Tubal Ligation Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

Table of Contents
View All
Table of Contents

Tubal ligation surgery is an elective procedure that involves cutting, sealing, clipping, or tying off the fallopian tubes—which connect the ovaries to the uterus—to prevent sperm from reaching an egg. Also known as getting your tubes tied or female sterilization, a tubal ligation is a permanent form of contraception that is effective in almost all cases.

Tubal ligation surgery can be done on its own, but it is also sometimes done in the hospital very soon after a person gives birth—particularly via cesarean section (C-section), as surgeons can use the same incision to reach the fallopian tubes.

What Is Tubal Ligation?

Tubal ligation seals off the fallopian tubes by either clamping, snipping, and sealing, or tying then cutting and sealing them. The fallopian tubes carry a released ovum (egg) from the ovaries to the uterus, and are usually the place where an egg is fertilized by a sperm.

The procedure can be done either laparoscopically or as an open surgical procedure, as is the case when done after a C-section or a myomectomy. Once the tubes are closed or "tied," sperm will not be able to reach an egg, so pregnancy cannot take place.

Tubal ligation is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Failure can occur if the fallopian tubes reconnect themselves, which happens occasionally. If a pregnancy does occur after a tubal ligation, there is a 33% chance of it being a non-viable ectopic pregnancy.

Types of Tubal Ligation Surgery

Tubal ligation is often performed within hours of childbirth (postpartum). But it can also be done on its own (interval).

Tubal ligations can be performed in a few different ways. In determining the right method for you, your healthcare provider will (in advance) consider factors such as your body weight, any previous abdominal surgery, and whether you will be having the procedure immediately following a vaginal birth, C-section, or other surgery.

Among the options your healthcare provider will consider:

An open procedure requires a much larger incision and, on its own, would be major surgery. As such, open tubal ligation is rarely done in the absence of another procedure also being performed.

Be sure you ask your healthcare provider why a particular technique is being recommended and get answers to any questions you may have.

Contraindications

The main contraindication for tubal ligation is the person's desire to have children. The procedure is only recommended for women who are absolutely certain that they do not want to get pregnant in the future.

Every person is different, but according to 2012 study of people who got the procedure, subjects were more likely to regret having their tubes tied if:

  • They were young
  • They had few or no children
  • They only chose this method because their partner wanted it
  • They thought the procedure would help fix relationship problems
  • They decided on a tubal ligation because they believed it would solve financial issues

For women who have a tubal ligation and change their minds later, a tubal reversal may be possible. However, it requires major surgery that isn't always effective. Roughly 40% to 60% of women who have their tubal reversed become pregnant.

Additional contraindications apply to certain procedures. People who are obese, have an adhesive disease, or have medical comorbidities may not be good candidates for abdominal or laparoscopic surgery.

In people whose fallopian tubes are anatomically abnormal, procedures that use clips or rings to close off the tubes may not be appropriate.

Potential Risks

As with any surgical procedure, a tubal ligation carries some risk. Possible problems can be broken down into three categories.

Risks due to the actual procedure: These may include incomplete closure of the tubes (resulting in pregnancy in roughly 1 out of 200 women), injury to nearby organs or structures caused by surgical instruments, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy if pregnancy occurs after tubal ligation.

Risks related to the use of anesthesia: The type of anesthesia used depends on the surgical approach chosen. Tubal ligation may be performed with either conscious sedation (a form of anesthesia where you are awake, but relaxed and drowsy) or deep sedation (a general anesthetic is given and you are asleep).

Anesthesia can be local, regional (the body is numb from the navel down), or general (involving the entire body).

Risks of surgery in general: General risks of any surgery include infection and bleeding.

Patient being sedated by anesthesiologist before surgical procedure
SDI Productions / Getty Images

Purpose of Tubal Ligation

While the purpose of tubal ligation is to make it so that a person cannot get pregnant, why people seek this end result can differ and is highly personal.

For example, some people may not have children and may not want any in the future. Others may already have children but not want to add to their family for a variety of reasons. Still, others may be advised against future pregnancies due to serious health concerns.

