Tubal ligation - meaning and definition
Alsofemale sterilisationtubal sterilisationhaving your tubes tiedsalpingectomytubes tiedtied tubesbisalpbilateral salpingectomy
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that blocks, seals or removes the fallopian tubes so eggs cannot meet sperm, providing permanent contraception.
At a glance
- It blocks, seals or removes the fallopian tubes so eggs cannot meet sperm.
- It is usually done by keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic.
- Many surgeons now remove the tubes entirely, a procedure called salpingectomy.
- It is more than 99% effective.
- It does not cause menopause, and periods continue as before.
In detail
It is usually done by keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic. Many surgeons now remove the tubes entirely, a procedure called salpingectomy, which may also lower the risk of some ovarian cancers.
It is more than 99% effective and does not cause menopause, because the ovaries and hormones are left untouched; periods continue as before. Reversal is complex and often unsuccessful, so it suits people who are confident they do not want a pregnancy in future.
In a sentence
- She had a tubal ligation after deciding she did not want any more children.
- The surgeon explained the difference between tubal ligation and salpingectomy.
Where the word comes from
"Ligation" comes from the Latin "ligare", to tie or bind, which is why the procedure is informally called "getting your tubes tied".
Not to be confused with
- Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy removes the uterus and ends periods; tubal ligation does neither.
Common questions
Does tubal ligation cause menopause?
No. The ovaries and hormones are left untouched, so periods continue as before and menopause happens at the usual time.
Can tubal ligation be reversed?
Reversal is complex and often unsuccessful, so it suits people who are confident they do not want a pregnancy in future.