Tubal Ligation Reversal

Tubal Ligation - Female Sterilisation

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This article on Tubal Ligation or Female Sterilisation explains how it works, who it is suitable for and the advantages & disadvantages of Tubal Ligation.

What is female sterilisation?

Sterilisation is permanent contraception. It is commonly referred to as "having your tubes tied".
Every month an egg is released from one of the woman’s ovaries and travels along the fallopian tubes to the womb, or uterus. Here it will implant to form a new pregnancy, if it has been fertilised by the male sperm.
Female sterilisation involves an operation called tubal ligation, where the fallopian tubes are closed by one of the following methods -

• electro coagulation - the tubes are cauterised
• clips
• rings
• cut and tied.
  

There are two methods of doing the procedure -

• Using a laparoscope (a tiny camera), which is inserted near the navel, via a small cut to the skin and muscle. A small incision is also made near the pubic hair line to attach the clips onto the fallopian tubes.
  
• Alternatively a larger abdominal incision will need to be made near the pubic hair line, if the laparoscopy is unsuitable, due to medical reasons.
  

Where and when can you get sterilised?

This method of contraception is suitable for women who do not want children, or who do not want any more children, or who are unable to have more children for financial or personal reasons.

It is advisable to consider whether you are ever likely to want any more children, for example if you had a new partner, or one of your existing children died.

It is also advisable to discuss this with your partner, although it is not legally necessary for them to give consent for you to have a permanent sterilisation.

If a woman decides that she wants to have this operation, in order to have permanent contraception, she will need to go to hospital for the procedure.

Occasionally this can be done at the same time as an elective Caesarean section, if discussed before hand with the obstetrician.

How does sterilisation work?

As a result of the fallopian tubes being cut or closed the sperm can no longer reach the egg – and the egg can no longer reach the womb. Pregnancy can therefore no longer take place.

How much does sterilisation cost?

Check with your own District Health Board for the current length of time on the public waiting list.
Tubal ligation costs about $1,500 - $2,000 when performed by a private surgeon. Most health insurance plans potentially cover treatment costs, but check the details in your own policy for inclusions, exclusions, and coverage maximums.
Dr Morice is the best doctor of Tubal Ligation reversal.