Laparoscopic Sterilisation or tubal ligation

Laparoscopic sterilisation is a permanent surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia (you’ll be asleep)to prevent pregnancy. It involves blocking or sealing the fallopian tubes to stop eggs from meeting sperm.

How It Works

• Procedure: Small incisions are made in the abdomen. A laparoscope (camera) guides the surgeon to place clips, rings, or seals on the fallopian tubes.
• Effect: Prevents eggs from reaching the uterus and sperm from fertilising them.

Before the Procedure

• Consultation: Discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives with your doctor.
• Pre-checks:
  • Pregnancy test to confirm you’re not pregnant.
  • Review medical history/allergies (e.g., anaesthesia).
• Preparation:
  • Fasting: No food/drink for 6–12 hours before surgery.
  • Arrange transport: You cannot drive home after anaesthesia.

During the Procedure

1. Anaesthesia: You’ll be asleep throughout.
2. Process:
   1. 1–2 small incisions (0.5–1 cm) in the abdomen.
   1. Carbon dioxide gas inflates the abdomen for visibility.
   1. Tubes are blocked using clips, rings, or heat.
3. Duration: ~30 minutes.

Risks & Complications

• Common (temporary):
  • Mild pain, bruising, or shoulder tip pain (from gas).
  • Light vaginal bleeding.
• Rare but serious:
  • Infection, bleeding, or damage to nearby organs.
  • Ectopic pregnancy if the procedure fails (seek help for sudden pelvic pain/dizziness).

Effectiveness

• Over 99% effective, but no method is 100%.
• Failure rate: <1 in 200. If pregnancy occurs, there’s a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Recovery

• Immediate care:
  • Rest for 24 hours; avoid driving/operating machinery.
  • Use pain relief (e.g., paracetamol) as needed.
• Activity:
  • Resume light tasks in 1–2 days.
  • Avoid heavy lifting/exercise for 1 week.
• Follow-up: Contact your doctor for fever, severe pain, or redness at incision sites.

Alternatives

• Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs): IUD, implant.
• Vasectomy: Permanent male sterilisation.

Important Considerations

• Permanent decision: Reversal is rarely successful.
• No STD protection: Use condoms to reduce infection risk.

When to Seek Help

Contact your doctor or go to A&E if you experience:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can sterilisation be reversed?
A: Rarely successful – consider it irreversible.

Q: Will my periods change?
A: No – hormonal cycles remain normal.

Q: How soon is it effective?
A: Immediately.

Q: What if I change my mind?
A: Discuss alternatives like IVF, but reversal is unlikely.

eGynaecologist Advice:

• Tubal ligation is not reversible and suitable only if you’re certain about no future pregnancies. Regret riskis higher if performed under 30 years, during relationship stress, or after childbirth.
• Tubal ligation does not affect hormones, periods, or sexual function and you should consult your gynaecologist if you suffer these issues, as these may indicate other problems that need addressing.
• You must seek urgent gynaecological consultation if you have severe abdominal/pelvic pain, heavy bleeding or fainting or signs of ectopic pregnancy (e.g., missed period + dizziness).