Tubal Ligation

Jersey Women's Care Center

Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Fair Lawn, NJ & Jersey City, NJ

Tubal ligation is an excellent choice for many women to permanently prevent pregnancy. At the Jersey Women’s Care Center in Fair Lawn and Jersey City, New Jersey, Dr. Elizabeth Ramirez utilizes state-of-the-art surgical technology and techniques to perform everything from robotic surgeries to traditional surgeries. Dr. Ramirez consistently aims to provide the best possible surgical experience and outcome. Learn about the tubal ligation permanent sterilization option and start by booking your consultation online or calling the office today.

Tubal Ligation Q & A

What is tubal ligation?

Tubal ligation is a form of female sterilization that’s also known as having your tubes tied or tubal sterilization. This type of birth control involves a procedure to cut, tie, or block the fallopian tubes to permanently prevent pregnancy.

Tubal ligation inhibits an egg from traveling from the ovaries through the fallopian tubes. It also blocks the sperm from going up the fallopian tubes to the egg.

It’s important to remember that a tubal ligation doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases and most tubal ligation procedures can’t be reversed, so you should be sure you no longer wish to become pregnant. A tubal ligation doesn’t affect your menstrual cycle.

How is a tubal ligation performed?

A tubal ligation can be performed anytime as an outpatient procedure using short-acting general anesthesia and a laparoscope, in combination with another abdominal surgery, such as a C-section, or following a vaginal birth using a small incision underneath your belly button. Prior to your procedure, you might be asked to take a pregnancy test.

If you have the outpatient procedure interval tubal ligation, Dr. Ramirez inserts a needle or makes a small incision through your belly button to inflate your abdomen with gas (carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide).

Dr. Ramirez then inserts a laparoscope into your abdomen. In most cases, she makes a second small incision to insert instruments through your abdominal wall to seal the fallopian tubes by blocking them with plastic rings or clips or by destroying parts of the tubes. If gas was used, the gas is removed before your procedure is complete.

What can I expect after my tubal ligation?

You may be allowed to return home several hours after your tubal ligation. You might experience abdominal pain, fatigue, or bloating shortly following your procedure. Your Jersey Women’s Care doctor discusses the management of any post-procedure pain with you before you return home.

You can bathe 48 hours after, but you should be sure to avoid rubbing or straining the incision. Avoid intercourse and heavy lifting until your doctor tells you it’s safe.

When you feel better, you can resume your normal daily activities. Your stitches will dissolve and won’t need to be removed. You typically have a follow-up appointment to check on your recovery.

To find out if a tubal ligation is the right permanent birth control option for you, call Jersey Women’s Care Center or schedule online.

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