Seeking Good Advice on Getting Tubes Tied!

Hey A.,
I am 27, mom of 2 as well (2 1/2 year old and 2 months), not sure I want anymore either. I didn't want something so permanent (I think I am still young :) ) so I have decided to get an IUD, it's good for 10 years and that way, if I change my mind, I can get it taken out. I saw no one answered about cost, so I will tell you what I found out. I called my insurance, and mine pays for it (product and procedure). Then I called Paraguard, and they said you can't bill insurance until you pay in full for the product. It's around $500 (for Paraguard, don't know about Mirena. Paraguard is hormone free, Mirena is not). You can pay the full amount up front or be billed $41 per month for a year. As for the procedure, I don't have to pay out of pocket. The first place to start is to call Medicaid and go from there. My husband said it best, they should pay for it, it costs them a lot less than having another child :) Good luck with whatever you decide!

if you think that in the future you might want more kids, don't do it. instead get the mirena or something like that. it is removable and doesn't harm your reproductivity. it is much less expensive too.

hon medicade does not pay for a tubligation, they will consider it if it would ba a life and death situation for you
if you should get pregnant again. i have a niece that is a high risk and they still wont tie her tubes. the only thing
they will pay for is birth control for her. she has been getting the shots and doing good, they also have the advanced
insert now. i just read some of the other responses, and decided to add to my response. i dont know if the other ladies are aware of it or not but tubes being tied can be reversed, talk to your dr. about all the different options.
good luck GMAJ J.

Personal opinion only... nothing 'professional' here:
I think you are WAY too young to make a potentially life-altering decision. You are only 21, and that is the age before most of us even become moms for the first time much less for the last time. I KNOW there is a ton of stress involved in having 2 little ones (I have 2 boys, 2 years apart). I am thinking a lot of your feeling about having the tubal is based on sheer (and understandable!) exhaustion. Unless you have had some serious medical complications in the past, it seems to me (again, just a personal feeling) that this is a decision you may have to live with for the rest of your life. What if, in 2, 4, or 10 years you decide to have another child. You are only 31 even in 10 years. TONS of women have babies well into their 30s when they are more financially stable, more emotionally ready, and when that biological clock says it's time.
There are so many other birth control options right now that are temporary and will prevent any unwanted or unneeded births for as many years as you need. Having your tubes tied is PERMANENT unless you can afford expensive and often unsuccessful surgery in the future.
It is, of course, absolutely your decision and your body. I just would hate to think that you could be making a decision while you are still so young and would have to live with potential 'consequences' for the rest of your life.
FYI- I had my tubes tied after 2 babies at age 27. I had serious complications with both children and it was recommended by my doctors, but I also 'knew' at that point that 2 was all I wanted and all I could afford/handle, etc. I have no regrets about the decision at this point (this was 4 years ago... I am 31 now) and hope I never do. *Fortunately* for me, my mind and heart know that another pregnancy was not a good idea.
I wish you and your 2 beautiful children well. I imagine you are a wonderful mom who only wants what is best for your family... no matter how big or small it ends up!
Best of luck.

You are WAY too young. Get a IUD instead.

If your husband has insurance, it is way less expensive for him to get a vasectamy. It only cost my husband a $15.00 co-pay. I'd check into it. My husband was in little to no pain. We even went out to a movie the next evening together. Good luck!

I would consider getting an IUD for awhile and then go from there. I am a young mom as well. I too, THINK I'm done. I'm content with the two beautiful children I have... 1 boy, 1 girl, BUT still not ready for something as permanent as getting my tubes tide. I had the Mirena put in about 5 months ago and it's been great! It was a simple, easy 5 minute process at the OBGYN and that's it. I don't have to do anything or think about it. It's good for 5 years and is effective immediately, unlike a pill. I would suggest getting an IUD for 5 years and see how you feel at the end of the five years. We are so young and life has a tendency to throw us curve balls and unexpected changes in life. You never know what's going to lie ahead for you. Take your time and be patient. What's the rush in getting them tied RIGHT AWAY? No need. Good Luck.

