Tubal ligation, where the fallopian tubes are tied off to keep you from getting pregnant, can be performed through surgery. Women who are interested in getting a tubal ligation in Malta should know exactly what the procedure entails, its advantages and disadvantages, and most importantly whether they are good candidates for the it or not.
What is Tubal Ligation?
Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes, which are thin tubes connecting your ovaries to the uterus, are tied off. This stops the eggs released by your ovaries in your monthly menstrual cycle from meeting with sperm, preventing fertilisation; in other words, preventing pregnancy.
Tubal ligation is usually performed either at a hospital or at an outpatient surgical clinic. An anesthetic is administered prior to surgery so nothing is felt during the procedure. Through one or two small incisions in your abdomen, your fallopian tubes will be cut, sealed, clamped or tied, based on what is agreed between you and the surgeon beforehand. Following suturing (stitching), you are sent home in a couple of hours to rest.
Advantages of Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation is a permanent procedure, making it an ideal solution for you if you do not want to have children or you don’t want to get pregnant again.
The efficacy of getting tubes tied is quite high, with only 1% of women becoming pregnant after undergoing the procedure (WebMD, 2019).
You do not need to keep track of your cycle or time to take pills as in oral contraception.
It has no affect on your hormones, so your periods remain the same, and you don’t experience side effects as in oral birth control methods (no moods, headaches or weight fluctuation).
According to a recent systematic review and meta analysis, tubal ligation seems to promote a reduction in the risk of endometrial cancer by 42%. While further studies are implicated to verify the mechanism behind this risk reduction, this still offers a reassuring advantage (Loghmani et al., 2019).
Disadvantages of Tubal Ligation
As with every other surgical procedure, a tubal ligation carries risks such as bowel, bladder or blood vessel damage and bleeding. Additionally, surgical wounds may get infected and a reaction to anesthesia may also be possible.
Since this is a permanent solution, a surgical reversal is not always possible. It is advisable that only women who are certain about not wanting to get pregnant again should seek tubal ligation, otherwise, other methods of contraception should be opted for.
This being said, the procedure is not fail-proof, and approximately 1% of women getting tubes tied still end up getting pregnant, more likely with an ectopic pregnancy. This is where a fetus implants in one of the fallopian tubes instead of in the uterus, which may cause severe bleeding as well as rupturing of the fallopian tube.
Getting tubes tied doesn’t reduce or eliminate your risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. In order to prevent any of these, condoms are recommended.
Post-tubal ligation syndrome is possible following tubal ligation due to a rapid decline in your estrogen and progesterone (hormone) levels. Symptoms include irregular or heavy periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low libido, mood swings and insomnia.
Recovery Phase
Following tubal ligation, it is normal to experience cramping in your abdomen, as well as vaginal bleeding, dizziness, or a sore throat as a result of anesthesia. Your surgical wounds may also feel slightly uncomfortable. Depending on the method used by your surgeon, you may also experience some bloating, which may lead to abdominal or shoulder pain lasting only for a few days.
After two days you may have a bath or a shower, however, do not rub your surgical wound site for at least one week, and make sure you pat-dry gently but carefully to avoid possible infection.
You may ease into your normal routine in a few days after the procedure, but avoid heavy lifting until you are reviewed by your GP. You may have sex after a week following surgery.
Tubal Ligation in Malta
If you are interested in undergoing tubal ligation in Malta, it is best to talk to your gynaecologist for guidance on what options you have available. At times you may be a good candidate for surgery at Mater Dei Hospital, however, in many circumstances, the only option is that of undergoing tubal ligation at a private hospital. Your gynaecologist can guide you accordingly.
References
Loghmani, L., Saedi, N., Omani-Samani, R., Safiri, S., Sepidarkish, M., Maroufizadeh, S., . . . Almasi-Hashiani, A. (2019). Tubal ligation and endometrial Cancer risk: A global systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer, 19(1), 942.
WebMD, 2019. Getting Your Tubes Tied: Pros, Cons, What to Know. Accessed at https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/should-i-get-my-tubes-tied on 1st March 2021.
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Claire Galea is a mum of three currently reading for a Degree in Nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, as a mature student. She is keen about holistic patient-centered care as well as public education about health-related subjects, which she frequently writes about on Wham as a Content Writer and Website Editor.
Claire is also passionate about spreading awareness on the negative effects that domestic abuse leaves on its victims’ mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. She is the author of two downloadable ebooks, namely Heal Your Life Forever and 5 Simple Steps To Creating The Life Of Your Dreams.
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