What Are the Views on Having a Tubal?

Updated on January 16, 2008
K.I. asks from Spokane, WA
18 answers

I am thinking about having a tubal, getting my tubes tied , and was wondering what all you ladies think about that? Any pros and cons you all have expierenced would be helpful. I am due to have my 3rd baby the first week of feb. and do not wish to have any more. My significant other does not want to get snipped , so that is not an option. I have read info on other types, i.e. the I.U.D's but have a problem with having a foriegn object in my body for years. Had the depo shot in my early 20's and I gained SERIOUS weight. Have been on the pill but dont want to have to take hormones forever. Thank you.

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S.B.

answers from Richland on

Check out essure.com . Essure is a new non-invasive procedure that replaces the old way of doing tubal ligation. It's done vaginally, so there's no incision, and takes about 45 minutes. I haven't had it done (b/c I don't have ANY kids and the doctors are reluctant to do it if you have no kids), but I've seriously read up on it and recommended it to my students.

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C.S.

answers from Portland on

Hello there! I have three children of my own. We were pretty sure that we were done after two, a boy then a girl. Surprisingly we got pregnant again and had our third child, a boy. We knew we were done after this one. I also had a c-section so it seemed like the logical thing to do. I was also investigating the IUD before I got preganant, but was a little weirded out by it. I could not be happier with my tubal! I have not ever really had bad periods, and still do not. It has now been 10 months since I had it done. It's SO nice not to worry about pills, or shots, or condoms. I would do it all over again!
~just one persons opinion~

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T.V.

answers from Seattle on

I just had my tubes tied in Dec. at delivery of my third child. Like you, I did not like the idea of an IUD and do not want to take hormones. Every once in a while I have a pang of 'what if I shouldn't have done that'. After all, a 4th child would be just as much a blessing as a third...but then reality hits and I know our family is complete as is. I'm sure its natural to question never having another baby, especially as I hold my beautiful newborn. I'm still glad about my decision to do it. If God really want us to have more children, we'll have them through adoption :) Good luck, I know its a tough decision

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C.S.

answers from Seattle on

It works for most people. You just have to know going into it that it IS major abdominal surgery, so you need to make yourself aware of all the risks that come with that. Also, just like anything else, it's not 100%. I think most women go into it thinking THEY won't get pregnant after a tubal...I'm sure my mom did. 11 years after her tubal ligation (cut, tie and cauterize), she was pregnant with my little brother. Just be aware that it does happen.

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J.R.

answers from Eugene on

Hello, I've only heard positive things, and am considering doing the same myself! Good luck.

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J.R.

answers from Seattle on

After having two very difficult pregnancies and losing three inbetween I made the decision to get my tubes tied. I knew that my body didnt like being pregnant and I knew financially that I couldnt afford another child. so in that respect I was being very responsible in getting them tied but if I would have known about the side effects that could happen I probably wouldnt have had it done. Some days as my baby is growing up (she is 6 now) I wish I could have another little one but thats not the real issue. Ever since I had my tubes tied I have had absolutly horrible periods and cramping. they last longer and they are very painfull. I have also started to grow excess hair on my face which is a pain to deal with as well. I had my tubes tied because I didnt want to be committed for the rest of my menstral life to take the birth controll pill guess what.... I am on the pill now and will be until I go through menopause. Not everyone has side effects like I do I just wish they would have mentioned that it was a possibility before I made the decision to have it done.

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T.C.

answers from Medford on

Are you haveing a c-section? After our second child I had my tubes tied and it was fine. No big deal. My kids were both c-sections though so I felt that since the Dr. was already in there it would be easier for me to get tied than for my husband to get snipped. He was quit relieved - what babies our men can be! Anyway...I don't know what the procedure involves if you aren't already opened up. I know my Dr. said it would be cheaper for my husband to do it than for me to do it if I wasn't already having a c-section. The only draw back I later found was that my periods were awful. Long time, heavy and very crampy. Like they use to be prior to being on the pill. So I did end up going back on the pill just to get my periods better. Now it's only few days, very light and less cramps. Best of luck to you!
TC

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G.G.

answers from Seattle on

I would be sure to do alot of research. I had my tubes tied and would give almost anything to take it back. I did it because I was having my second c-section and was already open. At the time I thought it was the logical choice. Before having my tubes tied, I never had PMS, rarley had cramps and my periods were 5 days max. After...5-7 day period (more in the beginning), rediculous cramps and look out for the PMS. I have a talked with many women who have had similar problems. Just be sure to do your research.