Hi A.,

I had my tubes tied after my third child (I had two girls, then a boy) I was 26 yrs old at the time. I knew for sure that I didn't want to have any other children.
You should realize the finalization of getting you tubes tied, be absolutely sure about not wanting any other children.
I have not regretted having mine done. I did get divorced (4 yrs later) and re-married but my hubby already had a son, so we have raised 2-girls and 2-boys. So I did have another child, just did not give birth to him!
But what you should consider is that sometimes life doesn't go exactly as planned, and things change. You truly have to be absolutely sure about you decision.
I am not sure about medicaid paying, I have private insurance so mine was covered.
Hope this helps in some way!

L.

You are so young. I would say to just use birth control. I am sure you are overwhelmed right now but you never know. In five years you may want another bundle of joy!! Use birth control!! Good luck:)

PLEASE DO NOT DO IT!!!! YOU ARE SO YOUNG TO MAKE SUCH A PERMANENT DECISION! There are so many women who want children and cannot have them without help. Why not try an IUD, it is a one time insertion and good for ten years and is hormone free! Insurance pays for birth control and is cheaper than the IUD. You are so blessed to have two beautiful children but you do not know what your future holds. You may change your mind when your little ones are older and want to add more miracles. Please think about such a permanent and long term decision.
God Bless you and your beautiful family.
Sincerely,
A.

If there is even the slightest thought that you may want more children later on, try a long term birth control like Implanon or Mirena (both last 5 years and are removable if you change your mind). Tubals are not 100% reliable first of all, and secondly they are permanent. I am having my tubes tied next week and am absolutely certain I NEVER want more chidren. But I have heard from several people that were on the fence that they had regrets about not being 200% certain first. Particularly because of your age, I'm not even sure that you could find an OB/Gyn that would do the surgery, I am 32 and have 3 kids and all of my doctors have tried their best to talk me out of it, just to make sure that I am certain. At 21 you are far too young to make a permanent decision like that. You may be in a different relationship in a five or ten years and want to share children with that person, etc. Birth control has come a very long way I really recommend looking into the Mirena and Implanon - Mirena is intra-uterine and Implanon is an implant in the arm. Again, both are reversable and neither require any thought (meaning, you don't have to remember to take them like the pill), last five years and although anything has potential side effects, both seem to be very good and I know many young women with both who have had only minor side-effects that subsided. With the Mirena I was warned about acne and with the Implanon I know it caused some irregular periods for the first several months.

I have no experience in getting tubes tied, but I do have experience in being 21. I'm not trying to patronize you, please don't take that way. But please, please don't tie your tubes now. I am 34 years old now, and I am a completely different person than I was at 21. All of my friends feel the same way. Even though you don't want more children now, you might change your mind 5 or even 10 years down the road. Life experience teaches you a lot of things, and it might just teach you that you that your family would be more complete with 3 or even 4 or 5 children. You just can't look that far forward at 21. Good luck with whatever decision you make.

A.,
I know at this time you are tired and feeling overwhelmed. I think you should consider some other type of birth control until things settle down somewhat. The best thing to do is not make a decision while you are in the throws of raising a 2 & 3 year old. Give yourself time, get the birth control implant, take birth control pills or what ever works best for you at this point. You are very young to make a permanent decision at this point, and trust me you never know how you are going to feel 10 years from now. Please, please take your time with this decision.
D.

I think the advice Tara O gave was exactly right. You might definately change your mind in a few (or even 15!) years. Check the archives on this site because there was a request recentley about a tube reversal. I believe they said there was no guarantee,AND it was $5000. at the cheapest. Check the IUD, but I think you shouldn't take away your options for later in life.
Good Luck,
J.

While getting your tubes tied is a procedure that can be reversed, there is still problems trying to conceive afterwards. Have you looked into getting an IUD? I have one that is good for 5 years...in case we decide to have another.

