Tubal ligation

A permanent contraception method for women

Home Services Contraception and family planning Tubal ligation

A surgical procedure for providing a permanent contraceptive solution

Tubal ligation is a contraceptive method suitable for women who are sure they don’t want anymore children.

Tubal ligation involves a short medical procedure, usually 15-20 minutes long, and once complete offers highly effective protection against unexpected pregnancy.
It also has no effect on a woman’s hormones, so have no effect on a woman and her partner’s sex life.

What to expect at your appointment

The procedure is performed by a highly trained doctor and takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

It is carried out under local anaesthetic and sedation, using simple techniques to seal the fallopian tubes. After this procedure has been performed, an egg cannot move from the ovary through the tubes (a woman has two Fallopian tubes), and eventually to the uterus.

Frequently asked questions about tubal ligation

How does tubal ligation work?

How good is tubal ligation at preventing a pregnancy?

What are the advantages of tubal ligation?

What are the disadvantages of tubal ligation?

If you’re considering tubal ligation, or thinking about using a new method of contraception, it’s a good idea to have a full consultation.

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Tubal ligation aftercare

After recovering from the initial anaesthetic of the procedure and completing a few minor checks, you’ll be allowed to go home.

Our trained staff will provide you with a detailed guide of what to expect after the surgery, and are on hand to answer any questions you may have.

It is completely normal to feel some discomfort and you should consider a few days of rest immediately after the procedure.

Some women experience vaginal bleeding or spotting. We recommend using a sanitary towel if you experience any bleeding. Discomfort, similar to period pain, is also common, and you may be prescribed painkillers for this. Contact us or your doctor for advice if you are still experiencing excessive pain after taking painkillers.

Depending if you have stitches and/or a dressing over your wound, we will advise caring for your wound following the surgery. Generally, however, you should be able to resume showering or bathing as normal once the dressing is removed.

Your sex drive should not be affected by the operation and you can begin having sex as soon as it is comfortable to do so. Long-term partners may not need to use other forms of contraception to prevent pregnancy, but remember that tubal ligation will not protect you from STIs.