FAQs
1. Who performs a Tubal sterilization?A Gynaecologist usually performs the Tubal sterilization procedure.
2. What is the best time to have a tubectomy done?
Tubectomy should be done best within a week after menstruation. Post partum sterilization is performed within 72 hrs of completion of a vaginal delivery.
3. Are there any precautions to be followed before a tubectomy?
Refrain from sexual intercourse for at least 4 days before tubectomy. If having sexual intercourse, use a condom.
4. Why are these precautions essential before undergoing Tubectomy surgery?
The sperms of semen are alive for 48-72 hours. If the women had sex about 2 days before operation, these sperms would be available in the Fallopian tubes and may fertilize the ova or egg. This fertilised ovum maybe implanted inside the uterus and she may become pregnant even after tubectomy.
There is another aspect of presence of viable sperms in the Fallopian tubes. These sperms may remain trapped at the far end of the Fallopian tubes and fertilize an ovum, even after Tubectomy. This fertilized ovum will not be able to pass into the uterus and hence will impregnate the thin Fallopian Tube resulting in ectopic pregnancy. This is a dangerous condition because ectopic pregnancy may result in rupture of Fallopian tube, severe hemorrhage and sometimes even death if not detected early enough.
5. Will tubectomy protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
It's important to know that sterilization won't protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Always use a condom during each sexual activity to prevent STDs.
6. How soon can I go back to work after sterilization?
That depends on your general health, your attitude, your job and the type of sterilization. Recovery is usually complete in a couple of days. You may want to take it easy for a week or so. Avoid lifting of heavy items for about a week.
7. Will I still have a period?
Yes. You will continue to have your periods. Sterilization won't make you less feminine. It doesn't cause weight gain or facial hair. It won't decrease your sexual pleasure or cause menopause.
8. What If Menstruation Does Not Take Place In Time?
Even after all the preoperative precautions, if you do not have menses - you should immediately go for pregnancy check up. Though tubectomy might have been done correctly, chances of spontaneous re-joining of the tubes are known to occur in rare instances.
9. Can Tubectomy Operation Be Undone?
Yes.Ligated and divided tubes can be successfully opened and their lumen restored by using microsurgery. However Tubal sterilization procedures like hysteroscopic placement of implants are permanent and so are not reversible. The results of subsequent pregnancy are however not high.
10. Which Doctor Should Be Chosen for recanalisation?
Plastic surgeons, who are expert in microsurgery; are usually competent doctors to open and recannalise the Fallopian tubes by microsurgery.
