Tubes Tied

Do it. It was easy.

I had no side effects, and I no longer had to take the birth control pill every day. I am so happy I did it after my second daughter and have no problems from the operation (note to non-c-section moms I have no scar since it was hidden in my belly button! Added bonus!

I only stayed in the hospital one additional day, mostly waiting for the operation to happen!

Do it.

K. Jonick

Do it while you're already opened up for the C-Section and have only 1 recovery time!

Best wishes for a healthy delivery and happy baby!

K.

I had my tubes tied 42 years ago Friday at the end of my second c-section delivery. In those days, the c-section was a long vertical incision. It was absolutely the right thing to do, at the time of the delivery. Never had any side effects. Still chugging along at 78. Go for it. -- B.

hi there R.! i had my tubes tied after my second was born, i knew two was enough for our family. (i lucked out and got one of each!) it was quick to have it done, just a few extra minutes on the table...and best yet, you're already numbed up for the c-section. i had no complications after my tubes. i was a bit nausous (sic) when they tilted my uterus out of the way to cauterize the tubes. i told my ob to be "iberal" with the tubes, cuz i didn't need them any more! i feel it was the best decision i made...and of course you don't have to worry about haveing an unexpected surpise again! (woohooo!) lol. i was worried when i made the decision if i'd overlooked any side effects i was unaware of, and i don't think there are any that are major (in my opinion, of course). and the finality of it was kinda weird but i looked at it as a liberating thing lol (blush, blush)...good luck and congratulations on your upcoming arrival ~ Steph

R.,
I had my tubes tied the day after my daughter was born. I had an epidural for her birth. They left the epidural in and then used it for the tubal ligation. I didn't have a c-section though. I didn't want to wait a couple of months after her birth, because you have a six week recovery time after the tubal ligation. You also have a six week recovery after giving birth. For me, with a two year old and a newborn, I couldn't be out of comission for two- six week time periods. Why not recover from both (the tubal and the birth) at the same time. I was fine in five weeks and back to my regular schedule. I prayed long and hard about my desicion, and am thankful I did it.

Hi R.
I have two kids. my son is 13 and my daughter is 11. i love my kids to death but i never was a person to say i want alot of kids. I only wanted one but then i realized he wasn't going to have anyone to play with as he got older so, we decided to have another one. And thank God it was a girl. To make the long story short. I don't regret it at all!!! I was in and out of the hospital the same day. No complications whatsoever. Its been several years now. My doctor told me i could have done this as soon as i gave birth but i didn't think about that. Not that i wanted more kids i just didn't think.I got on the pill after my son was born and i loved it cause the flow was much less. My son was born in 1995 and my daughter in 1997 so i guess it was about when she was 2 or 3 years old that we talked about not having anymore kids. He was a bit hesitant. He wanted more. He comes from a big family,11 to be exact. Come to think of it, i did most of the deciding. I just didn't want anymore. And i'm sure he's glad that we didn't have anymore cause we are now divorced. I'm 42 years old now and happy with my new hubby. He is also divorced and has 2 grown kids of his own and 1.5 grandkids. We live together happily and don't want anymore kids besides my own. He loves my kids.Sorry to make my story so long. If i had to do it again(tie my tubes)I wouldn't hesitate. No regrets at all!! No side effects whatsoever. I'm happy. I forgot to mention that there is a very small scar but thats it. Keep me posted on what you decided. Patty

ok honey.. i am 26 my hubby is 27 we have 4 kids also. i delivered all mu babies c-section... we werent sure if we wanted anymore after our third.. so we waited. when we desided that we where done i found out on the operating table that we where already pregnant.. o snaps...
ok so u want to have your tubes tied while they are in there. heres a couple reasons
1) scar tissue
2) another procedure..
3) being able to care for baby
you will never know the difference.. it like an extra 15 min in the or... its so much better to do it while they are in there.
plus u dont have that extra recovery time if you where to do them seperatly..
hope this helps

hi there-
congrats on the new baby on the way! I would go ahead and have it done during the c section. I know that I had the opportunity when my last child was born, and had neglected to get the paperwork in, so they couldn't do it!! Its been almost 2 years now, and trying to find the time to go in and have it done now is very difficult with 3 young ones at home. Plus I would suspect that the recovery would be easier since its all healing at the same time.
good luck to you and you family!

