Tubal Ligation :: Benefits, Risks And Alternatives - My Experience

I've seen lots of threads on here about how much TL 'ruined' women's lives. Sex drive, attitude, etc. Many I've read on here are upset because they want to have more kids now, 1, 3, or even 10 years later.

If you're considering having a TL done, remember that the doctor shouldn't be blamed. At the doctor's office, prior to surgery, you HAVE to sign an Informed Consent form. I work in medical records as a registered technician. I see this forms all the time - and I signed one for my procedure. When I review a medical record, I have to look for the phrase "discussed / reviewed Benefits, Risks and Alternatives.." in the patient history and physical. If your Dr. is not reviewing those 3 things with you, you have 2 choices: be proactive about YOUR body and ASK or find another doctor!

My dr. did not go over the risks, but he did try to get me to go a different route (alternative) and discussed how beneficial it would be vs. hormonal methods or implants (IUD). However, I hold nothing against him. I did my research prior to the ELECTIVE surgery. SO, just saying, it's not all on the doctor. Patients need to take responsibility for their decisions.

I've heard a lot about PTLS - post tubal ligation syndrome. I do find it interesting so many women share the same effects, however I am curious as to how blocking the fallopian tubes messes with hormone levels. Very curious , as I've not seen anything on the PTLS boards linking them. I won't discount it though. However, maybe a small handful of those women who have PTLS have lack of sex drive because they are depressed. Maybe they are depressed because they regret their decision to have a TL done. Those with heavy bleeding, consider what your period was like before you were ever on a birth control pill. So many of us have spent many many years on BC hormonal pills that we get used to a predictable period that is identical every month. Pills regulate the cycle - pills dictate when you will bleed. Take that  away and you give your body a chance to do it's own thing. Most women though stop the pill to 1-switch to another, 2- get pregnant or 3- have their tubes tied. If you go straight from pill to pregnancy to TL, you don't know what kind of period is normal for you.

Again, not discounting PTLS, BUT I want those considering a very effective surgery ( or even Essure now! ) to not be scared if they truly want it.
Now, remember, it is considered a "major surgery" , even in laparoscopic form as I had following birth. I won't lie , for me the recovery was horrible. I elected to be awake for the procedure, with just a spinal block. I did this so I wouldn't be too groggy to see my baby afterwards. Also, it was really interesting participating in conversation during the procedure!! Anyway, when the numbness wore off, I could not even walk to the bathroom without feeling like "please, let me just pee in my pants and someone clean me up - don't wanna move!". Eventually it got easier to walk, but getting up was the worst for about 9 days. Glad I didn't have a Csection, I now can't see why anyone would elect one of those! but I digress.. SO, after I was healed, stitches dissolved (small piece not completely, but I just pulled it and it came right out and I was fine.. granted this was after 3 weeks, I'd NEVER recommend this ), I couldn't wait to have unprotected, uninhibited sex with my husband! No worries of another baby, no worries of "did I take my pill?" (and no worries of affording the pill!).. Maybe I was and am not depressed and losing my sex drive (it's increased ten fold) because I genuinely 100% know for a fact that I am done having babies. My husband is done. We are happy with the 3 miracles we have and are enjoying our newest baby. Sure, I'm tired sometimes, but I have a 15 week old baby. I take care of myself, eat well and exercise 6  days/ week. I am active with my kids. I work a full time / over time job in the hospital.

I just wanted to put it out there that not ALL women who have a tubal ligation live to regret it (I've seen so many "you will regret it" posts, and I think, how do you know what I will regret?!)
 
Good luck, I hope I've helped at least one person! Not to sway you into it or away from it, but to give you insight into a positive experience.