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Would you get a tubal ligation?


Would you have a tubal ligation?  

  1. 1. Would you have a tubal ligation?

    • You couldn't pay me to do it!!!
      110
    • Possibly depending on circumstance
      53
    • Oh yeah baby!
      6
    • Been there, done that, got the pin.
      46
    • Other
      10


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I am so wishy washy on this subject.

 

We will be having our 4th baby in Dec. This will be our last for many reasons. Dh is prepared to have a vastectomy but I have been considering a tubal instead for the main reason I will already be having a c-section. It makes more sense to take care of it at the same time. It also seems wrong to me to make such a permanant change to my body (or dh for that matter) but honestly at this point something has to be done as it is a health risk for me to have more children.

 

I have heard horrible things associated with tubal ligations but only a handfull of things about vastectomy.My main concern is that I will have worse periods than I currently do. I already will end up on the bathroom floor with cramps and bleeding, well we won't even go there. I have read that a side effect can be increased monthly cramping and flow. :glare: Who wants that ya know?

 

So would you have one? Have you had one? What was your experiance?

Are the side effects really as bad and frequent as all the research says?

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We just had our 5th and I was very wishy washy as well. I did end up getting it done. Even though I know that this was our last, I hate the finality of it all.... AND I was scared to death to have any sort of procedure done. I had never been put out for ANYTHING!

 

Oh, and I didn't have a c section so they had to do it as a separate procedure.

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I had one during my 4th c-sec in 2006 as I was advised to avoid future preg. by my physician. Once my cycles resumed (about a year later as I nursed exclusively) my cycles were noticeably heavy and considerably more painful. I also began to battle severe PMS and have a reduced libido.

 

I've now been recommended for a hysterectomy as I've become anemic due to the nature of my cycles. I've not made a decision yet about that surgery.

 

Disclaimer: My decision was made on a quick, emergency basis as I went into early pre-term labor which could not be stopped. My doc had mentioned it before, but we had not made a prayerful decision about it yet. I had been in labor for several hours when I was prepped for my c-sec. and signed the paperwork for the tubal. Suffice it say to say that during the throes of labor is NOT a good time to make such a decision. I regretted the decision almost immediately.

 

The physical results that I've had though are very real and quite seperate in my mind.

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I have heard horrible things associated with tubal ligations but only a handfull of things about vastectomy.My main concern is that I will have worse periods than I currently do. I already will end up on the bathroom floor with cramps and bleeding, well we won't even go there. I have read that a side effect can be increased monthly cramping and flow. :glare: Who wants that ya know?

 

My dr said that is usually because the women reporting these things were on the pill and "forgot" what their regular periods were like. I don't know how true that is, but it definitely makes sense.

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I'm halfway between never, and possibly depending on circumstance. I'd prefer the never by far, but I also prefer not to use that word because one never knows what curveball life will throw my way. My oldest two were born by cesarean and I'd rather not have a doctor poking around in there again. :tongue_smilie:

 

My hub is find with doing a "big V" if we ever decide to do something permanent. We'll be waiting until the baby is about kindy age before making that decision. She's 19 months old right now.

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I have had the same thoughts. My C-section is scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving. I asked my OB what she would recommend and she said that it was better for my husband to have a vasectomy, if he is willing. She said that there is less risk of complications with a vasectomy and she also made some comment about the ovaries being pushed up by the uterus, but I don't remember exactly what the comment was.

 

HTH.

 

Christina

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I would never presume to advise anyone to pursue a permanent form of birth control. That's just a very personal, individual decision.

 

But I did want to give you some reassurance from my own experience. I had a tubal ligation 22 years ago during my third c-section. I've had no problems or side effects whatsoever. There was no change in my monthly cycles at all. I have never heard about horrible things associated with tubal ligation.

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I had it done, and I'll admit that sometimes I regret it.

 

ETA: Sorry, I guess I should say I regret it because I was very young when I had it done (only 22) and just didn't really consider that things would change so much for me. Now I am separated from my husband and headed for divorce; but still fairly young, and have to consider the possibility of eventually being married to someone else...

Edited by hsmom3tn
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After my last child was born, I asked the doctor how many c-sections could I safely have. She said, generally speaking, that problems start to arise after 4 c-sections. I'm going to have my 3rd c-section in March. If it were my 4th, then it would probably be a clear decision for me to have a tubal ligation. At the same time, I'm not sure if we will be having more children after this one is born. I'm only 35, but dh is 41. I know that some parents have kids into their 40's. I'm just not sure if it's what we want to do. It's something I need to think and pray about.

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I have never heard of those side effects either.....and can't understand how having your tubes tied/burned has anything to do with your period.

 

I have wondered this too but it is one of the most common side effects that women bring up. There isnt a study out there I have read that this isn't listed as the number one issue for most women. Most women complain of heavy (very heavy) flow and severe cramping.

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I did it 11 years ago. I had a c-section with my last baby and it made sense to us as well because it was so convenient and for health reasons, we decided to finalize it.

 

The flow of my period has gotten a little worse but not much.

 

The thing that was hardest for me was absolutely the finality of it all. I would have loved to have a larger family and I love babies! It was just emotionally stressful to me to have it all over. Eventhough I did the right thing--I have no doubt about it--physically, it was really tough emotionally.