Oh my goodness....all you have to do is read your own request. You actually say that you don't want anymore right now! With a 2 year old and a 3 month old...of course you don't want anymore right now. Take this advice from a 42 year old who has a 3,2, and 1 year old. If I was younger, there is no telling how many more I would have. I am a totally different person than I was when I was 21. The one advantage to getting older is you finally get a chance to understand who you are and what is really important to you. PLEASE don't tie your tubes...what if your life changes drastically, i.e.; divorce, death or something else equally powerful in terms of changing everything. Invest in some GOOD AND RELIABLE birth control and enjoy.

Don't do it...You are so young and things like the pill can be taken until your mid 30's safely. Plus, what if you, god forbid, you and your significant other split and you meet a new guy who wants kids....Hold off....You never know what your future has to hold.

Well here is my experience..
I had mine tied almost three years ago. I had decided I did not want anymore children and within hours of my daughter being born I was wheeled into surgery. She is about to turn 3 now and I am semi regretting it and semi thanking GOD that I can't have anymore. It's only bad when I am around babies. I don't really want more its that maternal thing that makes me want it. I suggest you really think about your decision as you are so young, what does your spouse think of your decision? It should be one you make together. My daughter's father and I agreed that neither of us wanted more kids and to assure ourselves that no matter what happened between us neither of us could, we both had the operation done.

Medicaid paid for my surgery. I was the income in my household back then and a single Mom working, I couldn't afford the insurance. However I lived in Michigan at the time so I am not sure what Florida allows Medicaid to cover.

A.,

all i can say is the same as everyone else, don't do it, at least not until you are older. i had a tubal ligation done almost 4 years ago after my 3rd son was born and regret it more than anything. i would really love to have the opportunity to have one more. please wait, they have so many different kinds of birth control that will prevent any accidents. at least then you have the option to have another little angel in the future.

Don't do it! You are overwhelmed at the moment and still so young. I would give your self a age to make a decision. Mine was at 35 and I was already the mom of 3 children. I decided with my husband no more kids and 2 weeks later found I out I was pregnant with #4. We are offically done now. Easier for husband to have the big V then me having tubes tied. Try birth control first.

Hi A.,
It sounds like you are still unsure if you want more- have you thought about IUD? If you ARE sure you don't want anymore, I heard it's way easier for the man to get a vasectomy than for the woman to get her tubes tied. When my husband and I are all done, that's what we are planning. Good luck!

A.,
This is a decision that while it is difficult it is one that only you can make, so PLEASE take your time before rushing into anything. I have to ask have you considered alternative birth control methods that don't carry the finality that having your tubes tied brings? I was fortunate and blessed to have a son back in Sept. 96 and due to medical reason I had to have mine tied and was told by my doctor I did not even need to think about having it reversed.I was 36 years old at the time and knew the risk involved if I got pregnant again. I have not regretted my decision and unfortunately 4 years ago I had to undergo a complete hysterectomy. I do understand they can go in and try to reverse things with no guarntee it will work and from what I understand it can be quite expensive. If you would like to talk more please feel free to write me and I will listen but I will not make this decision for you. I am curious other than not wanting other kids at this time what has led you to this decision? This will be a life altering and changing experience, so PLEASE think it through before rushing out and making a decision that someday you may come to regret. I would suggest that in the meantime make sure you use some type of birthcontrol and do not take any unneccessary chances. PLEASE think this through before making your decision.

M.

Hi A.,
My best friend is 21, and has 4 children. She just had her tubes tied a few months ago. I will say this, you have to be absolutely sure this is something you want to do. Even though he family is complete, there may come a time later on, that she might want another child. I would take the advice of the other moms, use birth control. Medicaid pays for my Depo shots every three months. There is also a new thing that the other mom's mentioned that can prevent for up to 5 years. Thats a much more cost effective alternative, and less life changing then getting your tubes tied. Good luck, and I wish your family the best!

