What is it?
Tubal ligation, also referred to as sterilization or having your tubes tied, is a surgery to close your fallopian tubes.
How does it work?
- The fallopian tube is blocked or removed, so the sperm and egg can no longer meet.
- The procedure is done by Laparoscopy, Abdominally, or by Hysteroscopy.
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Laparoscopy (click to expand) »
The doctor makes a small incision in the abdomen and clips, burns or removes the fallopian tube.
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Abdominally (click to expand) »
During a cesarean section birth, a doctor can clip or remove the fallopian tubes.
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Hysteroscopy (click to expand) »
The doctor uses a vaginal approach to put small inserts into the fallopian tubes to block them.
Talk to your health-care provider about which method is best for you.
How effective is it?
- There is a slight risk of becoming pregnant after tubal ligation.
- About five out of 1,000 women will become pregnant after one year of Tubal Ligation surgery.
- About 13 out of 1,000 women will become pregnant within five years following Tubal Ligation surgery.
- Pregnancy may occur if:
- The tubes grow back together, or a new passage forms, allowing sperm to fertilize an egg.
- You were pregnant at the time of surgery.
For more information on the advantages and disadvantages of Tubal Ligation, check out this infographic from Sex & U.
Is Tubal Ligation right for you?
- Tubal ligation is permanent.
- You should only get the procedure if you are sure you do not want to be able to get pregnant for the rest of your life.
- Talk to your health-care provider to help determine if it is right for you.
- If you are unsure, there are many other reliable birth control methods available that are reversible.
For a birth control method that provides the greatest protection against pregnancy, check out the IUD and Implant pages.
Does it prevent sexually transmitted infections?
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