BIRTH CONTROL METHODS

Permanent Contraception: Tubal ligation

This is a simple surgical procedure that causes a permanent obstruction in the Fallopian tubes so that pregnancy cannot take place. It can be performed by laparoscopy. It is indicated for patients who have already had a family and desire permanent contraception. It can be performed immediately after the birth of the last child that the couple plans to have, or at any time later. Combining the procedure at the time of childbirth avoids additional hospitalisation at a later date.

Advantages

It is a relatively simple procedure.

It can be performed either with general anesthesia or with an epidural (if performed after delivery). After a few hours of observation the patient can go home, and normal activity can be resumed within a couple of days.

This is a permanent and immediate method of sterilization; no additional birth control method is required.

Very low rate of pregnancies post-tubal ligation (<0,03%)

Perfectly tolerated: no effect on natural hormone production or on menstruation.

Disadvantages

The discomfort involved in any surgical intervention.

Some post-op symptoms may arise, such as nausea, abdominal and/or neck pain, vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramps.

This is a permanent method of sterilization, and should not be used in patients who may decide to become pregnant in the future.

On very rare occasions the procedure cannot be performed.

This is a surgical procedure, and as such involves certain risks such as infection, intra-abdominal lesion, hemorrhage, thrombosis or complications caused by the anesthetic.

If conception should take place, there is a greater risk of ectopic pregnancy.

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