Tubal Sterilizations
Tubal sterilizations involve closing the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are the part of a woman’s reproductive system that carry the egg from the ovaries to the uterus. With a blocked fallopian tube, the egg cannot reach the uterus, and as such, cannot be fertilized.
Tubal sterilization does not decrease a woman’s sexual pleasure. It does not affect her hormone levels. It does not change her femininity physically. This is the female equivalent of a vasectomy. However, tubal sterilizations are more costly, and a more invasive surgery. Often, a couple will choose to have a vasectomy instead of a tubal sterilization for these reasons.
Some women are concerned that tubal ligation will affect their womanhood. It will not bring on menopause earlier. A hysterectomy is the operation wherein the uterus is removed, and this affects a woman’s hormones: not tubal sterilization. You will still have your period after sterilization. Note that if you are going off hormonal birth control pills after your sterilization, your periods will go back to the way they were before you started hormonal birth control.
Once your fallopian tubes are closed, after an egg is released from the ovaries, it will be reabsorbed into the body. This is normal cellular practice: cells are constantly reabsorbed back into the body.
Tubal sterilizations, particularly those done by incision, can take a day or two before you resume normal sexual activity. However, most doctors recommend you resume sexual activities when you feel comfortable.
There are varying types of tubal sterilization, which fall under the umbrella terms of incision tubal sterilization and non-incision sterilization. Also see our pages on the risks of tubal sterilization.
