10 Central Pros and Cons of Tubal Ligation

Study shows that more than a quarter of American women cite tubal ligation as their family planning method of choice. This indicates that since its inception in the 1960s, tubal ligation has increasingly become a more preferable method of birth control in the American society.

Women and/or couples, however, have a good range of contraceptive choices. At the onset, one needs to decide whether they want something that works temporarily or permanently. As in the case of tubal ligation, the effect is permanent (1% margin of error), and there is no turning back.

Tubal ligation or tubal sterilization involves tying the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from going to the uterus. Those who would like their tubes tied, it is highly suggested that the procedure take place immediately after childbirth (postpartum tubal ligation).

List of Pros of Tubal Ligation

1. It is permanent.
With as little as 1% margin of error, tubal ligation is one of the most effective ways not to get pregnant ever again. Unlike those so-called long-lasting methods, ligation is forever.

2. It brings confidence.
Even the traditional method of tube tying is virtually more effective than other forms of contraception, outside abstinence. A couple never has to worry about unwanted or unplanned pregnancy.

3. There is no need for schedules.
After getting the tubes tied, the couple no longer needs to mind a woman’s ovulation cycle, schedule of contraceptive vaccine, intake of pills or replacement of IUD. They can have sex without worries.

4. It works immediately.
Once the woman’s tubes are tied, she is immediately protected for life, save for the 1% margin of error. And if the procedure was done after childbirth, the cut heals simultaneously with childbirth cuts.

5. It does not disrupt hormone levels.
Unlike other contraceptive methods like pills and vaccines, tubal ligation does not cause hormonal imbalance and does not affect sex drive, and a woman continues to have her period.

List of Cons of Tubal Ligation

1. It is irreversible.
Once the woman’s tubes are tied, the effect is permanent. If the woman does fell pregnant, it is accidental and very rare.

2. It may cause regret.
If a woman undergoes the surgery, and then suddenly wants to get pregnant again, she may regret having her tubes tied in the first place. This is especially true for those who are still in their reproductive age.

3. The woman might feel cheated.
Unless it is clinically mandatory, a couple needs to discuss and decide together what type of contraceptive to use, permanent or reversible, seasonal or long-lasting. The couple also needs to decide who needs to undergo the permanent birth control method because men can also be permanently sterile by undergoing vasectomy.

4. It has side effects.
Tubal ligation is not free from side effects. The surgery may cause theoretical damages to a woman’s internal organs, not to mention the effects of anesthesia.

5. There is a possibility of tubal pregnancy.
If the procedure fails, it may cause tubal pregnancy, which is very painful and very risky to both mother and child.

Planning the size of the family is a sign of being responsible parents. While there are numerous ways to control pregnancy, tubal ligation among women is permanent. A couple needs to decide they are done having children and resolute about having the woman undergo tubal ligation.