension left, or the tube may be damaged.
It is important to note that tubal ligation reversal is rarely performed. Thanks to the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization (IVF), women who wish to have a child after having their tubes tied are opting for this fertilization mechanism instead of the surgical reversal operation.
Risks involved in tubal ligation
As it is a surgical operation, it requires the application of incisions at the level of the abdomen and anesthesia, to mention the most relevant aspects. Taking this into consideration, the risks associated with tubal ligation are diverse, among which we can mention the following:
- Possible negative conditions in the bladder, intestines, or in some major blood vessels.
- Negative reaction to anesthesia may occur.
- Improper wound healing, which could lead to infection in tubal ligation scars.
- Manifestation of constant abdominal or pelvic pain.
- Failure of the operation, which may result in an unwanted future pregnancy.
On the other hand, there are some factors that may increase the likelihood of mishaps after tubal ligation, such as:
- Having undergone abdominal or pelvic surgery.
- Obesity.
- Suffering from diabetes.
Tubal ligation long-term side effects
In addition to the risks associated with the operation itself, tubal ligation also involves a number of side effects that may occur in the short and long term.
Regarding the short-term consequences, there is the recovery process, which generally does not produce considerable discomfort. However, postoperative problems such as bleeding, infection or hematoma may occur.
Long-term side effects include the following:
- Tubal ligation is in principle an irreversible operation. The female may not become fertile again, even after the ligation reversal is performed.
- It generates a higher risk of presenting an ectopic pregnancy.
- This surgical intervention does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
- If a woman wishes to have a child again, it is best to opt for IVF, which is a high-cost alternative for assisted reproduction.
When can tubal ligation fail?
Although tubal ligation is considered a very effective and safe method of contraception, it can fail on some occasions or in very specific cases.
According to statistics, less than one woman in one hundred becomes pregnant during the twelve months following surgery.
On the other hand, age also has an influence; the younger the woman is at the time of undergoing tubal ligation, the greater the probability that the procedure will fail.
Another aspect to keep in mind is that when a baby is conceived after having undergone tubal ligation, the risk of an ectopic pregnancy is latent.
A pregnancy is ectopic when the fertilized egg settles outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. This type of unusual pregnancy requires immediate medical treatment, as the pregnancy cannot develop and delivery is not possible.
In case you suspect pregnancy after undergoing tubal ligation, you should see your doctor immediately.
Tubal ligation price
In general terms, the cost of tubal ligation surgery can vary from country to country. Even within the same country or city, the price may also vary, depending on the clinical establishment where it is performed.
On the other hand, the method used to carry out the sterilization process also influences the cost of sterilization.
However, to give you an idea of the budget that should be handled for this type of medical procedure, we indicate a referential price range: the price can be between one thousand and three thousand euros.
Regardless of your room address and budget, it is best to seek appropriate and detailed advice from your general practitioner or trusted physician.
You should know everything about being a mother and tubal ligation before making a decision.