Did you know that around 700 thousand women get their tubes tied every year? A tubal ligation surgery is one of the most popular forms of birth control that a woman can get.
Have you ever wondered, what is a tubal ligation? Here is a brief guide to getting tubes tied, as well as the side effects and recovery process.
Benefits of Tubal Ligation Surgery
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The most obvious benefit of tubal ligation is that it is a form of permanent birth control. Although it is commonly referred to as getting tubes tied, what the procedure really does is block the fallopian tubes to stop potential pregnancy.
If you are at risk of ovarian cancer, you may also benefit from tubal ligation surgery if the tubes are also removed. You will also not have to use other forms of birth control that could have negative side effects.
The Tubal Ligation Procedure
Before the procedure, you may need to take a pregnancy test to ensure that you are not pregnant. In addition, there are different types of anesthesia offered.
You can have local anesthesia, where you will be awake but not feel the process, or general anesthesia, which means you will be completely unconscious.
If you have a C-section, you can request a tubal ligation after your baby has been removed. However, the procedure can also be performed laparoscopically, through a small incision underneath the belly button.
Potential Side Effects
Although surgical procedures have gotten much safer, they always come with some risks. There is always a chance, relatively small, of pregnancy after you get the surgery done.
In addition, you may suffer from other tubal ligation side effects. These include pelvic or stomach pain, infection, or damage to your bladder or bowels. Make sure to discuss all potential risks with your doctor before the surgery, so you can make your decision with all the facts.
Recovering From Tubal Ligation Surgery
Once you have your tubes tied, you need to take care of yourself and rest for several days afterward. You may deal with some pain and discomfort around the incision site, as well as bloating, abdominal pain, and cramping. Usually, symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medicine.
Watch out for signs of infection. If you have a high fever or extreme pain, you should go to the hospital or call your doctor. In addition, talk to your doctor about when it is all right to resume activities such as sex or exercise following the surgery.
What is a Tubal Ligation?
You may still be asking yourself, what is a tubal ligation? With this guide, you can make an informed decision about the procedure and plan out your recovery.
Would you like to learn more about how to take care of your body? Take a look around the Health section of our site for answers to all of your questions.
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