Get Tubes Tied or Not???

Updated on July 22, 2008
K.B. asks from Lake Charles, LA
28 answers

I am going to have my 4th child (and 4th C-Section) late this year. I have heard differing stories from people about getting tubes tied. I'm not sure I want to do it, but I definitely can't have another C-section, as I was advised not to have another after my 3rd child! It seems most of the ladies I know who have had it done later wind up having a hysterectomy, I really want to avoid any more surgeries. Any advice?

Let me add to this: I'm sorry, I didn't mention that my husband DID have a vasectomy (last year) and he DID go back and get the all clear. Apparently they missed something!! My doctor mentions (NOW!), didn't they check him more than once? No, only once, but I guess he should have gone back a few more times. We are not disappointed about the new baby, just VERY surprised!

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So What Happened?

Thank you all for all the responses!!! I am going back to the doctor next week, and I will definitely have some things to discuss with her! Since I am nearing 40, I wasn't sure whether any type of birth control would be an option for much longer. Thanks again for all the help!

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R.D.

answers from Texarkana on

I had my tubes tied after my 3rd child and like you I had 2 c-sections. My only complaint is that I flood like a river and the first few months I had severe cramps with my cycle. Normally I can't leave the house when it is that time of the month unless it is just a must....Other than that I've not had any problems.... Ros

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L.K.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Hi K.

I had two C-section births and had my tubes tied right after the second child was born while we were in the operating room. That was 19 years ago and I have had no problems. I am 44 and have not had a hysterectomy or any other problems for that matter.

Enjoy the new baby!

L.

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P.W.

answers from Fort Smith on

I had my tubes tied when I had my son - he was my first and only but I was 37 when I had him and felt that I was too old to have another.

I haven't had any problems since having my tubes tied and haven't had to have a hysterectomy. I don't think there is any connection between the two.

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S.H.

answers from Mobile on

congrats on your new blessings.well my story is after three boys and three c sections ,i had a tubal a little unsure the whole pregancy i went ahead and had them tied.now i regertful and depressed because i really wanted a daughter,but seeing as you have your family complete i say go for it just remember it 99% effective there always a very slim chance and it hard to go back reversal are expenise .good luck too u and the new little one

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N.M.

answers from Texarkana on

by the way what is WAHM ? I would get your husband checked again and then its up to you but I wouldn't take any chances cause if you become that way again you are in trouble there is only one way out ask you doctor about your tubes tied causing you to have a hysterectomy good luck

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B.S.

answers from Shreveport on

K.,
GET THE TUBAL! I had mine in Jan after my second c-section. I don't have problems with depression and my periods are normal. The other advice is a bunch of hooey. Take care of your health so that you will be around for the four children that you have. Vasectomies aren't 100% as you know. My uncle had one and a 3rd child after that (suprise!). Obviously you know that they are not 100%. Getting a tubal during your c-section won't cause any increased pain and you may feel better with less worry about pregnancy. Best of luck and let me know what you decide!
B.

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A.M.

answers from Little Rock on

I had my tubes tied after my 4th c-section. At this point the danger of uterine eruption with a 5th pregnancy and c-section, and also my absolute desire NOT to have ANY MORE KIDS made the decision for me. I have not had any problems except that my periods are heavier, but my mom tells me that happens when you get older (ugh:) anyway, so I don't know of the true correlation. I can tell you this, though: For the first time since I was 17 I can't tell you when my period is due because I am not constantly worried about being "knocked up again". It is very freeing. Good luck.

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E.R.

answers from New Orleans on

I had my tubes tied after my third (surprise) child last year. I also had a c-section so the tubal was almost nothing - an extra 5 minutes in surgery. I opted for the tubal a week before my section when my husband's vasectomy was found to have failed! yikes! I haven't had any problems with it - no extra pain or anything. I have had heavier periods since they returned 4 months after the baby. I mean REALLY heavy now and they last a bit longer. This seems to be easing a bit now (baby is nearly 9 months old) so I am hoping that it's not a permanent problem and that it will continue to ease back into my old pattern. I have heard of women who have heavier and/or more painful periods after tubal ligation, but as a medical professional I can't quite understand why that would be true...My guess is that it really is more an age and pregnancy related change. Even with the periods, I would do it again. Especially during the c-section - easy as can be. Sounds like you wouldn't be a candidate for laproscopic surgery anyway since you've had several c-sections already.

