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Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Sunday, February 01, 2009

Give Much Consideration Before Getting Tubes Tied

Q: If a female has her tubes tied can she still get pregnant? Does she still has her monthly period? What would be the procedure and how long is the hospital stay?

A: There are two options: Tubal Ligation-outpatient surgery to cut or tie the fallopian tubes, or Essure spring-like coils inserted to block the fallopian tubes. Tubal ligation, commonly knows as "getting your tubes tied," is a surgical sterilization technique for women. This procedure closes the fallopian tubes, and stops the egg from traveling to the uterus from the ovary. It also prevents sperm from reaching the fallopian tube to fertilize an egg. In a tubal ligation, fallopian tubes are cut, burned, or blocked with rings, bands or clips. The surgery is effective immediately. Tubal ligations are 99.5% effective as birth control. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

Although pregnancy is unlikely, there is a slightly higher risk of ectopic pregnancy after a tubal ligation. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg attaches and grows outside the uterus. This can be very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

Abnormal bleeding and bladder infections are risks after tubal ligations. The procedure does not effect your menstrual cycle so that you will still have your monthly period as before. Although some women report having post-tubal sterilization syndrome. The symptoms include irregular and painful periods, mid-cycle bleeding, or no periods. There is always a risk of unforeseen complications when surgery is involved.

A tubal ligation is a relatively simple outpatient surgery done in a clinic, doctor's office, or hospital. It can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Mini-laparotomies and laparoscopies are the two most common techniques for female sterilization.

Because the procedure is not reversible, young women with no children may have difficulty finding a surgeon to perform the procedure. Women who have reversal surgery and become pregnant have a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy.

It is a very drastic birth control measure and usually only used after a woman has had all the children she may ever want or in cases of severe genetic diseases. From a naturopathic perspective, I would never advise any of my patients to undergo an invasive procedure for the sake of birth control. You never know what life has in store for you and if you would be that unlucky one who has developed complications after a seemingly simple procedure. Although birth control can be cumbersome there is plenty of options out there. If all else fails consider having your partner get a vasectomy instead, it is a lot less dangerous for the man and has a lot less possible side-effects and complications.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca

Co-written by Miranda Tallon-Malisani Holistic Nutritionist