Tubal Ligation/Sterilization

What is it?

Tubal ligation, also referred to as sterilization or having your tubes tied, is a surgery to close your fallopian tubes.

How does it work?

  • The fallopian tube is blocked or removed, so the sperm and egg can no longer meet.
  • The procedure is done by Laparoscopy, Abdominally, or by Hysteroscopy.
    • Laparoscopy:The doctor makes a small incision in the abdomen and clips, burns or removes the fallopian tube.
    • Abdominally: During a cesarean section birth, a doctor can clip or remove the fallopian tubes.
    • Hysteroscopy: The doctor uses a vaginal approach to put small inserts into the fallopian tubes to block them.

Talk to your health-care provider about which method is best for you.

How effective is it?

  • There is a slight risk of becoming pregnant after tubal ligation.
  • About five out of 1,000 women will become pregnant after one year of Tubal Ligation surgery.
  • About 13 out of 1,000 women will become pregnant within five years following Tubal Ligation surgery.
  • Pregnancy may occur if:
    • The tubes grow back together, or a new passage forms, allowing sperm to fertilize an egg.
    • You were pregnant at the time of surgery.

For more information on the advantages and disadvantages of Tubal Ligation, check out this infographic from Sex & U.

Is Tubal Ligation right for you?

  • Tubal ligation is permanent.
  • You should only get the procedure if you are sure you do not want to be able to get pregnant for the rest of your life.
  • Talk to your health-care provider to help determine if it is right for you.
  • If you are unsure, there are many other reliable birth control methods available that are reversible.

For a birth control method that provides the greatest protection against pregnancy, check out the IUD and Implant pages.

Does it prevent sexually transmitted infections?

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