Tubal Ligation = Good For Me/Us

by Lucky Red Hen on March 19, 2011

Tubal ligation (TL), sterilization, tubes tied, permanent birth control, fixed, spayed. Whatever you want to call it, it’s 99% effective in preventing pregnancy the first year. Subsequent years reduces the effectiveness slightly because there is a rare chance, depending on the procedure, the fallopian tube(s) can reform and/or reconnect, allowing the possibility of fertilization.

I know someone who got pregnant after her husband got a vasectomy… TWICE

…two vasectomies, two pregnancies (she had a TL done after the second surprise baby).

TL is also intended to be permanent, but surgical reversal of the procedure is possible (I also know someone who’s done this and was able to have another baby; not the same lady as mentioned above). The fallopian tubes can be cauterized, clipped (like a Chip Clip), blocked by tubal rings, or cut and sutured out of the way. My version was to cauterize closest to the uterus and toss as much of the tubes in the garbage so there is NO CHANCE of them growing back together. [shiver]

I had my TL 20 minutes after the birth of my second child. I already had an epidural for the birth, making anesthesia easy, and they went in through my belly button, just in case I didn’t want visible scars to ruin my chances of becoming a swimsuit model or table dancer (bahahaha). Recovery was a breeze (didn’t notice since all my guts were healing from the birth). The cost was much less because I was already at the hospital with an epidural so I was just, basically, paying for the doctor to do the surgery.

The anesthesiologist (dude, I just spelled that right the first time without spell check!) asked if I wanted to stay awake for the procedure or go under. Um, I just had a baby and don’t know when I’ll get deep sleep again so I chose go under :)

“Why didn’t you have your husband get a vasectomy instead? It’s much less invasive (30 minute out-patient), cheaper ($500 vs. 2k+), and quicker recovery.”

Because I am the one that doesn’t want to ever be pregnant again. More kids could be possible, but not out of my body. We would be parents to our nieces and nephew (if their parents die at the same time), we could adopt, or steal (depends how cute they are, j/k). If (knock on wood) I expire before my hubby, he could have more kidlets with his new wife if she wanted to. But if it were the other way around, sorry new hubby, baby factory CLOSED.

The benefits of having a TL done:

  • no pregnancies (or bladder control issues due to them)
  • no condoms (only 97% effective, as Ross/Joey found out)
  • no birth control pills (remembering/forgetting to take them)
  • no Depo Provera shots
  • no diaphragm
  • no cervical cap
  • no patches
  • no implants
  • no sponges
  • no prep (where’d we put the contraceptive?)
  • no worry (am I or am I not?)
  • no rhythm method (math is hard)
  • oh, and no abstinence (plus you can do it anywhere, anytime)

Some numbers…

Apparently there are many women (up to 26%) who wish they hadn’t gotten a TL. At Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, they receive requests for information about TL reversal 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from women who regret having a TL. The U.S. Collaborative Review of Sterilization found that 20% of women who were sterilized before the age of 30 regretted their decision. Regret has been shown to correlate with external pressure by the doctor, spouse, relatives, or others :( Fewer than 20 percent seek reversal and fewer than 10 percent go through with it.

My REASONS for not wanting more babies:

  • I’m too old for this (doesn’t mean you’re too old for it).
  • When my kidlets move out, I want to do other things.
  • Kids are HARD. Maybe not for you, but for me they are.
  • My patience level is about (pinches fingers) this big.
  • Sleepless nights, feeding, diapers, potty training, crying…
  • My back doesn’t do well with little ones; I’m kinda broken.
  • Guilt with all aspects of properly/improperly parenting.
  • Selflessness… I barely have enough for my existing children.
  • My paranoia over EVERY STEP they take causes great anxiety.
  • I’d be in the high risk pregnancy age group next time around.

Kristi (@TweetingMama) says she regrets her decision to undergo a TL following the birth of her daughter two years ago. Read about her experience at Our Mommyhood. You could’ve read my clever reply in the comments section of that post, if the power hadn’t gone out mid-typing (grumble).

{ 8 comments }

Mom March 19, 2011 at 10:06 pm

Totally delightful rendition of the facts.

Alice Gold March 19, 2011 at 11:57 pm

I would never judge anything that you do as childbearing is so personal. I think I am at my limit at 4, but just so your readers know the LDS church strongly discourages any form of permanent birth control like vasectomy or Tubal Ligation.

Caleb March 20, 2011 at 2:26 am

Really Alice? I’ve been a member since birth and in 35 years have never heard of such strong discouragement.
One’s decision on child bearing,, like you said, is very personal, and kinda your own bizness.

Mrs Organic March 20, 2011 at 3:37 am

Oh garbage. My comment just got eated. Blerg.

Anyway, I got yer back. Er, tubes.

Kalli March 20, 2011 at 4:13 am

My dad got the v snip almost 30 years ago after I, his 8th and final child, was born. He has never regretted it, not once. When you know without a doubt you’re done, then by all means people. Get it done! If you have any doubts at all, then don’t. The church also discourages cremation but sign me up for that! No dirt nap for me! Also, swearing, but I do that too. I suppose my quest for the celestial kingdom is sort of fruitless now…

La Yen March 20, 2011 at 2:33 pm

Alice, I am interested to see the reference from that statement–where did you find that? (And I have many family members who have reversed both Vs and TLs, so I know that they can be FAR from permanent!)

Sarah L. March 21, 2011 at 7:45 am

I am not looking forward to making that decision once we decide we’re done. I’m hoping after the birth of our last child, menopause won’t be terribly far away. Maybe when we’re officially done it will be easier, but I’m dreading it.

Elena March 22, 2011 at 3:21 pm

Have you looked at side effects of tubal ligation? If not, let me know and I can point you to the right sources. The side effects can be worse than those of birth control. I have seen too many women suffer after they had the procedure done, and know those who want it reversed or had it reversed and feel human again.

Oh, and you are so sweet! Thanks for adding my button to your site!

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