The possible benefits of tubal ligation include:

  • It is convenient and effective: Once you heal, you don't need to worry about contraception again.
  • It has a very good success rate of pregnancy prevention.
  • It does not have any of the hormonal side effects associated with some other birth control options.

Tubal ligation also has the added advantages of possibly reducing your risk of certain diseases.

Research published in 2012 suggests that having a tubal ligation reduces your risk for ovarian cancer by up to 30%. Although the exact reason for this is unknown, there are two main theories for this finding:

  • When you have your tubes tied, the blood supply to your ovaries is interrupted. This may alter your hormone levels, resulting in a reduced risk of ovarian cancer.
  • The closing off of the fallopian tubes may, perhaps, protect the ovaries from environmental agents that could cause cancer.

Yet another benefit of tubal ligation is that having your tubes tied may lower your chances of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

While the risk of PID may be reduced, remember that tubal ligation does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

How to Prepare

Preparation for tubal ligation always involves confirming that you are certain that you want the procedure performed. If you choose to proceed, your healthcare provider will then review technique options and logistics to help plan for your surgery.

Counseling and Consent

In the United States, sterilization procedures require informed consent. Prior to tubal ligation surgery, you will be provided with counseling to ensure you understand the procedure is permanent and not intended to be reversed.

The discussion will include alternative methods of long-acting contraception (such as an IUD) and the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Location

Tubal ligation surgery can be performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical clinic. If you are having a laparoscopic procedure that is not being performed immediately after giving birth, it can be performed as same-day surgery.

What to Wear

During the procedure, you will be wearing a hospital gown. Whether you are coming to the hospital for childbirth or for stand-alone/same-day tubal ligation, it is recommended you wear something comfortable that is easy to change out of.

You will not be allowed to wear jewelry during the procedure and you should leave anything of value at home.

Food and Drink

Your healthcare provider will instruct you on when you will need to stop eating and drinking prior to the procedure. It is typically recommended to consume anything for at least eight hours before any surgery.

Medications

Your healthcare provider will let you know what medications you can and cannot take in the days leading up to surgery. If you are pregnant and planning to have the procedure after giving birth, these directions may/may not differ from those you've been instructed to follow throughout gestation.

Certain drugs and supplements should not be taken prior to any surgery. Blood thinners, in particular, may cause problems with blood clotting during such a procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use so you receive the proper guidance.

Don't assume that your entire surgical team knows what medications you are taking. Repeat it to them on the day of your tubal ligation so they are aware of what you have been on and how much time has passed since you last took it. 

What to Bring

Most interval tubal ligations will not require a hospital stay. You will not be allowed to drive after the procedure, so be sure to make arrangements in advance so you have a ride home. Do not forget to bring your insurance documents and identification.

If you are planning a postpartum procedure, it is wise to put a hospital bag together in advance. In addition to items for bringing home baby, include some necessities and comfort items for yourself.

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

If your tubal ligation is being done on its own or in conjunction with a planned C-section, you will know exactly when to report to the medical facility. If the surgery is planned to follow spontaneous childbirth, the exact date of your procedure will, obviously, not be known.

Given your circumstance, do all you can to arrive at your surgery having followed all of your healthcare provider's pre-op instructions.

Before the Surgery

A pregnant person will give birth first, either vaginally or by C-section. Those who are not pregnant will check in to the hospital or ambulatory care facility and be taken to a room to change into a hospital gown.

A member of the surgical team will review your medical history, ask questions about the last time you ate or drank, and take your vital statistics. You may also be given a pregnancy test to confirm you are not pregnant.

You will be connected to an IV for fluids and medications and brought into the operating room, which will be set up with an operating table, surgical equipment, computers and screens, and other medical machinery. Sedation will be administered by either general or regional anesthesia, such as an epidural.

During the Surgery

What happens next depends on the type of tubal ligation procedure being done.

