Tubal Ligation with C-section

Yes, we chose this with my delivery in February. It took an extra 20 minutes, but, because of the spinal, it made no difference to me. I didn't feel a thing.

I did the tubal with my third C section. No regrets! It's easy if you know you don't want anymore children.

Hi C., I had a tubal in November during a c-section at Spectrum. I couldn't even tell it happened, not during or after. It was my 2nd c-section and it was the same. It's best to do it now, as an open procedure is the most effective kind. Doing it laparscopically isn't as guaranteed, but surely most of the time still works... And why take the risk of a 2nd surgery, no matter how minimally invasive?
I just didn't want to be one of those women who at age 45 finds out they're accidentally pregnant, so I went with the most effective way out there. It was nothing. : )

I had a tubal ligation with my 5th c-sction and had no problems at all. Later on, when I had a total hysterectomy is when all the trouble started. Tubals are reversible, but it's expensive and not always successful. Look at it as permanent. If you have any doubts, try another method of birth control and forego the tubal. You can always have it done later. Just because it's "convenient" to do both at the same time doesn't mean you have to.

I too had to have three c-sections. My third pregnancy was really tough towards the end. My doctor said it was because of the first two c-sections that my muscles were so stretched and cut through that I was feeling such bad pain in my muscles at the bottom of my stomach. I felt like he was trying to come out for the last month there was so much pressure on my lower area! I did have a tubal litigation during that C-section and I am happy I did. He said that the more I had the worse I would feel. I didn't feel any change in my body except a little burning sensation in my abdomen and they said that was from the burning they did to the tubes, but it went away after a day or two. Anyway now that the baby is three I am glad I made the descision it is getting harder with him to get the kids to school every morning and I wouldn't want to have to drag another newborn out in winter I always feel bad when I have to wake him up in the morning to go out. I felt bad right after I had it done and it felt so final and I was so worried about him (if something happened God forbid I would not be able to have more) but it really was worth it. I feel sort of sad when I see newborns but it is nice to hold them and give them back when they are screaming for what seems like no reason and the best part is he is going to start school in the fall and I will have some Mommy time for a couple hours a day and the older kids can get more of my attention now that I don't have a newborn taking up all of my time! We can also do more family things without having to worry about feedings and naps. Sorry so long good luck with your choice and I wish you all the blessings for a great future :)

I did this with my last c-section as well (I have had 2 now, 1 emergancy and one planned - no option). Healing maybe a bit slower - it hurt/was uncomfortable to lay on my sides for a couple of days, but I really didn't have any additional pain or recovery time.

It's great not having to take BC pills - now maybe I can finally loose some of this baby weight!(I gained terribly on 1 kind of pill and then maintained on another, couldn't loose for anything!)

J.

I had my tubes tied after my 3rd and have no regrets just twinges every now and then for ten years. It is great not to have to take a pill every day or deal with the other hassles of birth control. With 3 kids you reallly are streched thin with activities etc. that you don't feel the need for more or at least I didn't. besides nowdays 5 people is a large family to support.

While I have never experienced either procedure, I can completely sympathize with your dilemma. If you have any doubts in your mind, you may consider talking to your doctor about other semi-permanent methods of family planning, such as mirena, which can be removed if you and your husband decide that you want a bigger family. I'm sure you and he will make the right decision for your family. Congratulations on the soon-to-be new addition!!

I had a tubal when I had to have an emergency c-section. My Dr. already knew that I wanted a tubal and we discussed that he was to go ahead with the tubal regardless of what happened. (i thank God every day my son was fine)He was my 5th pregnancy and son and my only c-section.

I knew my family was complete. I wanted to be done having children by the time I was 35. So the tubal was the way to go for me.

I've had no complications and do not regret my decision.
But I did go through a period of mourning which is natural.

Good luck and best wishes.

I had 2 c-sections and I had a tubal at the same time as my second c-section. I knew I only wanted 2 children and I was comfortable with my decision. I have never had any regrets. There were no problems afterwards either. If your health is at risk by getting pregnant again and your doctor has suggested that you consider a tubal, it is easier to have it done while you are there for the delivery of your last bundle of joy. Good Luck with making this tough decision.