After having several difficult pregnancys and being that I am an older mom, when I delivered my youngest daughter we decided to have one of us "fixed". My husband offered to go in and get a vasecomy but I suggested that since I was getting a c-section that it would make sense as I was already there and open. After they delivered the baby, they brought her over to me as I was "bonding" they tied me up! I did not know a thing. It was easy and simple and added no extra "pain" to the c-section as I have had several c-section to compare it to.

It is nice to know that there is no need for birthcontrol. It makes life so simple when you dont have to remember to take that little pill.

I had the procedure done in May during my c-section and have had no side effects at all. It did not add to my recovery from the c-section. This was my 3rd child and my 3rd c-section and I could not tell I had had anything else done besides a c-section. You would not want to wait and be cut again and have to go under anesthia again either. Just do it with the c-section and you won't even know anything else was done.

Hi there, I also have four kids and w/ my last one I had a c-section and it was very nice to get it all done at one time, really not a big deal (for me anyway). I do have irregular periods, but, I don't think that's what it's from. It has been 9 yrs. since I had mine and I have never regretted it. My ex-husband had a vasectomy after our third child and after our son was about 8 months old, I got pregnant again.... my ex had taken a sample in and they said it was negative, but you are suppose to take two in to make sure, well, I quess he took one and it was a lab "error". I had him re-tested (because I had no doubt I'd been faithful) and they said there was still tons of live ones. So, that's how number four came along, so I was for sure I wanted to have my tubes tied. I wanted to make sure that didn't happen!! Good luck on this and I would highly recommend it, it doesn't take much longer and their already in there, so go for it.... good luck on the new baby....

GO FOR IT!!!! You want to get it done during the c-section if your doctor will let you. If he feels you should wait till you recover from your c-section, make your husband get fixed.
It is a bigger deal for a woman to get her tubes tied than a man to get a vasectomy. You will enjoy each other so much more when the worry of not gettng pregnant is gone.

When I had this done 6 years ago, the advantage of having it done at the same time is that you are already under the anesthesia. The primary disadvantage of waiting to me was it is a separate surgery. However, if you wait, you can have it done as a laperoscopic (sp?) procedure through your belly button. Though this may not be an issue if you know that you are having a C-section.

37 with 3 children ages 2, 6, 8. I had three c-sections and many pregnancy complications to get our beautiful children. No doubts in my head that we should be gratefull for the 3 children we have and not risk another so we went ahead with the tubal during my 3rd c-section 2 years ago. No regrets and no complications. If we ever get the baby bug we can always help a less fortunate child and adopt and our feeling was why have my husband undergo a procedure when I was already in there and open up! I read the other responses and my doctor and other reputable sites didn't bring up any side effects that I am aware of and certainly nothing as serious as those associated with another pregnancy or birth control. I believe the most serious concern would be a tubal pregnancy if the tubal fails. Good luck and congrats on your baby!!!

Since I work full-time in a mostly male industry all I ever hear is about men "hanging up the sneakers". Almost every man I work with has it done when they have their last kid. Apparently there are less hormonal risks to men than women. But, I know one man who changed his mind and went back for four more kids. That is not an inexpensive procedure.

Hope you and your husband can make the best choice for your own situation.

Congrats on the upcoming birth of your new little girl! I recently had my tubes tied during a scheduled c-section. We also had decided that our family was complete. The procedure extended the operation by about 5 minutes and did not seem to have any effect on the length of recovery. I actually experienced less pain and was able to move around easier/quicker than with my previous two c-sections. Although I assume this was because this time my body didn't have to go through labor as well as an operation. So it has now been 5 months since the procedure and after going through a little sadness over the loss of the possibility of ever conceiving again I am enjoying the freedom of no birth control worries. So basically i am glad to have had my tubes tied during my c-section to avoid the need for an additional procedure at another time.
L.

