Tubal ligation Te patuerotanga a ngā wāhine
You can choose to be sterilised if you no longer want to be able to have children. In women, this is done through a procedure called a tubal ligation. It is a permanent form of contraception.
When you would have a tubal ligation
Tubal ligation (also known as 'having your tubes tied') can be an option for women who:
- are sure they never want to have children
- are sure they do not want any more children.
Tubal ligation permanently prevents sperm from reaching your eggs, so conception cannot happen.
The procedure is safe and effective and can be done at any time outside of pregnancy.
If you have a regular partner, they may consider having a vasectomy instead of you having a tubal ligation. A vasectomy is a simple procedure that a specialist doctor or some GPs can do with a local anaesthetic.
Having a tubal ligation
A tubal ligation is most often done by keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. Two small cuts are made in your belly and the 2 fallopian tubes from your ovaries are located. They are then either:
- cut and tied
- blocked with a ring or clip.
This is done under a general anaesthetic where you are put to sleep. The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
You can also have a tubal ligation done during an elective caesarean birth. This is usually done when you are awake, but have had an epidural anaesthetic so you do not feel anything.
Mini-laparotomy
Some women cannot have a laparoscopy and need to have a different procedure called a mini-laparotomy. You might need this if you:
- have scarring
- have a medical condition that makes it necessary.
This procedure involves:
- the surgeon making a single cut about 4 to 5 cm long above your pubic hair line
- locating your fallopian tubes and completing the ligation
- closing the cut with stitches that dissolve.
After your tubal ligation
If you are having a laparoscopic tubal ligation, you may be able to go home within a few hours. If you have a mini-laparotomy, you might need to stay in the hospital overnight.
You may have light bleeding from your vagina for a few days or for up to a month after the procedure. Having a tubal ligation will not change your periods though.
It will also not change your feelings and desire for sex.
You will still need to use condoms to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Tubal ligation does not protect against infection.
Tubal ligation is very effective at preventing pregnancy, but it is not always 100% successful. About 1 in 200 women who have this surgery may become pregnant.
Risks from tubal ligation
Tubal ligation is a safe procedure and complications are uncommon. You may get:
- infection, bruising or bleeding at the operation site
- pain in your pelvic area or tummy
- damage to nearby organs, blood vessels or nerves — but this is rare.
Tubal ligation is intended to be permanent and it is difficult to reverse.
If you change your mind about having a baby, it might be possible to reverse the tubal ligation, but it is not always possible or successful. If it cannot be reversed, you may still be able to get pregnant through in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Getting a tubal ligation
You may be able to have a tubal ligation at no cost depending on factors such as:
- your age
- how many children you have
- whether you have problems with other contraception
- your health.
Your healthcare provider or Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa Clinic can discuss tubal ligation with you and arrange a referral.
You may want to see a private gynaecologist.
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