A tubal ligation is commonly referred to as having one's tubes tied. It is typically done as a method of birth control after a woman has the last of her children. At present, a tubal ligation can be reversed but reversal is not always 100 percent successful. The tubal ligation involves tying the woman's fallopian tubes. In similar procedures, the tubes are cut for a more permanent method of birth control. Physical Effects After a woman has a tubal ligation, she can expect a moderately easy recovery. Most tubals are done laparoscopically, meaning small incisions are made in the abdomen, and the doctor enters your abdomen through those decisions. The belly might be slightly distended from the gases that are used by the doctor to separate the abdomen from the skin. The incisions will need to be kept away from restrictive clothing for 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. Showering is acceptable 24 hours after surgery. Eggs Eggs are still produced by the uterus after a tubal ligation. Women who have tubal ligation still menstruate and commonly produce one egg a month. That egg travels through the fallopian tube until it reaches the part of the tube that is tied. It is then absorbed into the body instead of reaching the ovaries, where it could be fertilized by sperm. After Care Women with tubal ligation have an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy happens when the egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube. If the egg is fertilized in the tube, it could rupture because it does not have room to grow. This can cause death. No ectopic pregnancy can be carried to term and all ectopic pregnancies should be removed in early stages. Your doctor will need to see you once a year to ensure your tubes do not grow back together or come untied. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Though a tubal ligation is an excellent method of birth control, it should not be viewed as a means to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. The only effective way to prevent STDs is through use of a latex condom or abstinence. Because the tubal ligation only affects the ability of the egg to be fertilized by the sperm, it will in no way keep STDs from being spread from partner to partner. Source
