Types of Tubal Sterilization

• Minilaparotomy- A small incision is made in the abdomen and the fallopian tubes are cut or stapled. This procedure is done mostly after a few hours of a vaginal deliver. However, some women might become pregnant within ten years (8 out of 1,000 women). It can be performed under general or regional anethesia
• Laparoscopy- A small scope is placed inside the navel and the fallopian tubes are burned or cut. Depending on how the tubes are closed there is a chance that the woman can become pregnant in ten years(18-37 out of 1000 women). It can only be performed under general anesthesia
• Hysterocopic- A hysterscope is inserted into the vagina though the cervix and uterus to get to the fallopian tubes. This causes scar tissue about 3 months to form and close fallopian tubes. The success of this procedure is tested with a hysterosalpingography. The chances of a woman becoming pregnant is 1 in 1,000 women within 5 years. You can perform this procedure under local anesthesia 6 months after childbirth in the doctors office.

Procedure

During the procedure, a laparoscope will be inserted through a small incision near the navel. There will be another incision near the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are closed or blocked. Then the laparoscope is withdrawn, and the incisions are closed with stitches or tape. This can be done under general anesthesia. Risks are generally low, but may include bleeding from the incisions and infections. Pregnancy after sterilization is rare, but if pregnancy after sterilization does occur, the risk of ectopic pregnancy is high.

Laparoscopy generally has a quicker recovery time and fewer complications than other procedures. It is usually performed as outpatient surgery, so you can go home that day. It is effective immediately, so you don’t have to use alternate birth control. Laparoscopy does require a skilled surgeon and specialized equipment. There is potential for injury to the bowel, bladder, or a major blood vessel. It is more invasive than some procedures, and one must consider the risks of the general anesthesia used.

After the procedure you will need someone to drive you home. You may experience dizziness, nausea, shoulder pain, abdominal cramps, feeling gassy or bloated, or a sore throat from the breathing tube during anesthesia. Most women are able to return to their normal routine within one week of the procedure.

Steriliation Decision

This is a permanent procedure so it is a major decision in picking the best procedure. If you choose sterilization and you want to change your mind, then sometimes the reversal doesn’t work. So, make sure you are sure this is what you want to due. There are long-acting birth control methods such as intrauterine devices and birth control implants.