Options...Tubal Ligation, Vasectomy, ???

One thing to consider is possible weight gain after the tubal. My genetics and disposition is that we are overweight anyway. But someone else told me about the weight gain and it is true for me. I did my tubal post delivery and I didn't have a c-section. It was harsh cause I didn't have any complications and then I had the tubal done and I was in pain and limited for a while. The convenience is great, but to tell you the truth if I had to do it over, I would have had my husband do it. Just my opinion.

Hi J.,
I had a tubal, and it was the best thing I could have done. The recovery was very short. I have not had any complications at all and can participate in all physical activities as if nothing happened. I am sorry to hear of women who have had difficulties because I had none at all.
My OB/GYN is Richard Wallner at Charlton Methodist.
Leanne

My husband got the vasectomy about 13 yrs ago. We knew our family was complete with 1 child.

It was a quick and eas process at the Dr. office and all we paid was a small co-pay. The recovery is easy IF YOU FOLLOW Dr. orders. My hubby was too impatient to keep his bag of ice and stay still and he paid a hefty price of pain for that later. It also took about 6 months for the tests to finally come back "clean".

Even tho he had the procedure, I still stayed on the pill until my hysterectomy in 2001. I felt better being "double protected".

I know some people do have emotional ties to their reproductive organs. I never felt freer and better after my surgery and it is great to never fear getting pregnant.

It is a personal choice for you and hubby....best wishes to you.

I was not aware of a lot of side effects steming from a TL. When I had my second child my husband and I decided to stop there also. My doctor asked me to wait 4 months later to perform a new birth control method, which was called Elective Tubaligation, where they make two incisions, one right under your naval, and one in the bikini cut area. Both no bigger than 1/2 inch wide. I gave it a try and 33 (thirty-three) years later, I still have not experienced any side effects, and I mean not one side effect and I can't find where the 2 stitches were. Of course, I know there are side effects in almost everything surgical, but if it was anything major, looks like by now they would have perfected it. Everyone is different, this worked for me. I am now 55yrs old and just had menopause one year ago with no complications. No advice, just FYI. Congrats on your little baby boy!

Oh, and I just read where one responder said it's not 100%...I'm not talking about just tieing tubes. Elective tubiligation is more indebt. They cut both falopian tubes and tie each end and burn it so there is no way an egg can pass through to be fertilized. The eggs just dissolve every month.

Good luck on whatever you choose. Just remember, find what you think is right for you.

I had tubal ligation 17 years ago while delivering my daughter by c-section. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Recovery was no different than my 1st c-section I'd had 7 years prior except for slight soreness along my sides (Dr. said it was from the stretching of the ligaments that attach uterus to abdominal walls while doing tubal ligation) My periods came every 27-29 days before and after the procedure. I never noticed any difference in my periods until around age 38 (I'm 43 now) and my doctor says it is due to declining estrogen because of my age. I won't lie, it was a hard decision even though I knew in my mind that I didn't want any more children my heart was torn, but looking back I'm glad I didn't have to endure the burden or cost of birth control. Insurance covered all but a very small amount as I was already having surgery.

My mom had her tubes tied after she had my brother. She planned it out perfect. One girl, four years later, one boy. She was done. Nine years later, I was 13 and she found out she was pregnant with my little sister. So after I had my third child, my husband decided to get a vasectomy. He was done with children, and we do not want to have the same thing happen. It happened to my aunt and my mom. So just way your options. I vote vacectomy.

I think since you will already be having surgery than you should go ahead with the tubal. The recovery will be no different than the c-section recovery. Not sure on the cost though. Congrats on your new blessing. :)

If cost is an issue and they'll already have you open with the c-section, then the tubal is the way to go for you.

Most insurances do not/will not cover sterilization I'm finding and if they do, the coverage is minimal at best. if you're already having a c-section, that will cut down on the out of pocket expenses of going back to either have a tubal later or a vesectomy.

My insurance would not cover the tubal in any capacity so it wasn't an option when I had my son.

Also, a vasectomy is an outpatient procedure that has a short recovery period (like 4 days) where if you go back for a tubal, it's another 6 weeks.

Good luck to you.

J.,

I did the tubal four years ago immediately following my c-section with the birth of my twin boys. Personally, I didn't see any reason for my husband to have to go through it when I was already going to be recovering from the birth. It worked out beautifully, I didn't even know I had had the tubal because the pain from the c-section incision masked it. Best wishes on your choice.

we chose vasectomy. It was quicker, easier, cheaper (just a specialist co-pay) and a much better recovery on him than me. I know you're considering doing it after you give birth, so maybe the recovery would be the same regardless (since you're already recovering from a C section).

vasectomy made the most sense to us.

I had an unplanned c/s with my 3rd child - my husband was already scheduled for a vasectomy - but since I was going to be having surgery anyway - I opted for the tubal. It didn't add any time to my recovery. I didn't think it made sense for me to be recovering and him to have a procedure too... and the likelihood of getting pregnant after a tubal is REALLY low - but,yes, there are always failures.

There is a phenomenon that some people don't believe in and some do - called "post tubal ligation syndrome" - it can cause excessively heavy periods (but so can your age and hormonal imbalances) - I did experience horrible periods after my c/s and tubal and went on to have an endometrial albation 6 years later...no more periods now.

You need to consider either the tubal or the vasectomy PERMENANT - if you have any thoughts of reversing either - don't do it!!

We did the vasectomy but I also wish that I would have done the tubal after my c-section to double protect. I'm all for the guy doing it since it's an easier process but since you will already be haveing a c-section then I think you should.

We also chose vasectomy. It can be done in a doctors office while awake and honestly......I went through the pregnancies. We both felt it was his turn. The recuperation was short and simple. A bag of ice with the feet up. My husband would tell you the physical part was "no big deal," but that there is a psychological thing. Realizing how final it is. But he will also tell you that would be the issue for a woman too.

If I were in your situation, I would go for the Tubal. Why? 1. You will already be under anesthesia 2. Your Dr. won't charge as much since he's already in there 3. No follow up appointments to make sure "it took". 4. I don't know of any "side effects" There might have been times that someone has still gotten pregnant or had a tubal pregnancy, but it has been done for years and years and is a relatively safe and effective form of birth control. Also the biggest reason to have it done at delivery - you won't have to listen to your husband whine after the procedure when his jewels are hurting. LOL. Sorry, I had to add a little humor. Good Luck & Congrats.

I had my second son in April of this year. We knew our family would be complete as well after this baby. Because of complications at the time of the birth of my oldest son 6 yrs ago, I opted for a voluntary c-section this time around. I also opted for a tubal ligation at the same time. My recovery time was extremely short, I was only "down" the first 2 days I was in the hospital and was up moving around just fine before I left and once I went home. My recovery was great. It has been 7 months and I have had no adverse effects from the c-section or the tubal ligation. My period came back at around 4 months and is normal and pretty regular. Best decision I ever made having the tubal, that is what worked for us (that also because my hubby is a bit squeamish). Research your options and talk to your doctor to figure out what is best for you! Congrats on the baby and best of luck on your decision.

i too have had a tubal ...i have 3 kids 10,8, and now a 7 month old...my 7 month old was a c-section so i opted to go ahead and do the tubal while i was already "opened up"..i have had no issues with it and my periods are regular...my husband was also considering a vasectomy..however there is no need now but we may still do it just to make double sure of no more babies...good luck to you!