We really can't imagine our family WITHOUT our little bonus baby, so congratulations!

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C.M.

answers from Fort Smith on

Hello K.!
Congrats regarding #4. My husband and I got pregnant after his vasectomy. He had 4 children with is first wife, had a vasectomy 21 years ago. All of his children, of course, are grown. Last fall we found I was pregnant. The vasectomy was a shocker to us, too. We did not intend on having children together. Oh well, little baby Jackson was born healthy 2 weeks ago today. What a sweetie pie.

As for the tubal? First of all, I didn't see the point in having my husband's "area" messed with any further. I wouldn't want that again if it were me. I spoke with my dr about the tubal and she said that some women think periods get worse with tubals, but she says that typically speaking after a tubal your periods go back to "normal" flow periods. If you were on birth control pills for years you might think the tubal caused worse periods, when in truth your "real" periods were heavier and more painful anyhow. She also explained that the tubal has a 1 in 400 chance failure rate, just as the vasectomy. Furthermore, the mirena IUD is an new IUD that is out and has had RAVE reviews. She highly recommended it. It's not your "mother's IUD." It is good for 5 years, it has the same failure rate (1 in 400) as a tubal and/or a vasectomey. They say it is comfortable and does not get dislodged.

I'm going to go for the mirena IUD.

Good luck with your decision.

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C.D.

answers from Lafayette on

I had my tubes tied in 1981 after having a miscarriage. I have 3 children. For me, it seemed like I had more cramping during my period after the tubes were tied. I did have to have a hysterectomy in 2002 due to ureterine cancer. Over the time I had developed heavy bleeding. I personally feel that I had more period problems after the surgery. If you have other options I would consider them first.

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C.S.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Talk to your doctor about having your uterus removed (& maybe even your bladder 'hitched up' while they're in there) right after the baby is delivered. Having your tubes tied may not be enough, as in your husband's case. Congrats & Good Luck,

C.

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A.H.

answers from Biloxi on

Hi K.,

I had a tubal ligation after my third child. When I woke up, there was a band-aid across my belly button! That was it! Just a tiny incision. A tubal ligation is where the doctor cuts the tubes, burns the ends and ties them in a knot. I had absolutely no pain afterwards. That was over 25 years ago, I am 55, and never had any side affects. It's a very simple and routine proceedure. I wouldn't blame the hysterectomy on the tubal--it was most likely from some other ailment. There is nothing to be afraid of. Quit listening to all the horror stories! What happened to them may not be the case for you. Everyone is different. It makes it easier if you have it done at the same time as the baby's birth. And the best advantage is that you don't have the worry of getting pregnant again! Talk to your doctor about it.
Good luck, dear.

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J.S.

answers from Enid on

i had my tubes tied (actually, the doctor removed a portion of them and burned the ends :-) after my 3rd baby was born (surprise :-) last november. i have not had 1 problem! it was my 2nd c section, and based on my 1st, probably added 2 days to my recovery. there was a different 'uncomfortable' place right under my belly button that hurt for a few days. my ob told me that your period naturally increases in flow and your body changes as you get older and have multiple pregnancies. people often say it was their tubal that caused the problems when it was actually other factors. i don't think there is any other way to go, if you are like me, my husband and i can just look at each other and get pregnant so i had to do something drastic and permanent to ensure we were finished. good luck with your decision! it just goes to show, when God has a plan, nothing, not even a vastectomy, can stand in His way!! all my best.....

