Tubal ligation is surgery to close a woman's fallopian tubes, the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. The procedure is commonly known as "tying the tubes."

Normally, a woman's fallopian tubes moves eggs from the ovary to the uterus about once a month. If a man's sperm meets up with an egg, pregnancy can result. If the tubes are closed, or "tied," sperm cannot fertilize an egg, and pregnancy will not occur.

Tubal ligation makes a woman permanently sterile (unable to get pregnant).

Tubal ligation is done in the hospital or outpatient clinic while you are under anesthesia. The surgeon will make one or two small cuts in your belly area, usually around the belly button. A laparoscope, a narrow tube with a camera on the end, is inserted into the pelvic area. Instruments to tie the tubes are sent thru the laparoscope. The tubes are either burned shut (cauterized) or shut off with a small clip.

The wounds are closed, and you are usually able to return home after a few hours.

Tubal ligation can also be done immediately after vaginal childbirth through a small cut near the belly button, or during a cesarean section.

Tubal ligation may be recommended for adult women who are certain that they do not want to get pregnant in the future. 

While sterilization is very popular, some women who choose to have the procedure regret their decision later. The younger the woman, the more likely it is that she will regret having her tubes tied.

Tubal ligation is considered a permanent form of birth control. It is NOT recommended as a temporary or reversible procedure. However, the operation can sometimes be reversed if a woman later chooses to become pregnant. But, this requires a major surgical procedure. About 50 - 80% of women who have tubal ligation reversed eventually become pregnant.

Risks for tubal ligation include:

• Incomplete closure of the tubes, which could result in woman getting pregnant in the future -- approximately 1 out of 200 women who have had tubal ligation get pregnant later
• Increased risk of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy if pregnancy occurs after a tubal ligation
• Injury to nearby organs or structures caused by surgical instruments

Risks due to anesthesia include:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

Risks of any surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Most women recover with no problems. There are no tests required to check for sterility (to make sure the procedure will prevent pregnancy in the future).

Most women are told to avoid strenuous exercise for several days. Pain medicine usually helps relieve discomfort. Most women are able to return to work within a few days. You may have sexual intercourse as soon as you feel ready, usually within a week.