Birth Control - Rochester, NY

M.,

A consult with your gynocologist is my best advice. 4 yrs ago when I turned 40 I was 100% certain I did not wish to expand my family. I had been on the pill for many years and just as you voiced; I had my concerns about being over 40 and on the pill for over 10 yrs. I did much online research, even looked up videos online of the actual proceedure. Then I took a list of written questions to my OBGYN. I set up an appointment specifically for a consultation, I trust my doctor and he has my entire file at his fingertips.

I had my tubes tied, I had my own hormone issues and irregular periods, even while on the pill, the proceedure did not make things worse. My recovery took 1 full day of resting and another day of taking it easy, no real pain, no complications after. I still get my period like I used to, I just chart it, I hope that I have helped. Oh, and my insurance did pay for most of the proceedure.

Judy

I had my tubes tied, cut and burned (non reversed) almost 11 years ago. I have 3 children and I'm happy with that. I had no complications I had mine done 1 month after my daughter was born. Same day surgery too. It gives you peace of mind especially if your still able to concieve. I've had no problems, no health issues. Talk to your doctor about it and I'm sure you'll agree its a good thing to do especially if you don't want to have anymore children. Good luck!

Hi M.
I had my tubes tied when I had my C-section with the delivery of our daughter. I'm in a different situation than you in that I was almost 45 when I had her and she was our first! SURPRISE!!! after 13 years of unexplained infertility.
After I did it, I was really sad that I did just because I had no idea how in love you fall for your children.
Now that I am 46 and she is 19 months old, I realize it was the best thing to have done.
There are no ill effects from it and there are no worries about pregnancy, so if you are sure you will not want another child, go for it.

The previous post concerns me b/c you are NOT having hormone issues and tubal Ligation has NOTHING to do with your hormones at all.....it cannot and does not have any bearing on your cycle or your hormone levels!

Anyway M., unfortunately, there is no insurance coverage for the procedure, that is the down side of it.
The cost of it was deducted from my surgery cost and we had to pay out of pocket for it. But again, I had it done during another procedure....my cost was only $200 out of pocket b/c the rest of the procedure needed to be done as part of the C-section.
Your situation and type of insurance may be different than mine....and Dr's have a way of wording things to at least get you some coverage through your insurance. ;)
Good luck in your decision!
I'm not sure if I was a help, but I hope so.
P.

I know someone who had that in office procedure and said it was no big deal, look into that. Also there is the thing they can put in you that is copper and it can stay in for 5-10 years, no hormones, and some insurance covers it, also in office thing and takes 5 minutes.

M., I would not get my tubes tied, especially if you are having hormonal issues already. Tying your tubes will exacerbate your hormonal condition further. It does not sound like you are in a relationship where you are having alot of intercourse, so why not use condoms and other safer methods. If you want to normalize your hormones-which you should do, detox your body.

T. Hall Parker, Holistic Health Couselor
My Food Therapy
www.myfoodtherapy.com
P.S. See my article on sleep deprivation and hormonal imbalances: http://www.examiner.com/x-17146-Dallas-Womens-Health-Exam...

A year ago I had a permanent procedure done called Essure. It is similar to a tubal ligation, only w/o the cutting and scarring of tissue. It was an in-office procedure, I was home the same day (took about 1-2 hours tops), and I was back on my feet that very same evening. Ask your OB/Gyn about this. After a full year I am pleased, permanently sterile, and no funny hormonal effects. Look into it. I am also divorced with four lovely children.

Hi M.,

This topic has been discussed before on this forum. You might want to look up those discussions. Women do claim that they have hormonal problems after tubal ligation. Doctors say there should be no problem. After I had an ovary removed I was told the same thing, there should be no problem. Yet, I had years of hormonal problems that started with that surgery?? So, I tend to believe women when they say they have had problems even when others are dismissive. If you go ahead with it and do have hormonal problems then what do you do? The best solution I have found are natural therapies similar to what Toni is suggesting below and that can be expensive. Do your own research and make the best choice for you.

God bless,
G.