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J.H.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I had both my girls that way, ex hub got a vas. before we met, but didnt tell me that he never went in for a check up - oops. Then he had the nerve to accuse me of cheating - the marriage went downhill from there.
As for a tubal, I decided two a was enough, and had one 8 yrs ago. The only comps I faced was having to stop breastfeeding at 2 months (wasnt at all happy about that) because the anesthesia knocked out the baby 24 hours later. By the time it was safe to breastfeed, I couldnt produce. I couldnt have a letdown unless she was feeding, so I couldnt keep up production and clean out the drugs. Docs need to be more aware of that.
I'm scheduled for a hysterectomy now but only because of my breast cancer and nothing to do with the tubal, I dont know why there would be a link between the two, and its more than likely just a coincidence. :}

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S.M.

answers from Monroe on

K.,
I was faces with this same decision when I was pregnant with my second. I did a lot of research and asked around a lot. I came to the conclusion NOT to have it done. Fortunatlly, my husbands was not opposed to the idea of having a vasectomy. In some of the research I did I read that women suffered from depression after having it done due to hormonal imballances. I discussed it with my OB and he debunked the idea, but still, I was concerned. I didn't want to risk it. So, my husband and I decided against the tubal and he is going to have a vasectomy. If your husband is willing to have it done, I would strongly urge him to have the surgery - not you. It's MUCH less invasive and now they have a no-knife procedure. It is all done with lasers - don't ask me how? I would do your research and discuss it with your husband AND your doctor. And look into the new procedure on vasectomy and tell your husband about it, he may be OK with it. Hope I have helped and congratulations on the new baby!!

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V.L.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I got my tubes tied after my third child was born. I have normal periods. I did not get depressed. Its a choice that you are going to have to make for yourself and don't do it for any other person.
I knew when I got pregnant with my third child, I was done. I couldn't handle another pregnancy and another preemie. All three of my children were born 5-6 weeks early. But they are all doing good.. Anyways, the day my daughter was born my father in law was calling my husband to tell me not to forget to talk to the doctor about getting my tubes tied. He thought that he put it all in my head and was feeling good about it. I finally had to tell him, I didn't do this for you, I did it for myself.
My husband is also getting vasectomy. I guess went to to be double sure. lol.
Good Luck!

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M.E.

answers from Jackson on

My husband had the vasectomy a couple of years ago. I too pondered the pros and cons of having my tubes tied after the surprise of having our beautiful baby boy! I've spoke to ALOT of people and they told me that if my husband's procedure worked not to tie my tubes. Everybodies complaint was that you stay really tired and the sex drive goes away. I was afraid of that so I didn't do it. I've been really happy with my husband's procedure since the doctor gave us the its all clear!!! I would suggest that your husband go to the doctor in a few years to get check again and make sure its clear. That will put your mind at ease.

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J.P.

answers from Oklahoma City on

First of all, congrats on your little "surprise"! I had my tubes clipped 3 years ago and have had no problems. The doctor did not cut or tie them, he just put on clips. My sister-in-law had the whole thing done (cliped, cut and tied) 2 weeks after I did and she has not had any complications either. Most of the women I know who have had this done have had very little if no complications at all. If the doctors can't guarantee that your husband's procedure is good, then I would definately get your tubes clipped.
J.

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J.K.

answers from Lake Charles on

I too had my tubes tied after my 4th c-section. I haven't had any problems and it's so nice not to worry about another precgnancy/surgery. I would say do it when you have the c-section. You won't even know it's done. It took all of 5 minutes.
It's your decision but weigh the risks of another pregnancy. I always said I would never get my tubes tied but when my 4th was a total surprise after doing everything possible to prevent a pregnancy, I had to change my mind. The health risks were too great to chance. We love our little 'hurricane (Rita) baby'. He is now 2 and life wouldn't be the same without him.
Congratulations on your new addition. I know from experience, your life is never boring.

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M.R.

answers from Huntsville on

I had my tubes tied 6 years ago after my third child. I haven't had any complications from it at all. I really hadn't heard that women have to have hysterectomies. I don't personally knw anyone who has and I know several women who have had tubals.