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M.G.

answers from Seattle on

A tubal is a great option however be fully aware of all the negative side effects. Talk to your doctor and do your own research. I had my tubal a year ago exactly and while I am very happy with why I had my tubal(done having children)I am not at all happy with all the problems that've come my way with my monthly cycles. I can realte to not wanting an IUD. Again just be sure to do research and talk to your doctor in depth about everything, bring up post tubal ligation syndrome if you want a starting point. Best of luck.

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K.O.

answers from Portland on

I have to say that I have an IUD, and I think it's great too. But if you are absolutely bent on having a ligation then I would suggest that you at least wait until you haven't been pregnant for a little while. Maybe schedule it at your 6 week checkup or something. There used to be a benefit to having it done while you were in the hospital, after having the baby but that's not really the case any more. It's a day procedure at the hospital now, you don't even need to stay the night. And they don't need to cut you open any more either, depending on which form you have done. I think there's 3 types.

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J.S.

answers from Portland on

Hi K.,
Having your tubes tied will take care of the birthcontrol problems and for that you will be delighted. However, you need to be absolutely positive that you are finished with giving birth. I had my tubes tied at age 40 and couldn't have been happier to be able to stop worrying about birthcontrol.
Good Luck
J. S

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A.N.

answers from Eugene on

Hi K.~
Amelia here. I had the tubal 3 years ago, day after our 3rd was born and one of the major side-effects they do not mention because it doesn't happen to everyone is heavier periods and cramping. If you have every had heavy and hard cramping you will know what I mean. I have a very high pain tolerance and I have been unable to function 5 days out of 10. There is another solution I have heard of, they scrape the uterius lining away and do some procedure so a new lining can never grow. Ask your ob/gyn if they have heard or recommend this instead. You know without a lining you can't have a period.
Good Luck with whatever your decision.
~Amelia

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S.H.

answers from Portland on

I decided to have a tubal when I was pregnant with my second baby. We had decided that we did not want any more children. I was having a c-section with my second, so they did the tubal at the same time. I have had no problems with it. But now I have heard that 1 out of 10 woman who have had a tubal are getting pregnant. So now my husband is also considering a vasectomy. I don't think I would have done it if I was not having a c-section. Because it is less invasive for a man to get a vasectomy. It should not be all your responsibility to not get pregnant.

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E.S.

answers from Portland on

Hi

Well as a mother and a physician I have a few thoughts. Tubal ligation is a very invasive procedure that comes with possible side effects. Scarring, infection and abdominal pain are just a few. An IUD, although foreign, is much more safe and less invasive. If you decide neither of these options work for you, your husband should reconsider his position and take some of the responsibility away from you.

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N.P.

answers from Seattle on

My OB kind of steered me away from it. She said there are risks, it's a surgery that requires being put out and have your body cut, etc. She suggested either a vasectomy (much safer with few risks) or IUD. I know you said you were a little unsure about having something in your body like an IUD. I ended up getting a copper IUD (with no hormones) and it's great. I love it. Don't even know it's in there and it's good for 10 years!! Can't beat that. My husband was going to get a vasectomy but I think now that we have the IUD and it's working out so great, he doesn't need to. The IUD was even paid by my insurance so all I had to pay was my $15 co-pay for 10 years work of birth control.
Good luck in finding the right option for you.

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S.R.

answers from Portland on

Wow a big step! I had a tubal and was warned that it could cause any PMS symptoms to triple. If you have PMS at all I would seriously talk it over with your husband. My husband wishes he would have realized how bad things would be after the procedure. I was on an emotional rollercoaster that ended in a hysterectomy! (Praise God for surgeons)
Hormones are a problem too! I don't think there is an easy answer for you. Talk to your OB or Midwife about YOUR body.
I wish you well and am praying for you now.
S.

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C.C.

answers from Spokane on

I would absolutely wait on the tubal. I am 36, have two girls (7 and 3), and have had an IUD for more than a year. It has been wonderful for me! I stopped having periods about 6 months ago. My doctor said this is a very common (and welcome!) side effect. The device is very small, the procedure is a quick office visit, and many insurance companies will pay the full cost (mine did). Plus, if you change your mind in a year or two, you can have the IUD removed and try for another baby. I have no regrets regarding my IUD and I would strongly recommend it!

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T.W.

answers from Seattle on

K. ~

I had one 12 years ago :), and it was a "piece of cake". I would definately recommend it, if you are sure you are done having children. Just make sure you are done, because once you have the procedure ... :) I went to an "outpatient" surgery bldg. and was home in less than five hours. I had very little pain, didn't need medicine or anything. And, remember, this was 12 years ago. My niece just had it done immediately following the birth of her twins and she's also had zero problems. I'm telling you what, it sure made it nice not having to ever worry about birth control again! Good luck and many blessings on your family and upcoming birth of your ... girl???

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