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Tubal Ligation

Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception that works by stopping the eggs and sperm meeting. It is suitable for wāhine/women+ who are sure they never want children or who do not want more children. It is called Tubal Ligation, sometimes called “having your tubes tied”.

Overview
How it Works
Pros & Cons
FAQs

Overview

Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure where the fallopian tubes are either closed or cut and tied to stop sperm from reaching an egg to fertilise it.

Key Facts

  • Tubal ligation is a surgery where the fallopian tubes are closed or cut and tied through a small keyhole operation. This keeps sperm from meeting an egg, so no fertilisation can happen.
  • This is a permanent choice. It's for when you're very sure you won't want children in the future.
  • It's really good at preventing pregnancy, but not 100% perfect. About 1 in 200 people who have this surgery may become pregnant.
  • This surgery may be performed under general anaesthetic either by a simple 30 minute procedure or a more complex surgery that might need a hospital stay for a day or two.
  • Your feelings and desire for sex stay the same after this surgery.
  • Tubal ligation does not protect against STIs.

How it Works

Tubal ligation is a permanent contraception to prevent pregnancy. During the surgery the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked. This makes it impossible for sperm to meet an egg and cause pregnancy.

There are two types of procedures, laparascopic and mini laparotomy.

Tubal ligation can also be performed at the time of ceasarean or C-section. 

Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation

This is carried out in hospital. This is the most common procedure. Here’s how it works:

  • Two small cuts are made in the abdomen.
  • A thin tube with a camera and light at the end (laparoscope) goes through one cut, and
    surgical instruments go through the other.
  • The fallopian tubes are located and the tubal ligation performed.
    The cuts are closed with paper tapes or stitches.
  • It will usually be performed under general anaesthetic.
  • The procedure takes about 30 minutes, and usually you don’t need to stay overnight in them hospital.

Mini-Laparotomy

Sometimes, a different procedure called mini-laparotomy is used if laparoscopy isn’t possible. This might happen if there’s scarring or medical conditions such as endometriosis.

Here’s how it works:

  • A single cut about 4 to 5 cm long is made above your pubic hair line.
  • The fallopian tubes are located and the tubal ligation performed.
  • The cut is closed with stitches that dissolve.
  • You might need to stay in the hospital for a day or two with this procedure.

Pros

  • You do not have to remember to take a pill every day, return for the contraceptive injection, or get IUD/Implants changed over the years. 
  • After the procedure is complete, it is a private form of birth control.
  • Tubal ligation does not interfere with intercourse.
  • There are no significant long-term side effects.

Cons

  • As tubal ligation is permanent, and difficult to reverse, some people regret having it – especially if their circumstances change.
  • Tubal ligation does not protect against STIs. Condoms are the most effective method for preventing STIs.
  • There are possible short-term surgery-related complications such as discomfort, infection, bruising or bleeding at the operation site, and possible reaction to anaesthesia.
  • Tubal ligation does not reduce menstrual flow.
  • You will need to see a doctor or specialist.

FAQs

You will need to see your doctor or a specialist (gynaecologist) to find out more about tubal ligation and what services are available in your area.

For the most part, tubal ligation is a safe procedure with very few complications. Most people have no problems after a tubal ligation, however thereir is a small risk of:

  •  Infection, bruising or bleeding at the operation site.
  • Pelvic pain or pain in the abdomen.
  • A possible reaction to general anaesthesia.
  • Rarely, damage to organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, ovaries, blood
    vessels and nerves can occur.
  • Tubal ligation is mostly safe, and most people don’t have problems. But there’s a
    small chance of issues like infection, bleeding, or pain where they did the operation.
    Very rarely, there could be problems with organs like the bowel, bladder, uterus,
    ovaries, blood vessels, or nerves.

Note: Wāhine/women+ includes consideration of whānau and social context and is intended to be inclusive of gender diverse people who share some of the health needs of women but do not identify as women. (RANZCOG, 2022)

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