Expert physicians at Gainesville’s All About Women discuss tubal sterilization, a permanent birth control option for women.
For many women, there comes a point in life where they recognize that their families are complete and that they’re ready for a permanent birth control method. Either a woman or her male partner can undergo the process of sterilization that leads to permanent, irreversible birth control. For women, sterilization works by blocking or removing the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy, either through a surgical procedure called a bilateral salpingectomy (bisalp) or a non-surgical procedure called hysteroscopic sterilization.
We’ll explore both of these options, comparing and contrasting their approaches.
Similarities
These types of birth control are nearly 100% effective. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, less than 1 in 100 women who receive a hysteroscopic ligation will become pregnant in the first year after the procedure. With tubal removal, you cannot become pregnant without in vitro fertilization (IVF).
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Tubal sterilizations are NOT reversible. Women who choose a sterilization procedure must be absolutely sure that they won’t want children in the future. If a woman thinks there is even a possibility that she might want children later on but doesn’t want to get pregnant now, there are other long-term, highly effective forms of birth control to choose from, including IUDs and implants.
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Tubal sterilizations don’t protect you from STIs. While these procedures are highly effective forms of birth control, they do not protect women from sexually transmitted infections. You must use a barrier method of birth control if you’re concerned about STIs.
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Both hysteroscopic sterilization and tubal removal prevent pregnancy by stopping the sperm and egg from meeting in the fallopian tubes. During conception, sperm travel through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes, where fertilization typically occurs. When this pathway is blocked or removed, pregnancy cannot happen. Tubal removal, also called bilateral salpingectomy, works by completely removing both fallopian tubes. In hysteroscopic sterilization, small coil inserts are placed through the uterus into the fallopian tubes, where they trigger scar tissue to form and block the tubes over time.
- Tubal removals are a non-hormonal form of birth control. This means that they shouldn’t affect aspects of your health like hair growth, breast size, muscle tone, and the onset of menopause. Most women who have had a tubal removal have normal periods following the procedure.
About tubal removals
There are a few different ways your surgeon may perform this procedure, and the approach used will depend on your medical history and overall needs.
One option is an open procedure, where a larger incision is made in the abdomen to access the fallopian tubes. This approach is less common but may be recommended in certain situations.
More often, the procedure is done laparoscopically using small incisions in the abdomen and specialized instruments. This minimally invasive method typically results in less discomfort and a quicker recovery.
In some cases, your doctor may be able to perform a vNOTES procedure, which allows the procedure to be performed through the vaginal canal. Because this technique does not require external incisions, it can reduce visible scarring.
No matter which method is used, the procedure is performed under anesthesia, so you will not be awake during surgery. Many patients start to feel better within a few days, though it can take a couple of weeks to fully recover.
If you’re considering a tubal removal and are interested in a vNotes procedure, make an appointment at All About Women. Dr. Agrios is the first and only physician in the Gainesville area who currently performs the vNOTES procedure.
Looking for permanent birth control options in North Florida?
Permanent birth control is an important decision. You should talk with your healthcare provider in depth before choosing sterilization to make sure it’s the best option for your situation. Your GYN physician can help you decide if surgical or non-surgical sterilization is the best option for you.
The doctors at All About Women are able to offer several options for permanent birth control to women in Gainesville, Lake City, and surrounding communities.
Regardless of which type of birth control you choose, we’re here to provide competent and compassionate healthcare. If you’re interested in permanent birth control or long-term birth control like an IUD, call our Gainesville or Lake City office to schedule an appointment today, or continue browsing our knowledge center and blog for more.