Honestly, if you are unsure now, don't do it. I was sure I only wanted one baby and had the procedure and now I would give anything to have another baby.

Hello C.,

Congratulations on your pregnancy and upcoming birth! This time in your life is such a wonderful time. I often consider when my five children were young and all at home as the best time of life!

I, too, am an RN and have had 4 c-sections. My last birth was a VBAC at home with a midwife. My late husband and I were married for 25 years and used and taught natural family planning(NFP)for 20 years. Being in this field, so many women confided in me that they were sorry they had a tubal; not only because of the relative permanence, but also because of what is known as "post-tubal syndrome." As many as 22-37% of sterilized women experience this assortment of long-term complications. These include: severe menstrual cramps, pain with intercourse, pelvic pain or pressure, and heavy periods. Some women complained to me of just feeling awful generally for many years, which they linked to the tubal. Others gained weight. The risk of cervical cancer among a study of 489 post-tubal women was 3.5 times the normal rate. (You can contact me if you'd like these references.)

Have you ever considered NFP? It is 99% effective if learned and practiced correctly. As you know, women are fertile only for a short time in their cycle. NFP teaches a couple to recognize that time and to avoid marital relations if they are postponing pregnancy. It increases marital communication and it is just awesome to see the female fertility cycle work!
There are no negative physical side effects and it allows a woman to really know her body. If you'd like more information, see www.ccli.org. If you'd like to contact me, my e-mail is ____@____.com bless you as you strive to make the right decision in this important area of your married life.

F.

P.S. Doctors generally are not well informed about modern natural family planning. It is NOT rhythm or calendar based, but it is based on actual physical signs of fertility.

I too am pregnant with my third and it is a planned C-section. My 1st was an emergency and the 2nd I planned VBAC but with no progression during labor decided on another C-section.
My doctor then told me it was good that I did because I have a backwards tilting pelvic bone that makes it impossible to give a natural birth.
With my 2nd and 3rd I have been borderline gestational diabetes and I get Hyperemesis Gravidarum during pregnancy which has been particularly difficult with this last one.
My doctor looked over the notes from my last C-section and the lining of my uterus and my incision scar are both thin and another pregnancy could be quite risky.
I have decided on a tubal with this C-section. My doctor asks me every visit if I still want one as I'm only 27, but I feel the risks are not worth mine or the child's life.
There is always adoption if I really, really feel the need to add to our family.
Prayer helps, God has a plan for your family. Blessings to you.

I have 4 children 14,8,5,and 2 and when we got pregnant with my last daughter my husband and I decided at 33 and 4 kids we had had plenty. But I also raise my kids alone my husband is on the road and I have no help so it was a decision that worked for us. I had a c-section with my son 5 and my youngest the first one was brutal and I swore I would deliver at home before I had another one. But my doctor wouldn't let me v-back so I decided to go ahead and have my tubes tied while I had the section. I do not regret my decision at all we live in a small home barely fitting us now and if I do get an urge to have a baby it goes away quickly when someone comes in sreaming that so and so hit them. It is a decision that the both of you especially you must make I am still going through depression due to the extreme hormonal change. And I put on 40 pounds in 2 weeks a month after surgery my situation may be my own but the hormone change is real. Talk it over with your doctor and your husband and make sure it is the right thing for you to do. As far as the surgery it is no more complicated than the c-section no major difference in recovery time or pain. Don't get me wrong I love my kids dearly but we had to make the decision that best suited us and our other 4 kids. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do, take your time I didn't make the final decision until the day of my surgery and I have never regretted it.

I had a c-section, and had my tubes tied after my 4th son was born. I had heavier periods but they were irregular. My periods have been like clockwork since my first one, and after my tubes were tied it wasn't unusual to go 2-4 months at a time with no period, then when I do get one its very heavy and crampy. Then I got pregnant with my 5th baby! Never say never, tubals are only 98% effective and there is no test to make sure the procedure was successful. If you are considering sterilization because of health concerns have you and your husband thought about a vasectomy? If he had one, afterwards he would go in to be tested to make sure that it worked. They cant do that with women. Just wanted to share my experience and you have to do whats right for you. God bless!

