BellaOnline Forums Relationships Married No Kids Anyone with a tubal or similar procedure?

I'm looking for women who have had a tubal or similar procedure for permanent birth control/sterilization. What was your experience like? How was your recovery? Did you have any complications? Are you happy with the results? Any pros or cons?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

I had a tubal ligation done when I was 32, single, celibate, and just Dxd with a genetic disease. I had it done under local anesthesia because I have reactions to the big time stuff, it was done with a 'scope. They put in one tube to pump up the cavity with gas so they can work easier, and I thot I was piled high with blankets until I realized it was ME under one thin one! I was HUGE--like a balloon! They put bandaids on the incisions--literally bandaids--with Smiley Faces on them! the one scar I have where they went in thru my navel was because I was overweight at the time and the incision pulled open slightly a few days after the surgery. But the incision right at the hairline is undetectable. I healed in a week. Only disconfort I had was an achy--really achy!--shoulder, that they told me would happen from the gas they used traveling up before it dissipated. They used bands on my fallopian tubes and the left side did get 'rejected'. I do believe I had a pregnancy that miscarried a few years later and they said it was possible because the band did not even show up on x ray or ultra sound. But after a while the tubes will close up anyway--so they told me.
The surgery and recovery was a breeze--easier than the last dental proceedure I had done! But do follow up and make sure if they only use bands (referred to as a 'reversible' one--they did it because I was so young at the time)to check them to make sure they stay--otherwise have it cauterized. and remember--the body is built for 'miracles' so atleast for the first few years--be careful of 'accidents'.

I had a tubal like Ravyn describes at age 35. Only difference in mine is they removed a one inch piece of the tubes near the uterus and cauterized the ends. Good recovery - also the shoulder pain for a couple of days.

Thanks so much, both of you. I am at the very beginning of doing research for myself, and I don't know anything about the different procedure options. I appreciate your input!

I just had my tubal ligation done 11-7-06. I am a 26/f no kids. I am having a heck of a time recovering. I wish I would have known how it was going to be going in. When I first was in the recovery room waking up I had the WORST cramps I have ever had in my life. They kept giving me pain relievers to no avail. Finally had to have morphine pumped in me just so I could leave. I hate pain meds and their side effects so I had to quit them a couple days after. I didn't know that they pumped my tummy full of gas until I called my sister. I didn't know why I felt so bloated and why passing gas wasn't helping this feeling. My sis said it will probably pass in a couple weeks but it will be uncomfortable until then. I have shoulder aches, neck aches, and cramping. It almost feels like I have trapped gas, cramps, and heartburn all at the same time. I really hope it gets better soon. I still think the surgery was worth it however. Even after all of this complaining <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I had a tubal a few years ago, with the bands. The worst part was that I was having an arthritis flair up at the time and had to go without the meds for a few weeks in advance. I was in much more pain from the combination of the uncomfortable recovery cot and the lack of arthritis meds than from the surgery! They didn't want me to leave because I didn't have good pain control, but I knew I wasn't going to get it on that bed!

Also, my doctor tells her patients not to drive after surgery until the 6 week check up - I would have liked to know that much further in advance!

My lower incision was right at counter height and hurt when I bumped it for several months until the stitches fully dissolved. I felt pretty good after a few days, but it really does take several months for your body to fully heal and I don't know of anyone who was well prepared for that reality.

I'm really happy I had it done - it was the right choice for me.

Also, there is a procedure they do at our local Planned Parenthood where they insert metal coils into the fallopian tubes vaginally, causing the tubes to heal shut over a period of a few months. I'm allergic to the metal they use, but everyone I've talked to who has had it done has spoken highly of it. It's a lot cheaper than a tubal as well (luckily my insurance covered it.)

Julie

Wow, lots of people with same symptoms...makes me feel a bit more normal. <img src="/images/graemlins/rolling.gif" alt="" /> I had all the same symptoms, the uncomfortable gassy feeling <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> and the shoulder and back aches...It does get better!!

I would still reccomend it to anyone...I used Kaiser Hospital and they were really great.

Biscuit: I had the ESSURE procedure done about two years ago and was back at work two days later. It was fantastic, very non-invasive and almost painless. The anesthesia was the worst of it, but I am very, very sensitive.

At three months you have to have a dye test to make sure the tubes are completely blocked, then you can finally come off BCP's. It was the most liberating thing I've ever done for myself. I would do it a hundred times more.

Fire