Hi Im M. They tell you can't get your tubes tied until you 25 to make sure you don't want any more kids .... Unless you have bad health or or something like that they might tied your tubes ... Just talk to your DR . about it ....

I hope this help you :O)

From M. S

I got an IUD after I had my first child 8 years ago. Yes you do have spotting for a little while but man was it worth it. The great thing was 6 years later when I wanted another child I got pregnant immediately. Right now you don't want anymore but 5 years or so down the line you may, you don't know. I swore after my first I wouldn't have anymore, I got very sick and kids were expensive etc. I'm so glad I didn't do anything permanant because our youngest (11 mos.) is a joy.
H.

Hi, I AM A 40 YEAR OLD MOM OF 3 YEAR OLD TWIN GIRLS. YOU ARE VERY YOUNG YOU HAVE MANY YEARS TO CHANGE YOUR MIND ON HAVING MORE CHILDREN. IN MY OPION YOU SHOULD FIND SOME SORT OF BIRTH CONTRAL TO AVIOD ANY UN WANTED PREGANCY, BUT TYING YOUR TUBES IS PRETTY PERMANT(ALL THOUGH ITS REVERSIBLE) ITS ALOT TO GO THRU IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND 15 YEARS DOWN THE ROAD.GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR CHOICE. L.

Dear A.,

If you are not 100% sure, don't do it. It's not something you can reverse. And being that you are 21, wait, you have time!!!! I am 35 and had the same question and did not go through with it...

T.

Please let me know I am really not sure what to do right now I just know I don't want anymore right now!

I would say try a five year method before you jump into tying your tubes you would hate to make a deision you cannot change. While tying your tubes can be reversed it can be diffucult and costly and insurance does not cover it. You are still very young to be deciding for certain. You may change your mind a few years from now. When I was 24 I had my second child I and knew I was done, I requested from my Dr to tie my tubes during my csection. I was very surprised when my dr questioned it. She aks me if I was sure I really wanted to do it and said what if something happened to one of my other children and I was so young. We re-thought it and decided not to. And I am glad I did we did change our mind and now have a great little boy who was the perfect addition to our family. He really did make it complete. After him I did tie them because I knew I was done and I could not handle another pregnacy (I was not ment to be prego) You need to be sure that you are 200% positive you are done before making a decision like that. Yes it is reversible but not always easy and very expensive. Sorry I could not answer about the cost and coverage.

Dear A.
I would suggest getting an IUD it will last for five years and you don't have to worry about getting pregnant. There's one out there called Mirana or Mirena I'm not to sure about the spelling. Getting yor tubes tied is pretty invasive and it's harder to undo. Your a young woman who has plenty of years to have more children if you choose. Good Luck!!

I'm not sure if Medicaid pays for it - my quess would be yes. But you're so young and even 5 years from now you might change your mind. I would suggest looking into an IUD. I have one. It is a small device that is inserted into your uterus that prevents pregnancy. It can stay in place 5 years, you never have to think about birth control! It can easily be removed by your gyno and then you will return to fertility almost immediately. Medicaid paid for my IUD. I'd ask your doctor about your options. Good luck!

My sister in law had her tubes tied and then a couple years later almost died from a tubal pregnancy. I had my tubes tied that later resulted in my having to get a hysterectomy. Another sister in law got her tubes tied and had serious problems with it. I would advise against it. But yet I have other sister in laws that had theirs done and never had any problems with it. They all went in later and had it done. I had mine done right after the baby was born. Just remember if you change your mind and want a baby later you might as well forget it. If I were your age I would consider another form of birth control. You never know what will happen in the future. I would have loved to have been able to have a baby with my husband I have now. Only you can make the decision as to what is right for you. Make sure you do lots of research before making that decision.

With you being so young...I'd ask your ob about other alternatives like an IUD. They can last up to 5 years without any maintenance and can be removed easily if you change your mind about having more kids. Insurance will cover an IUD if you have birth control coverage.