My advice is if you are going to do it, have them do it when you have your c-section. Then you only have one recovery period. I went back and had mine when my son was three months old. It wasn't bad, but I did have a little pain and discomfort. Might as well do it all at once. I know several people who did it with the c-section and didn't suffer any extra complications or pain.

Congratulations on Baby #4! I know you will one day wonder whatever would you have done without this special one!

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C.H.

answers from Jackson on

Get an IUD. They last 5 years and then you can get another one for five more years. I have heard that cycles are horrible after getting tubes tied and there is still no guarantee that you won't get pregnant.

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A.J.

answers from Tuscaloosa on

Pray and think about your decision. I understand not wanting to have surgeries, but I think it would be wise to get your tubes tied and possibly never have any kind of surgery again, than to take a chance and end up pregnant again, especially since you've already been advised against another C-section. Each woman is different. All we can do is pray and keep the faith that we make (made) the right decision. I had my tubes tied 2 years ago (I was 34). I haven't had any problems yet. Of course 2 years is not a long time, but since we don't know the future, I'm praying everything will work out fine. Take care and God bless you and your family.

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A.M.

answers from Baton Rouge on

K., Wow sounds like the Lord had a hand in this baby coming to the world !! I have had a few friends have the Drs. tie the tubes while they are right there delivering the baby and have had no problems. I Actually am planning on doing that same thing after my next baby. I had a c-section with my first and I figured its just easier then going back to have it done. GOOD LUCK !

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J.L.

answers from Birmingham on

Hi K.,

I've also had 4 children and all 4 were C section babies. I had my tubes tied after the 4th child and there were no complications with it. I had my last son in a catholic hospital and they weren't able to tie my tubes at the time of the section. I waited and had the procedure done laproscopically, they made a tiny incision in my belly button and tied them that way. If you don't have any history of medical problems, it should go smoothly. That was 9 years ago, and I've never had a problem with it. Just wanted to let you know since we are both in the same situation. Good luck and congratulations on all 4 beautiful C section babies!

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C.S.

answers from Biloxi on

Hi K.
I have to say I recently had my tubes tied. Actually about 3 months ago, and I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!!! I was having alot of trouble on birth control pills. My doctor and I had tried many different types of pills, but none worked for me. I was having pregnant like symptoms while on them. This only began after my second child. I would want to sleep all day(I had to leave my daughters school one day to go home and sleep I was SO tired), I was always hungry,and very emotional. After several long miserable months of this we finally decided that it was the pills. Therefore, I made the decision to have my tubes tied. Yes, many of my friends warned me that they felt worse afterwards as far as menstrual cramps and heavy periods. I did however go ahead and go through the surgery. A few months later I am feeling Wonderful!!! Yes my period are heavier, but only for the first few days. I am on a normal cycle. I was every 2 weeks, now back to once a month. Yes I have cramps, but they way I look at that is they did make Midol for a reason!!!! Well I know I did go into alot of personal details but I really hope this helps you!
Good Luck!
C. Stork
www.forourkidz.fourpointmoms.com

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N.N.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Honestly, I have heard that vasectomoies are cheaper.

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S.K.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Another option is to get an IUD. It is birth control for 5 years and is very effective. Some women complain that for the first few months is causes irregular, heavy bleeding, but most of the time it just makes your period lighter and shorter. Ask your doctor about it.
Getting your tubes tied is a big step, but if you are sure you don't want anymore children, and your health could be at risk if you get pregnant again, then it may be the best thing to do. Just make sure that you are well informed and SURE that its what you want to do.
If you aren't sure, I would reccomend getting the IUD, and making the decision about getting your tubes tied in 5 years.
Best wishes to you and your new baby!

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L.F.

answers from Tulsa on

I had my tubes tied after our surprise. I love it. I did have to go back on the pill though. Middle aged acne showed up with all the hormones. I don't think that having hysterectomy is really related to having your tubes tied.

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