Hi C. I had my third and last child 4 yrs ago.. and also had a c-section and tubal done at the same time. The only bad thing was my milk supply wasnt there I guess when you have the tubal it messes with your hormones. and so I didnt have the supply I had before with my other kids. other then that all is well. Im 44 and had my 3rd at 40 so I was considered high risk also.. I also had high blood pressure with 2 out of my 3 pg. My opinion is if your gonna have it done have it done while you have your c-section that way you wont have to go through surgery again. good luck.

Hi C.!

I had my tubes tied after my second c-section, and am happy with my decision. My thoughts were; as long as the Dr. is "in the neighborhood," why wait and have another surgery? I am on the mini pill still, because I had spotting and very irregular periods after my son was "harvested." Ask your Dr. about that. It may be me though; I am 40, so things are starting to change a bit too. Check w your insurance as well. Ours only covered 50%, but it wasn't too expensive; cheaper than a vasectomy.

Good Luck!

Hi C.,

I do not have experience with a tubal ligation, but I can say this like others have said to you. If you are not sure that you are done having children do not do it. I am not sure how serious your risks are that would for sure come into play for me, and help with my decisions. I can tell you my husband had a vasectomy when I was 33yrs old and pregnant with our 3rd. I will be 38 soon and would give ANYTHING to have another baby. I am very blessed and thankful for the ones I do have, but I really regret making things so premanent when we did. I thought for sure I was done, she was a little bit of a surprise as it was. Now that she is in kindergarten I hate the house being quite in the afternoons. So my advice is do not do it. Find a different method until you and your husband are 100% sure that is what you want. Good Luck and Congratulations on your up coming birth.

T.

Have the tubal, many yrs. ago I had one because of the R H factor, which now a shot has taken care of. Stop now! BTW, I have three beautiful children and 5 grandchildren.

Hi C.,

I had a tubal after I got pregnant with number 4. It was my second c section and I was 38 going to be 39 at delivery so I thought for sure I would end up with 5 children if I did not do the tubal. I was ready for it, when I had three children all I thought about was having one more boy and during my pregnancy with him I KNEW I was done. Make sure you know in your heart you are done. When my friends would tell me they were pregnant I would say, "Ohhhhhh, I would like to have one more boy." God blessed me with my desire and I was prepared to call it quits once he came along. Your health issues and your age will be a factor in your next pregnancy, all I heard about during my 4th pregnancy was that I was advanced maternal age and it drove me nuts. The only way I got through it was knowing God blessed me with something that I wanted and he is healthy and I am so glad he came along. You have to know in your heart you do not want anymore children, I have a totally different feeling now when friends tell me they are pregnant. It is also best to have a tubal with a c section because they are already in there, you would have to wait a period of time after a natural delivery to have a tubal.

I would suggest getting a second opinion - I have friends who have had a variety of "risk" factors and were advised permanent sterilization. Their best solution was a doctor who was willing to work with their serious situation, but who truly appreciated the value and gift of a new life. I currently go this doctor and have been very impressed - Dr. Dan Greene in Rochester.

I have not had a tubal. I have 2 kids both c-section also. I am also a RN. Any who. I have a few friends that have had a tubal. The only thing they had said is that their hormones were out of sorts. They got very emotional. Bad post partum. After dealing with the emotional roller coaster they are glad they did it.
I don't know if that helps, but I am sure the doctors won't tell you that part. They seem to not tell all.
I hope that prepairs you if you decide to have a tubal.

I had a tubal with delivery by c-section and it was the right choice for me. I was having my 4th boy at 34 and I knew that was all I wanted to have. I made the decision to have my tubes tied before my due date in the unlikely event that I was to have a c-section. I wasn't supposed to have a c-sect. but life has a way...The procedure added only minutes to the operation. I have never regretted it for even a minute. When you know you are done and you know you cannot get pregnant, it is a wonderful place to be in my life and marriage. Good luck!

I had a tubal ligation after my second c-section and I didn't feel any different. I was 32 when I had the surgery. The second c-section was more painful than the first but I don't think it had anything to do with the tubal.