R., After having my second child by c-section I had the doctor tie my tubes. It was very easy and I'm glad I did not wait.

isn't it major surgery to have tubes tied? Why not see if you can convince your hubby to have a vasectomy. It is a much simpler procedure for him than it is for you, and he would be up and back to normal in about a day...just a bit sore. I can't remember with hubby but I think it was out patient. They just go and make a small insision around the testes and snip the tube.
You do all the bleeding, birthing and carrying around babies for 9 months, certainly he can help you out by taking on this one time simple procedure for birth control himself.

I had my tubes tied at the same time of my second C and I think it took about 5 extra minutes. I knew I wanted to have it done and my Doc, who is a high risk OB, recommended doing it at the same time. There was no extra pain, side effects, or anything that I experienced. And, I'm sure you must save $$$ doing it at the same time, given that you already have the room, docs, local anethesia, etc. going for the C. If you know you are going to do it, go for it at the same time.

I had my tubes tied and was told by another doctor years later that most people who get their tubes tied end up with a hysterectomy later on. Not that this is bad... I have enjoyed not having periods over the years!

Hello,
I usually don't reply to often, but your question hits close to home. I had my tubes tied after the birth of my now four year-old. I was certain then too. I still don't think I want to have any more, I have four also. It's just that many of our friends now have babies and my husband LOVES them. He makes little comments sometimes that make me regret my decision. You could always talk to your doctor about options that are semi permanent just in case. As a woman with emotions, the finality of it all is probably the hardest part for me. God Bless!

I had my tubes tied when my youngest was born via c-section. I didn't have any complications or anything. I was told that doing it that way was more reliable than waiting and then having it done. I was only 22 at the time and I have really regretted the decision. I wish I would have waited until I was older and maybe had one more. Otherwise, I have not had any problems from it.

I had my tubes tied just after having my second C-section with no complications. Recovery of C-section is difficult as it is, combine procedures to make your life easier. At the time, it was difficult signing the papers realizing I will no longer have children but after getting out of bed for the first time after the C-seciton I realized I made the right decision. You'll do what's best for you.

I had my tubes tied the same day I had my son after having him vaginally. So if you are planning a c-section then there is no trouble having an extra step done and tying your tubes. You won't even know the difference.

However, after my vaginal delivery, they didn't do it immediately after but 7 hours after. They make sure you bond with baby and get a bit of rest. They want to do it soon after because all the parts are still pretty high in the abdomen and its easier. Just on incision at the belly button. I will say that it was kind of painful. But after a couple days it was fine. Dull pain. With the delivery I had and epidural ( I am no hero) and they pulled it after the delivery so they gave me a block with the surgery. WOW, was that great. I couldn't feel a thing, and I sat there and had a conversation with the doctors. It was enjoyable rather than being under and waking up all groggy and icky.

My son was not planned (happy accident I say), but from the very beginning I told my doc that I wanted this, and even though I was under 30 with no medical issues, they supported it, because I had said that I had "done my duty as a woman".

I wish you a enjoyable pregnancy!
CB

Hi R.,

I had the same thing done during my c-section and have had no problems nor regrets. Best to get it done while you are there to avoid additional surgery later on as well as time in the hospital away from your family not to mention the additional expense. Its a very inexpensive procedure at the time of your c-section.
I too have an October baby. Best of luck with your decision!

I had my tubes tied after I had my son 16 yrs ago. He was a few days old. I still regret it, and so do most of the women I know. But it takes time to regret it.... I had trouble at the incision site by bellybutton, and it threw me into menopause too soon. BE AWARE OF THIS: when you get your tubes tied, you are cutting off two of the four blood supplies to the ovaries. It can throw your internal clock out of whack.
Have your husband get fixed! It is much easier for men in every respect.

I have 3 children (2 c/s, 1 vag) and having my tubes tied after the last child was the most freeing thing I have ever done. I knew that the third would have to be my last, and I really love not having to worry about having birth control available. Good luck, and it is sooo simple to do during the c/s.

Some doctors will not do the procedure until at least several days after the baby's birth. I thought it was weird --- I was there, had already tied up a room, but the nurses told me they want to make sure everything is fine with the new baby, that it's healthy and has no complications first. They don't want to end chances for pregnancy and then have something happen to the baby and the family be left with no chance of having another. It's not a long recovery no matter when you have it done --- episiotomy or tear stitches gave me WAY more pain than the simple tube tying surgery did.

