Tubal ligation is a female sterilization surgery in which a cut, tie or placement of a ring is made in the fallopian tubes, thus interrupting communication between the ovary and the uterus, which prevents the sperm from reaching the egg and fertilization from occurring. , permanently preventing pregnancy.
Tubal ligation, also called tubal ligation, is recommended for women over 21 years of age or who have at least two living children, in addition to being indicated in cases where a pregnancy may put the woman at risk, such as heart disease, kidney disease or severe lung disease, very high blood pressure or severe diabetes, for example.
Tubal ligation is performed by the gynecologist, and is made available by the SUS, as a form of family planning, and is normally not reversible, however, depending on the type of technique performed, there may be a small chance of getting pregnant again. Therefore, the type of tubal ligation should be discussed with the gynecologist to find the best solution for the woman, as well as other contraceptive options. Find out more about contraceptive methods.
Who can do
According to the family planning law (1,2,3)tubal ligation may be indicated for:
- Women over 21 who have or do not have children;
- Women who have at least two living children and who no longer wish to become pregnant;
- Situations in which a pregnancy can cause serious risks to the woman or the babysuch as having serious heart, lung or kidney disease, negative HR problems, very high blood pressure, or severe diabetes, especially in women who have already had many children, for example;
- Women who have had two or more cesarean sectionsor that pose a risk to life if you become pregnant again, and in these cases, it can be done during a cesarean section.
It is important to highlight that despite having conditions in which tubal ligation can be recommended by the gynecologist, the decision to have the surgery is the woman’s, and therefore, the advantages, disadvantages, possibility of failure, and possible complications of surgery.
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How it is made
Tubal ligation is a simple surgical procedure, performed by a gynecologist, which lasts around 40 minutes to 1 hour, which can be done during a cesarean section, avoiding having to undergo a new surgery, or can be done via laparoscopy, being a less expensive procedure. invasive. Understand how videolaparoscopy is performed.
To perform tubal ligation, the doctor must follow some steps:
- Apply general anesthesia;
- Make a small cut in the region close to the navel to inflate gas and then insert the laparoscope, which is a microcamera that allows the doctor to view the tubes and pelvic structures;
- Make a cut in the abdominal region to insert the instruments to perform the tubal ligation;
- Perform the tubal ligation technique by cutting the tubes and then tying their ends, placing a titanium ring or clips on the tubes, cauterizing the fallopian tubes or removing the tubes;
- Remove the instruments used and close the abdominal cuts.
Tubal ligation aims to prevent contact between the egg and sperm, which occurs in the tubes, thus preventing fertilization and pregnancy.
Advantages and disadvantages of tubal ligation
Tubal ligation has some advantages and disadvantages, the main ones being:
Is it possible to get pregnant after tubal ligation?
Tubal ligation has an effectiveness of around 99%, that is, for every 100 women who undergo the procedure, 1 becomes pregnant, which may be related to the type of tubal ligation performed, being mainly related to tubal ligation that involves the placement of rings or clips on the horn.
What is recovery like?
After tubal ligation, it is important that the woman takes some precautions to avoid complications and, to this end, it is recommended to avoid having intimate contact, carrying out heavy tasks, such as cleaning the house, or practicing physical activity, for example.
Furthermore, during the recovery period, it is important that the woman rests and eats a healthy diet that helps with healing, as well as taking light walks, as advised by the doctor, to promote blood circulation and promote faster recovery. quickly.
However, if there is any abnormal bleeding or excessive pain, it is important to notify the gynecologist so that an evaluation can be carried out and treatment can be started, if necessary.
How long after tubal ligation can you have sex
The time to have sexual intercourse after tubal ligation is at least 1 to 2 weeks, as long as the woman feels comfortable having intimate contact.
However, this time may vary from woman to woman and also depending on the type of surgery performed. In the case of tubal ligation after childbirth, the minimum time normally recommended is 4 weeks.
It is important to make a follow-up appointment after surgery to assess your health status and be cleared for sexual intercourse.
Tubal ligation surgery prevents unwanted pregnancy, however, it does not prevent sexually transmitted infections, and it is important to use a condom in all sexual relations. Check out the main STIs.
Possible complications
Tubal ligation is considered a safe procedure, however, like other surgeries, it can have risks, such as bleeding, infection or injuries to other internal organs, for example.
