Side effects of getting tubes tied? any advice or stories?

finsup95 · May 2012

I'm pregnant with our third child. We have decided this is our last and I'm considering getting my tubes tied during the csection. But I'm not sure. It's such a final decision, although I am 36 and we will have 3 children. I'm also concerned about the side effects, if any? The nurse practicioner in my ob/gyn's office said women across the board tend to have heavier periods and cramps so they then have to take the pill to control it. Which is ironic. But then the dr said that isn't true that women have heavier periods and that those women think they do cuz most women who have tubes tied had been on birth control for years and are used to regular lighter periods, so that changes when they go off the pill after tubal ligation. So I'm conflicted. And I haven't been on the pill for over 10 years. Any advice or stories? Thanks!

MammaBear81 · May 2012

Not sure of any side effects, but my friend had one and her Dr said that she still needed to use a "back up" form of birth control because it isn't 100% effective. I don't see the point in having your tubes tied if you still have to use condoms, BCP, etc KWIM? DH is getting a vasectomy when we are done.. now that's 100% sure!

BabyBoyNYC · May 2012

well it looks like you need your tubes tied and your hb needs a vasectomy

shouldbworkin · May 2012

I had my tubes tied last month and had no side effects that I was aware of (had a c/s, so it's hard to tell). I do expect my period to be heavy, as it's gotten heavier as I've gotten older and with subsequent PGs. I will probably have an ablation when my period returns. Between the ablation and tubal, I think I'll be safe as far as BC goes.

My OB gave me the stat for tubal PG prevention and I believe it was a little higher than BCPs. If I was willing to take the risk with BCPs, I'll take it with a tubal, too.

luckyluvr · May 2012

IRL, I've never known anyone who has gotten pregnant after a tubal. My mom had one 28 years ago with no problems. If you're not 100% sure, I would say not to do it. Even if your certain right now you're done. Sometimes, just knowing something could never happen again is enough to make you sad. Neither my husband nor I have been "fixed" b/c it's too permanent for me. I might change my mind tomorrow about another baby. I've never had any negative side effects or problems remembering to take BCP, though. FWIW, I have known several people IRL who have gone through attempted reversal or IVF because they had their tubes tied when they thought they were "done", only to change their minds because life went in directions they never imagined.

finsup95 · May 2012

my dr would use the Filshie clamps as well if I opt for it. It is so permanent and I just worry about the thought of having titanium clamps in my body. Then to think it may not be 100% effective. Tough decision. We are discussing my husband getting snipped. Women's bodies are just so much more complicated than a man's, so maybe it would be easier for him to get that done than me getting clamps on my tubes. Thank you all for your input! I appreciate it!

shopgirl78 · May 2012

My periods are heavier and O can hurt like a mo' fo' but it has done wonders for our sex life : )

I chose fishie clamps because I didn't like the idea of burning things in there...

I can say my mind was 100% of the tubal (for a million reasons) but my heart was not...no regrets so far. I did have a pang around DS2's 1st birthday but that quickly passed and now I can't wait to be done with diapers/sippies, etc

Lame but--I also found some comfort you could still get pregnant with IVF--prob lame reasoning tho...

Jodi&Joe · May 2012

I had my tubes cut, tied and the ends burnt during my last c-section. I have had zero side effects.

I would say tube tying is the most effective form of birth control (after abstinence). Sure, everything has a chance. But as my OB told me, if you get pregnant after this (and he has had 2 patience in his tenure as a doctor get pregnant after tube tying) - it is divine intervention and a greater being wanted you to have another child. I told him I didn't care how it happened -- HE would be paying for college for the 3rd one! LOL (teasing, of course)

At any rate, if my periods ever did get heavy/sporatic, I would have an ablation done. I still might have it done anyway - just to be done with this whole bleedingbullshit! But considering I haven't had an annual visit in about 4 years (YIKES!), I don't see me making the effort to get the ablation scheduled!

ETA: Some of the questions my OB had me think about while making the decision -

1. what if you child dies during birth?

2. what if one of your children dies?

3. what if you divorce/spouse dies and your new spouse wants children?

Morbid questions but really something to think about. My nephew recently passed away and I must admit, one of the first things that entered my mind was "I wonder if my SIL will have another baby!" They never really closed that chapter (officially anyway) of their lives so I could see how losing a child would cause someone to have an intense urge to have another one. It caused me to think "what if it was Joey or Cam? Would I want to have another one?" My answer, I think, would still be no so I'm still comfortable with my decision to permanently close up shop but it's definitely something that should be given some thought.

lmdbww · May 2012

My sister had her tubes tied (for medical reasons) after she had her DD and her periods ever since have been absolutely unbearable. Super long, super heavy, PMS so severe it's like a panic attack.

She did go back on the pill for a while to alleviate some of the symptoms but I believe she had to be taken off of everything because of her heart condition.

jlw2505 · May 2012

My youngest is 4 and I had my tubes tied right after her c-section - no side effects, my periods are lighter with less cramps than before she was born. I was on the pill for way to many years before TTC with 1 and then didn't use anything in between the two.

shiloh17 · May 2012

I had my tubal during my 3rd csec. almost 2yrs. ago and haven't had any major issues. My period was a little wacky post partum, but now its regulated. I did spot during ovulation for a year afterwards, but it wasn't a major issue. Sometimes my period is heavy, but not awful. I don't regret my decision at all.