Birth Control Options

Tubal Ligation

What is it?

Tubal ligation (also known as "having your tubes tied") is a surgical procedure to permanently close or block a woman's fallopian tubes. This procedure is considered a permanent method of contraception because reversal is costly, difficult and not guaranteed.



How does it work?

In tubal ligation the two fallopian tubes, which transport a woman's eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, are blocked or disconnected. This makes it impossible for sperm to meet and fertilize an egg.

How effective is it in preventing pregnancy?

• Female sterilization is considered 99.5% effective in preventing pregnancy

What are the advantages?

• Extremely effective in preventing pregnancy
• Permanent
• No hormones
• Does not interfere with sex
• No significant long-term side effects

What are the disadvantages?

• Considered a permanent procedure and difficult to have reversed
• May regret decision in the future
• Possible risks of surgery include: reaction to anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, or damage to organs in the pelvis (bowels, bladder, blood vessels)
• Short-term side effects after surgery may include abdominal and shoulder discomfort, bruising, bleeding, or infection at the incision site
• If pregnancy does occur, there is a risk that it will be an ectopic pregnancy (the fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube)
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections