Tubal Ligation
A permanent surgical procedure that ties or cuts the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.
Tubal ligation is more than 99% effective. This means fewer than 1 out of 100 people with tubal ligation will get pregnant in a year.
Note: Tubal ligation should be considered a permanent decision since it can be very hard to reverse. Before getting tubal ligation, you should be sure you never want to get pregnant.
You really don't need to use another birth control method because tubal ligation works so well to prevent pregnancy. Condoms are a great choice if you also want protection from HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Eggs cannot travel from the ovary to the uterus. Therefore, they cannot join with sperm (fertilize).
A trained health care provider ties or cuts the fallopian tubes during a surgical procedure. This can be done in a hospital right after you give birth or as an outpatient procedure at a surgical center or hospital.
Recovery from the procedure can take 1 week or more.
Tubal ligation will not change your natural periods. You will still get your period.
Tubal ligation is a permanent form of birth control. After the procedure, you do not need to think about birth control.
Tubal ligation has no hormones and will not affect your period.
Because tubal ligation is permanent, it should be a well thought-out decision. People who get tubal ligation at a younger age may be more likely to regret their decision.
Tubal ligation is safe. In fact, pregnancy has a higher risk of health problems than tubal ligation.
Because tubal ligation requires surgery, there are risks including pain, bleeding, damage to organs during surgery, or infection.
No. However, correct use of condoms can prevent HIV and STIs.
If you have health insurance, including Medicaid, the procedure may be covered at low cost to you. If you pay out of pocket, the cost can be quite high.