Having your tubes tied at the same time as having your last c-section in a great idea! In fact, when I had my youngest child by c-section (at age 40) I was asked in the operating room if I was also having a tubal ligation. (My doctor is ultra-religious and never presented the idea to me, so I couldn't do it then.) My husband had a vasectomy, which is much easier to do, but it would have been nice to have my tubes tied then.
Good luck!

My mom had my sister c-section and then had her tubes tied right then, this was in 1974, and she said it was nothing. She was already sore from beig opened up so going a step further was not a big deal. I also think it is your husbands turn to go through something. It is a 10-15 min procdure that is reversible. My husband and I are planning not to have more kids. I just had a baby so in a year (so we are sure) he is going in to have a vasectomy. I had them, he can be in charge of the birth control now.

I think it is your husbands turn. You birthed the children, so your husband should at least have a vasectomy. A vasectomy is 100% effective. Having your tubes tied is not. My sister-in-law had that procedure done and she got pregnant six months later. You might want to consult with your doctor. Just my thoughts.

I had my tubes tied about 1 yr ago when my son was 6 mos old. I was 37 yrs old with two kids and we knew we were done. I didn't have a c-section, so I didn't have it done at my son's birth. Recovery was easy and I haven't had any side effects. I've been really happy with it and would think that if you could get it done at the same time as your c-section then you wouldn't have to go through another surgery and recovery period.

I have 3 boys and our last son was born c section because he was breech and wouldn't turn. It was a planned c section b/c they knew he was breech ahead of time and said that since he was a pretty big baby, turning him would not be easy, and a c section was probably the safest way to go.
I also had my tubes tied after he was born during the c section. It actually was relatively quick, of course they had to give me something to calm my nerves durin c section so I was flying high so that may be why it seemed to go by fast.

I have not noticed any issues with having them together. I just don't have to go through an additional surgery, and it was all done at once. It did not change recovery time and after my check up at six weeks I was medically cleared as fine, AND had my tubes tied as a bonus.

Make sure you are totally sure though that you don't want more kids. I know that I made the right decision, and I know that it was the smart thing to do, but even now when I look around and see a cute lil baby girl I feel like I missed out on something by not having a girl :/ Right now, If I had not had a tubal an me ane the hubby could conceive I would probably be pestering him into wanting another baby.

I did exactly what you are planning to do! Because I was having a scheduled c-section (he was feet first and my last one had been a c-section so they wouldn't let me do a V-bac) I asked them if they could tie my tubes, since they would already be in there. They agreed to do so! I didn't have to worry about getting pregnant again and could truly focus on my child. I had no adverse effects from it (hard to tell when you are recovering from a c-section!). If you wait until after the child is born you will be dealing with a brand new surgery and more trauma to your abdomen.

I was 32 when I had my tubes tied and I don't regret it at all! I can spend the rest of my marriage without doing the "what if I am pregnant" dance every month! If I did want children or God forbid got divorced and had a husband who wanted a child I would happily adopt. I have my two beautiful boys in my life and they are enough for me.

Good luck with your decision and the birth of your newest child!

M.

Hello R.,
I do know from experience its more painful to have bilateral tubal months after the child is born. My sister had a c-section with her last child & her tubes tied at the same time. She had no complications, she didn't tell me how it felt. I never had a c-section, but I did have lots of pain. Every woman is different. I think it would be easier to get them tied after the c-section procedure, since your stomach would be opened up. You won't feel the cramping when you have your menstrual period which is nice. Good luck to you & congrats on your baby. G.

I had mine tied when my youngest son was born by c-section. My husband and I had a deal. If I had a c-section I would do it, if I had a vaginal birth he would do it. I thought it was much easier to do it along with the c-section since they are already in there and you don't have to have a separate surgery later on. If you wait, you have to wait until you heal from the c-section then you would have to heal from the surgery of the tubal ligation. I had absolutely no complications and am quite happy. It is kind of strange thinking of the finality of it all, but 4 kids is enough to enjoyment for several life times, don't you think? :) Good luck in whatever you choose!

Having your tubes tied right after delivery with a C-section saves you from having another surgery later just to tie the tubes. It's generally easy right after a C-section and since you will be healing from the C-section, you probably won't notice anything at all from the tube tying. Congratulations on the new baby and good luck.