Hi C.,

I had a tubal 6 years ago when I had my daughter by c-section. Of course, no one knows but you if you should or should not have any more children, but I can tell you a bit about the procedure and the recovery. The procedure itself is pretty quick, and if you are sure you want to have it done, getting it done with your c-section is the way to go. I'm not sure if you have previously had a c-section. I had both of my kids by c-section. The recovery was similar, maybe a little more difficult with the tubal, but it wasn't too bad. I sometimes felt a pulling sensation where my tubes are when I tried to turn over in bed. That was about the worst of it. The choice to not have anymore children is a very personal one, and up to you and your husband, but if that is your choice, and you are already having surgery, I would definitely recommend having the tubal. It is fairly easy, and then you don't have to worry about it anymore. It had no effect on my monthly cycles.

Best of luck to you and your family.

P.

I would not make such a BIG decision under your hormonal conditions! I too was in your situation years ago. My Dr. tried to get me to do the same thing, but I declined. I instead made the decision manth later with a clear mind and knowing exactly what I was doing.

GL:)

Hi C.,

I had a tubal after my 2nd c-section and I couldnt tell at all.(well during the c-section actually so that I didnt have to have another invasion!). I knew that I didnt want anymore children (and really you could always harvest eggs if u ended up wanting more bad enough). My 2nd daughter is 3 now and I have never regretted it...not having to worry about birth control is huge to me (I didnt wnat to be taking all thoughs hormones for so many years..I am 31 now so that is a long time to be on birth control) and I didnt want an "oops" at 42!! I am very glad that I had the tubal...I hope you are able to make the decision that is right for you.

S.

Hi C.,
I had my tubes tied when I had my son-I also had a C-section. He is my 2nd child and it was my 1st C-section. The reason I chose to have my tubes tied was we felt complete with 2 children (my daughter is 8 and my son is 18 months). Basically, you and your husband need to decide if you feel "complete" with the wonderful family you have. This is a very personal decision and there are no right or wrong answers. Good luck!

Hi C., my name is S. and this may put a little different spin on the normal answer. I am a 48 year old grandma and had my last child 17 years ago, but I remember very distinctly having my son and how I felt. I knew this would be the last baby. My eldest was 8 and I also had a 5 year old at the time. Even thought I knew for SURE that I didn't want any more children, I still felt a little twinge because I was doing something so permanent.It was my 3rd C-section, and at that time,I was told that it strongly recommended not to go beyond 3. I don't know if that has changed in all these years, but I know for sure that after I got past those initial feelings, I was glad I had my tubal ligation with the C section; it was so much easier. For me, 3 children kept me quite busy and now, having a teenager and being almost 50, well, it has it's own challenges. The best to you and your husband and family, whatever you decide.

Hello C..
I am 35 years old and have two wonderful boys who are 5 and 9. Both were delivered via c-section. I was not considered high risk, but when my first son was born, he was unstable during labor and had to be delivered by an emergengy c-section. When I was pregnant with my 2nd son, I developed pregnancy induced Sciatica, and was on a medical leave 3 months prior to his due date. A c-section was scheduled. During my medical leave, the decision was made to have a tubal ligation. I felt the same as you, that I was blessed to have two beautiful boys and felt as though my body could not handle another pregnancy. The procedure was done during the c-section and I did not notice any symptoms or complications from the tubal. The only thing that I have noticed, is that my mentrual cycle is a bit heavier than what it used to be prior to the tubal. I am currently divorced, but still have no regrets about getting my tubes tied.

Hi I had a tubal with my c-section about 1 1/2 ago. This was my first c-section so I really didn't know any different. I thought it was a good idea seems how we knew we didn't want anymore kids and I was already having the c-section. The only problem I have had with the tubal is that my periods were a lot heavier than before, they have started to lighten up a little though.

C.,

It's a personal choice. My mom and my sister both had their tubes tied and had a much harder time during their period afterwards.

My husband and I choose to go the vasectomy route just in case it would cause me problems as well. After all, you have gone through three pregnancies and will soon go through three c-sections. Why not let him have a turn?

Just another way of looking at it. Good luck!