Tubes Tied Surgery: A Female Sterilization Option

Tubes tied is a common term for a sterilization procedure called tubal ligation. In the female ligation surgery, the fallopian tubes are cut, blocked, or sealed to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg [1].

The fallopian tube receives egg cells from the ovaries. Here, the sperm fertilizes the female egg, which then flows towards the uterus for implantation. In tubal ligation surgery, also known as "getting tubes tied," this fallopian tube is blocked.

This procedure is considered a form of permanent contraception. Tubes tied surgery is highly effective, with less than a 1% chance of pregnancy after the procedure [2].

What is Tubal Ligation?

The egg production in females involves ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina. Ovaries make one egg per cycle, which is released from the ovaries at the time of ovulation. The egg then has to travel to the fallopian tube, where the sperm cell fertilizes the egg [3].

However, when a woman doesn't want to conceive, in that case, she can have tubal ligation surgery. In this surgery, the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked, inhibiting the access of sperm to the egg and thus preventing pregnancy.

Reasons for Choosing Tubal Ligation

The most common reasons why a woman chooses tubal ligation are:

1. Some women make this decision for health reasons when they feel that their body isn't capable of giving a healthy birth [4].
2. For some women, it is a personal choice and not due to health risks. Some women feel confident that they do not want more children or any children at all. Tubal ligation is a permanent contraception solution for them.
3. It's also a more effective form of contraception compared to birth control pills, patches, or intrauterine devices (IUDs). This can offer peace of mind for women who want to engage in sexual activities but do not wish to have more children.

Preparing for Tubal Ligation Surgery

Before undergoing tubal ligation, there are several steps to consider. First, you need to discuss the complete process and what to expect after the process with your healthcare provider.

After the consultation session, the female has to undergo some pre-operative tests, including pregnancy tests, blood tests, and a complete physical examination. A pelvic exam is typically part of this evaluation. 

Before undergoing tubal ligation, some women choose to focus on reproductive health to ensure their bodies are well-balanced. Nutrient-rich supplements can support hormonal health and overall well-being, making it easier to manage changes post-procedure.

It's also important to consider the emotional and psychological impact of permanent sterilization.

Pre-Operative Considerations

Before the procedure, you'll need to sign a detailed consent form. This form emphasizes the permanent nature of the surgery. It's crucial to understand all the potential risks and benefits before proceeding.

You must have all the information before the surgery, its pros and cons before you do it. It's also important to discuss the procedure with your partner, if applicable. The decision to undergo tubal ligation should be made in consultation with your partner.

The Tubal Ligation Procedure

Tubal ligation involves the blocking or sealing of the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. There are different methods for tubal ligation, including clips, cauterization, and salpingectomy.

Methods of Tubal Ligation

There are several methods for getting your tubes tied. The method chosen for you will depend on the surgeon's preference, your health condition, and your preference.

1. One method involves placing clips or rings on the fallopian tubes. This blocks the tubes and prevents the exit of eggs from the fallopian tube into the uterus.
2. Another method is cauterization [5]. This involves using an electric current, heat, or cold to burn and seal the tubes. This method is often used in laparoscopic surgery.
3. A third method is a salpingectomy, or the removal of the fallopian tubes [6]. This is often done in conjunction with a cesarean section (C-section).

What to Expect During Surgery

The first step in surgery for tubal ligation is the administration of local anesthesia. This means you'll be asleep and won't feel any pain.

The surgery does not change the function of the ovaries or the production of female hormones. It also does not affect menstrual cycles or hormone levels. After the procedure, patients are advised to watch for any unusual symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.

Risks and Considerations

As you would expect from any surgical procedure, tubal ligation is not free from certain risks. These include bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding organs. Female sterilization scars can also be concerning for some women.

Here is what else you need to consider:

• Tubal ligation does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Some women may regret the decision, particularly if they are younger or their life circumstances change.
• Tubal ligation does not cause early menopause.
• The procedure is irreversible in most cases, so it's not suitable for women who may want to become pregnant in the future.

Other Female Sterilization Techniques

Besides getting tubes tied, there are other female sterilization methods for long-term but not permanent birth control.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants are some practical alternate options for sterilizing a woman [7]. These methods are highly effective and can be removed if a woman decides she wants to become pregnant.

If you want a permanent procedure like tubal ligation, hysterectomy as a birth control is also an option. It is among the female sterilization options with no period after the procedure.

Non-surgical alternatives to tubal ligation also exist. These include birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings. Each of these methods has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Conclusion

In some women, sterilization is accomplished by a procedure called tubal ligation or tube-tied surgery. It involves cutting, blocking, or sealing of the fallopian tube where the fertilization occurs. The other tube-tied procedure names include female vasectomy, women vasectomy, and tubal occlusion.

When the fallopian tube is tied, it inhibits the access of sperm and egg cells to each other, preventing pregnancy permanently. Since it is a permanent procedure, women must make up their minds and be confident about whether they need this option. Just as women may choose tubal ligation, men have a similar permanent option in the form of vasectomy. Learning about the vasectomy medical term and procedure can be helpful for couples considering permanent contraception options together.

FAQs

What does sterilization mean?

Sterilization is the process where a male or female is inhibited from conceiving by making certain changes in the body. For example, getting tubes tied procedure is a surgical sterilization for women.

How to make yourself infertile?

You can make yourself infertile with the help of different surgical and nonsurgical options. Vasectomy for males and tubal ligation for females are the effective options to make yourself infertile.

What it is called when you get you tubes tied?

Tubal ligation is a medical term for when you get your tubes tied. It is a permanent sterilization birth control technique for women.

Resources Used

1. Marino, S., Canela, C. D., Jenkins, S. M., & Nama, N. (2024, February 16). Tubal Sterilization. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470377/ 
2. Professional, C. C. M. (2024f, May 1). Tubal Ligation. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4933-tubal-ligation 
3. Holesh, J. E., Bass, A. N., & Lord, M. (2023, May 1). Physiology, Ovulation. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441996/ 
4. What are some common complications of pregnancy? (2024, May 29). https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/complications 
5. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. (n.d.). Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/cauterize 
6. Kotlyar, A., Gingold, J., Shue, S., & Falcone, T. (2017). The Effect of Salpingectomy on Ovarian Function. Journal of minimally invasive gynecology, 24(4), 563–578. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmig.2017.02.014 
7. Professional, C. C. M. (2024a, May 1). Birth Control Options. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11427-birth-control-options