Hi R.,

I had my tubes tied at the same time I had my c-section, and it was VERY easy. My thought process was....I'm open already anyway, and I know we won't be having more kids, might as well get it done. It felt like it only took about 5 extra minutes on the operating table for them to tie my tubes, and then it was done with. I didn't have any other side effects other than recovering from my c-section. It didn't feel any different than my other c-section. I asked my OB about getting my tubes tied early on in my pregnancy, and she recommended the tubal ligation at the same time of c-section if I was sure I was done having kids. I say, if you're absolutely sure you don't want any more kids, you might as well have tubes tied during your c-section.

I had my tubes tied after I had my 2nd set of twins 2 1/2 years ago. I really didn't research it much and I wish I would have. I may be on the other end of the spectrum, but I wish I hadn't done it. I have horrible periods, awful PMS and there are other personal problems too. I don't want to post it all here, but I would be glad to talk to you about it in a private message. I'm actually looking into having it reversed, and then having my husband get fixed.

Go for it! It takes 5 minutes, no side effects, saves on the co-pay for another out patient procedure. If you're sure you're done, there's no down side.

Hi R.,

I know you'll be opened up already, so that does make it easier, but I think people don't realize how simple vasectomies are. It's an out-patient procedure! Done in the dr.'s office in less than an hour, almost no complications. So easy, and less traumatic to the body than a tubal.

Hello R.,

I had my tubes tied during my last c-section in December with our number 4! I can tell you that after the last baby, and being in the hospital, I was SO glad not to have to go back to get them tied. I say do it! You will not notice a thing. It only takes them a few minutes to do it, while they are cleaning up baby. Recovery from a c-section is way worse then the tubes. You will not even notice. Good luck girl!

I had my tubes tied right before I turned 39 when my last child was born 4 years ago. It's so much easier to do it when the doctor is in there anyway for your c-section. I had no side-effects. I was surprised when my doctor suggested this, as both my boys were the result of IVF. He said fertility is unpredictable and I could be shocked by a natural pregnancy at 49. So we decided to go ahead and do it.

Hi R. - I wish you luck in your decision. My situation is different from yours, and I had my tubes tied in 1989, the day after my last vaginal birth. The only difference at that time (which may have changed by now), is that when they tied off the tubes after childbirth (as opposed to later, not in post-partum state), they would not cauterize the tube ends because it could cause excessive bleeding. As a result, the chances of a pregnancy after tubal ligation (which had been quoted to me as 1 in 500 chance) were reduced to 1 in 300 chance because they did not cauterize the ends of cut/tied tubes. However, I have only ever used tubal ligation as my form of birth control since then (I was 34 at the time) and have not ever become pregnant again. Hope this helps!

Wishing you and yours many blessings! V. :o)
www.referralco-op.com

I wish I had set it up so that I would have had it done in my emergency c-section. I have since told my friends that if you think it is your last child to certainly have the tube tying in your birth plan and if you are having a c, to do it. Wish I had...

Hi R.,
I am a mother of 4 also and I had my tubes ties a few hours after my last child was born. It's alot easier to do while I was there then it is to wait 2 month and go to the Hospital Again.
I wish you luck and Congrats. on your new baby
God Bless Danielle
Mother of 4 wonderful children

Dear Rena,
I am writing to say I was in your similar situation. I had to have a c-section for my fourth child, and I could tell that this one had really worn my body out and I was done. Rather than ask my husband to get a vasectomy, I felt that I should get my tubes tied. Afterall, it was my body that was worn out, not his, and you don't know the future...something might happen to me and he may remarry, etc. So, I had peace about the choice.

The doctors do not like to do this at the same time of your delivery. The standard procedure is to wait several months so that you clearly want this done and its not an 'emotional' decision tied-in to your pregnancy. I told them emphatically that while I was 'opened up' I wanted to get it and would not be changing my mind. It was a bit of an argument I'll tell you, but they went ahead.

I have had no regrets. While the idea of more kids would drift back into my mind at times, all I had to do was remember that my body was worn out and finished. It was more of a mental thing, and accepting that this stage of my life was done. Everyone faces it sooner or later.