Laparoscopic

For a laparoscopic tubal ligation, the surgeon makes an incision in the navel and possibly another incision in the lower abdomen. A laparoscope (a small, telescope-like instrument with a light) is then inserted through the incision.

The fallopian tubes are closed up by either cutting and sealing them, clamping them, or removing them entirely. The laparoscope is then withdrawn and the incisions are closed with stitches or special tape.

Mini-Lap

Within 24 hours after giving birth, you will be taken to an operating room for the procedure. Because your uterus is still enlarged from being pregnant, your fallopian tubes are right at the top of the uterus—which is located just under your belly button.

A small incision is made in or near the navel, the fallopian tubes are brought up through it, and a small section of each tube is removed. Alternately, both tubes can be removed completely, and sometimes clips are used to close off the tubes.

Open Laparotomy

An open laparotomy is performed immediately after a preceding surgery is complete. The surgeon will use the incision already made to remove or cut and seal both fallopian tubes before closing up your abdomen.

Regardless of the type of tubal ligation you have, the procedure takes about 15 minutes to complete.

After the Surgery

Once the procedure is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room and monitored closely until the anesthesia has worn off. If you came for a same-day procedure, it can take up to four hours before you are ready to be discharged.

If you had a baby before your tubal ligation, you will either return to the labor and delivery department for additional monitoring (if necessary) or moved to a hospital room to recover.

Recovery

For those who have a postpartum tubal ligation, the procedure will not add any additional recovery time than childbirth. The only difference is you will have a small incision on your abdomen that your healthcare provider will advise you on how to care for.

Following an interval tubal ligation, most people can return to work within a few days. Pain medication can help to relieve any discomfort.

It is recommended that you avoid strenuous exercise for several days. And in general, most people feel ready to have sex again within a week. Follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions in your case.

The majority of people recover from this procedure with no problems. Unlike with male sterilization (vasectomy), no tests are required to check for sterility.

The ovaries are not removed during a tubal ligation. This means hormone levels will continue to fluctuate throughout the month and you will still get your period. A tubal ligation will not interfere with sexual function or desire.

Summary

Female sterilization is an effective and cost-effective form of birth control for people who are absolutely certain they do not want to become pregnant in the future. The decision to have a tubal ligation should not be taken lightly. While a tubal ligation is reversible, only about half of people who have the procedure reversed go on to become pregnant.

14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Effectiveness of family planning methods.

  2. Shoupe D, Mishell DR. ContraceptionWomen and Health. 2013:209-234. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-384978-6.00015-7.

  3. Sung S, Abramovitz A. Tubal ligation. StatPearls.

  4. Premalatha R, Tripathi MS. A study on the reversal of sterilisation in women over two decadesJ Obstet Gynaecol India. 2012;62(1):62–67. doi:10.1007/s13224-012-0144-x

  5. Jokinen E, Heino A, Karipohja T, Gissler M, Hurskainen R. Safety and effectiveness of female tubal sterilisation by hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, or laparotomy: a register based study. BJOG. 2017;124(12):1851-1857. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.14719

  6. Rice MS, Murphy MA, Tworoger SS. Tubal ligation, hysterectomy and ovarian cancer: A meta-analysisJ Ovarian Res. 2012;5(1):13. doi:10.1186/1757-2215-5-13

  7. Levgur M, Duvivier R. Pelvic inflammatory disease after tubal sterilization: a review. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2000;55(1):41-50. doi:10.1097/00006254-200001000-00022

  8. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 208: Benefits and risks of sterilizationObstet Gynecol. 2019;133(3):e194‐e207. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003111

  9. American College of Surgeons. Medication and surgery: before your operation.

  10. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist. Sterilization by laparoscopy.

  11. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Sterilization for women and men.

  12. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Postpardum sterilization.

  13. University of Michigan: Michigan Medicine. Laparoscopic tubal ligation.

  14. American Academy of Family Physicians: FamilyDoctor.org. Tubal sterilization (tubal ligation).

By Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC
Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC, is a published author, college professor, and mental health consultant with over 15 years of counseling experience.