"Getting Your Tubes Tied" or 'naturally' blocking them?

You will have your own reasons for considering 'tubal ligation' or female sterilization as your preferred method of long term birth control. You are probably over 30 years of age and may have already discounted or been persuaded that male vasectomy for your partner (which is cheaper, simpler and safer) is not the 'go'. Let's assume though that you have not yet had a preliminary discussion with a doctor or health care provider and that you are just starting to research the pros and cons of this method of birth control before moving further down this path. Here are a few basic facts about two methods of permanent contraception to help you to talk to your health care provider without appearing to be completely clueless- sterilization is a serious step to take and you need all the details to be able to make a responsible decision for yourself - your partner and the future of your family.

Tubal sterilization

This is one of the most highly effective and popular methods of birth control today. If you 'get your tubes tied', it will involve an operation that is 'marketed' as permanent, in other words, be sure that you don't any (more) children as there is no guarantee that the operation can be reversed. The effect of the procedure is to block the Fallopian tubes with clips, rings or an electric current, so that sperm cannot pass through to meet/ fertilize an egg after it has been released from an ovary. No rendezvous, boys- no babies, mum. It's good to rule out all the other types of contraceptives before choosing this permanent one.
The operation is 'same day' so you can go home afterwards, is safe and is performed through a small incision in your navel, using a laparoscope, usually under a general anesthetic. Any procedure where a general anesthetic is used carries risks. Some women request that they are sterilized immediately after giving birth. The method that is selected by your surgeon to actually block the tubes will depend on your medical history.

Benefits of sterilization

It is highly effective - 2% of women overall will get pregnant within 10 years after their operations with one out of three of these pregnancies being ectopic (occurring inside the Fallopian tube) which can be dangerous. Women under 30 have a greater risk of getting pregnant years after the operation than older women do- and should report suspicions of pregnancy at once because either it is convenient or it is long lasting.

Hysteroscopic Sterilization or commonly known as the ESSURE method

It was approved by the FDA in 2002 but may not be available in all clinics. Essure is an option for permanent contraception that is likely to replace tubal ligation as the leading method of female birth control world wide. The Fallopian tubes are still 'blocked' with this method but not immediately. The whole Essure procedure is done in 10 minutes in the doctor's office via the vagina, the cervix and the uterus - not via a cut in the navel. You don't need to take time off work and you are up and running hours later. Tiny, soft, spiral coils called micro inserts, are inserted into the Fallopian tubes causing scar tissue to grow into them which subsequently blocks the tubes, creating a sperm barrier. This tissue scarring can take up to 3 months to form a complete barrier (so temporary back up contraception is needed during this period) after which a dye is injected into the tubes to confirm that they are blocked. The Essure procedure is the first and only FDA approved female sterilization procedure to have zero pregnancies in the clinical trials. The advantages of this procedure over tubal ligation are obvious but it cannot be reversed so you must also be absolutely sure that you do not want any (more) children before opting for Essure. Don't be
rushed through counseling and ask your doctor lots of questions.

Carole Pemberton brings you up to date with the latest information on contraceptives to empower you to enjoy your sexuality while successfully managing your birth control.

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