The c-section takes longer to recover from, and I cannot say what was c-related vs. tube related, but it all cleared up pretty much the way it should have. I could not feel or tell anything at all was different, and periods, etc. are the same.
This was 19 years ago and I'm still going strong. God bless and I hope your birth is phenomenal!! Ev

I just recently had a baby via c-section and told the doctor that we were not having anymore kids he told me that I could have my tubes tied during the c-section and that it would not be anymore painful and that the recovery time would not be any different. If you wait until later then you will have to have another surgery if you do it when you have the c-section they are already in there so it is just easier. It is your decision though good luck with what you decide.

I was 37 when my last child was born, also c-section. They tied my tubes at the same time, no issues. =) It was well worth it.

Hi R.
I have a question about your weaving chair seats! I am looking for something to do from home to provide some income. would you be willing to tell me about your chair weaving? how you got started, who you sell to, etc? my mom was recently diagnosed with dementia and instead of returning to work i will be staying home with her and i need some sort of income to help with bills. hoping to hear from you.
thanks
W.

I didn't have a c-section but I did have my tubes tied the following morning after having my youngest son. I did become bradycardiac(which is a slow heartbeat) during the surgery, and they kept talking to make and making sure I stayed awake, when I really wanted to go to sleep. I didn't think to tell them I have a really low tolerance for pain meds and sedatives. But I came out if it fine. Although it took a lot longer than for most.

Other than that I had a slightly more tender and painful stomach than with regular childbirth. And 10 years later I do not regret it AT ALL. I'm sooooooooooooooo GLAD I don't have to worry about the possibility of becoming pregnant again. To quote Danny Glover in the Lethal Weapon movies" : "I'm getting too old for that sh*t".

I had my tubes tied after my c-section and I unfortunately regret it. I have had more problems with periods, more severe cramping, longer periods, heavier too. I have had a few friends tell me they experience the same things after they had their tubes tied. Some friends, they could have told me this before I did it. If I would have known this, I would have had my husband get a vasectomy. He offered. I could also kick myself for not asking my doctor questions, but he wasn't giving me any info either. So it was probably bad on my part and his too. I know it seems easier, I thought the same thing, but now I really regret it because now I have to take a birth control just to help with the irregularity and heavy bleeding. No fun.

R.,
I too had a C-Section and I had my tubes ties at the same time. I will say the c-section recovery was not a peach but as to the tubes tied I felt nothing.I am not aware of any side effect to say. But I love the fact that I do not have to be careful about making sure I take my pills everyday.It has changed my husband and my relationship it is so much better. I do not know what it is but when getting pregant is out if the picture it makes thing great.I did not want to wait 6 week or until healed it was great to get it done all at once. I will say if you wait you will have to deal with the pain and surgery all over again. I would say if you have to have a c-section and you want to have your tubes tied do it then it makes it easier.Hope that helps.
A.

I don't think you are at any additional risk, in fact, it will save you from a general anesthesia at a later date which is risky itself. I am 46 and I had mine done about 10 months ago. Even at this age, it was hard to say "for sure" that I would not be having any more children. I knew intellectually but emotionally it was harder. I thought it was best to go with the brain and not the feelings for this decision. I kept reminding myself of how old I will be when my youngest child finishes high school (56) and asking myself if I want to do anything else but raise children in this lifetime. I do so it was easier to stick to that decision but I have been raising children for 26 years now! Anyway, congratulations on your new baby and your wonderfully growing family.

Also, to those who questioned whether it is major surgery to have your tubes tied: In my experience, it is not. The doctor explained to me that it was just a matter of putting a little band around the tube (or in my case two because I guess those suckers were tough) and it is done. It was done via a teeny tiny incision. If you are already having a c section then it shouldn't be major at all.
L.

My mom had her tubes tied and she hasn't had any issues. I have heard that in some very, very, very rare cases it can cause pain that doesn't go away (but that is highly unlikey). Also, I doubt your doctor will want to do the surgery months after you have the baby, it is usually a procedure they do right after you give birth. You also have to give your doctor advance notice they can be prepared for the procedure (my friend didn't tell her doctor until a few days before she gave birth and they told her it was too late, they couldn't do the procedure at that point).