Laparoscopic Tubal Sterilization
WomanCare Clinic
Meriter WomanCare Clinic
20 S. Park Street, Suite 450
Madison, WI 53715
Telephone: (608) 417-5433 or 1-888-409-3852
UW Health - OB/GYN
20 S. Park Street, Suite 307
Madison, WI 53715
Telephone: (608) 287-2830
Definition
Laparoscopic tubal sterilization is a procedure that sterilizes women by obstructing the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.
Laparoscopic Tubal Sterilization is recommended for women who:
- Want to be sterilized
- Are done having children
Benefits of the Procedure
- No longer need to use a form of birth control
- It doesn’t affect a woman’s sexual activity
- Can be performed immediately after a vaginal or cesarean section birth, which is known as tubal ligation
What is Laparoscopic Tubal Sterilization?
Laparoscopic tubal sterilization, commonly known as “tying the tubes,” is a surgical technique to sterilize women. This procedure closes the fallopian tubes, which stops the egg from traveling to the uterus. It also prevents sperm from reaching the fallopian tube to fertilize an egg and eliminates the chance of getting pregnant. Ovaries will continue to release eggs, but the eggs will be absorbed by the body. Menstrual periods will continue after having the procedure. The patient should contact her doctor if a period is missed after having the procedure.
Tubal sterilizations are 99% effective as a primary form of birth control. Another option for permanent birth control is the Essure procedure.
The decision to choose sterilization should be carefully considered. Some women may regret their decision and want the procedure reversed. The success of a reversal depends on how the procedure was performed and how old the patient is.
To perform laparoscopic tubal sterilization, the abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide gas so the abdomen is slightly inflated. The gas moves the abdominal wall away from the intestines, which allows the doctor to see the pelvic organs, uterus and fallopian tubes clearly. The doctor makes an incision just below the navel and inserts a laparoscope, a small telescope instrument that has a bright light. A second incision is made just above the pubic hairline to insert the instrument that will close the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are closed by tying, banding, clipping, cutting, or blocking them so that sperm can’t reach an egg to fertilize it. Once the procedure is complete, the laparoscope is withdrawn, and the incisions are closed with one or two stitches.
Rehabilitation
After surgery, it is recommended that women perform only light activities for a week. Sexual activity and exercising can start again when a woman feels comfortable and back to normal, which usually takes a week or two.