Tubal ligation. Have you ever heard of it? This method of female contraception , which is undoubtedly not the most widespread, nevertheless remains the most radical. Why ? Because it is considered irreversible.
You want to know more ? Ladies, stay with us, we'll tell you more in this article.
Tubal ligation ? Késaco
Tubal ligation, also called “ fallopian tube ligation ,” is a method of female contraception. The fallopian tubes are simply the uterine tubes . They have an essential role in reproduction , especially during the ovulation period .
To go further: the internal wall of the tubes allows sperm to pass after each sexual intercourse and in particular when fertilization has occurred . The fallopian tubes are also the “ site of fertilization ”. In fact, they also have the role of welcoming the egg from the ovary, which will follow its path to the uterus.
Tubal ligation consists of closing the uterine tubes in order to prevent fertilization. It is a contraceptive method very different from the others since it aims to prevent procreation permanently.
Which doctor to consult for a tubal ligation?
Fallopian tubes
The first specialist to consult for a tubal ligation is a gynecologist . This first interview will be an opportunity for the patient to express her wishes but also to ask all her questions. This health professional will give him all the useful and necessary information on this subject. The contraindications , details concerning the intervention as well as the possible complications that this operation may cause will also be discussed .
The gynecologist will also take the opportunity to go over the different methods of contraception with his patient. Methods of contraception which do not result in permanent sterilization will always be preferred. This is the case, for example, with the pill, the IUD, the condom (female or male), the implant, the diaphragm, etc. These are reversible methods of contraception.
In some countries, the law imposes a reflection period of a few months between the patient's request and the implementation of the intervention to ligate the tubes . In France, for example, this period is 4 months. After this, if the person still wishes to use this method, they must present their consent in writing during a second medical consultation.
Since tubal ligation is a surgical procedure , it requires hospitalization of one to three days . It is performed under general or local anesthesia . It all depends on the method chosen.
How much does a tubal ligation cost?
Please note that the price for having your tubes tied can vary between €3,000 and €5,000. It is 100% covered by Health Insurance, on medical prescription.
Do we still have our periods after a tubal ligation?
Tubal ligation has no impact on the menstrual cycle . Women who have ligated tubes continue to ovulate. So no change on that side. It also does not cause weight gain . Since tubal ligation does not change the hormonal system, it has no direct impact on libido . In short, the woman's pleasure and sexual desire are not modified by this type of intervention.
Tubal ligation: what are the risks or side effects?
The most common side effects after the operation are of course abdominal pain.
Certain symptoms require emergency consultation:
- abdominal pain of sudden onset, often lateralized;
- vaginal bleeding , especially if the last period was delayed or if it did not come;
- fatigue, dizziness .
It is still important to know that in very rare cases, sterilization can fail and therefore lead to pregnancy. However, the tubes being damaged after the operation, this causes an ectopic pregnancy . If your period is late, it is therefore important to consult a doctor.
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection . Complications during the operation remain very rare, but women ready to have their tubes ligated should keep in mind that zero risk does not exist.
The psychological consequences of tubal ligation
Due to its irreversible nature, tubal ligation can still pose an ethical problem . This is why gynecologists generally remain very cautious about advising tubal ligation to their patients.
Especially since we are currently living in a time where changes in life and particularly in the lives of couples are very frequent. The rate of divorce and separations is considerable. People remarry at older ages. It is therefore difficult for women to know how their projects or their desires can evolve in the long term.
In addition, patients experience the post-operative period differently .
Some people experience relief from no longer worrying about getting pregnant. For others, the aftermath can be much more difficult. This definitive change which affects them deep within their bodies is sometimes much more disturbing than they had imagined. This sometimes results in irritability or even a depressive syndrome which can lead to a drop in libido.
Tubal ligation itself therefore has no direct impact on weight gain or loss of libido. However, general discomfort as a result of this can still lead to a drop in morale and therefore sexual desire.