 

I don't regret it. I just wasn't told about that part of it and I wish I had taken it into account and been a little more prepared.

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I would never presume to advise anyone to pursue a permanent form of birth control. That's just a very personal, individual decision.

 

I really like how Janet put this.

This is definitely an area to tread lightly in.

Hear are my thoughts.

I answered never in the poll, although never is hard to say about anything.

Just some food for thought; take want you want from it (if any) and discard the rest. My place is not to judge anyone for the choices they make that are the best for their family.

 

My feelings have always been that we are made to be complete. As near as I can logically figure we are meant to have the organs and have them functioning. It sort of scares me to think of the long term ramifications of altering my natural state in such a way.

 

My pondering is also not only focused on the physical ramifications. I often wonder about the emotional/spiritual. I just talked to the wife of an OB last week who told a story of a woman who was VERY post menopause and she wanted to have the surgery to fix everything. She explained that she just never felt all the way complete since her tubal ligation surgery years and years prior. She was way beyond being able to have children and still went through the corrective process for her emotional health.

 

I have been pondering the issue of fertility awareness a lot over the past 6 monthes. I have been trying to figure out how it relates to our personal situation as well as greater societal, and even world, issues. I certainly have a lot more pondering to do. This is huge. It really is. For me, right now, I can't shake the fundamental issue of life and how that translates into dignity for all humans. This is where my faith comes into the equation though and that is a very subjective sort of thing, you know?

 

Have I just been ridiculously confusing?

My thoughts are with you during this very monumental time of decision making. These questions and the journey to the answers are monstrous, as you well know.

blessings,

emerald

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I had a tubal after our 6th baby (my only c-section) and no issues here. I did notice a heavier period for the first year, but my periods had been getting a bit heavier after each subsequent child anyhow. No cramps or problems and it's all evened out again for me. Very regular periods and lighter than average as I'm used to. :)

 

I'm very glad I had it done. When you know that this season of life--babymaking--is over, or truly want/need it to be over and are ready to move on to the next season in peace, it's not a terribly difficult decision whether you do something permanent or not. (And I realize that some people never really know that they're "done"...or don't want to know...or don't ever want to be done, so those are different scenarios. LOL)

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Mirena IUD

 

It's good for 5 years, more effective than pills, and it lightens your periods to the point where you may not even have them. I agree with pp that this is a vary personal decision, but for me, this is easier than a permanent solution. Even if I KNEW I had just had my last, it would be hard to know that there was really no more chance of me having another. A Mirena IUD is long-term, but not permanent.

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I watched a dear friend of the family undergo a complete personality change following her tubal ligation. I do not know all the details, and perhaps she needed to work harder to get some necessary hormone supplementation in place, but based partly on that observation, I've always been shy of the thought of having one.

 

Now, years later, I have had one vaginal delivery, two c-sections, one miscarriage, two high-risk pregnancies.... all things considered, I felt it was dh's turn to take one for the team. He agreed and is pleased with the ease and results of his recent vasectomy. I didn't push him into it, he decided on his own. It took him a while, but, for our family and our relationship, it was the better option.

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I would have one if I were already in for a c-section. I must tell you though that a friend of mine had a tubal after her 2nd son 5 years ago. They cut AND burned them. She is now pregnant. This idea completely terrifies me! She said the statistics she read are 1 out of 125 women find themselves pregnant after sterilization. It's a horrible time for her to be pregnant. She is the sole supporter and her dh has been out of work the better part of the year. They don't have health insurance and are living with friends. But, everything happens for a reason and they are trying to be cheerful.

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I voted other because in my family every woman that ever got one ended up with fibroid tumors, which could be a complete coincidence, but DH felt it would be easier for him to get "The big Snip" as he called it. I didn't have a C-Section with our 3rd, but when he was about 2 my dh said he thought it was time for him to go in. I went along with it, although I wasn't completely happy at the time, but now that its all said and done (about 2 years later) I'm glad he stood his ground. I think 3 kids is a perfect number for us.

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I put other. My dh had a vasectomy after our 3rd child as the doctor said it would be dangerous for me and the baby if I got pregnant again. We discussed options, and dh is the one that decided it was his turn. He had no complications at all.

 

I've always had horrible periods--cramping, very heavy flow, migraines, and a period lasting anywhere from 6-16 days. On the few days when something related to that wasn't happening, I would try to get my exercise in for the month, since I couldn't exercise during the 2-week period time. Even then I'd spot. The cramping and bleeding was getting worse and worse, so I was sent to a specialist who recommended an ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION.

 

http://www.novasure.com/?gclid=CJu9tMexwp0CFQgtawodIm6Vsg

 

Things could NOT stay as they were, so this was the option I chose, as it meant I wouldn't have to have a hysterectomy! The surgery honestly takes about 5 minutes, so you can be in and out of the day treatment in less than 2 hours! Since then I have had NO bleeding at all, and only VERY minor feelings during that time of the month! I am SOOOO happy I had that done.

 

There is a possibility of getting pregnant, as there is with a tubal ligation. But it is very rare, and this is WAY less traumatic to your body and everything else is left alone! Just an idea to consider. Best wishes with your decision!

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When my twins were born (my second C-section), we knew that we needed to be done making babies -- my age, my cancer issues, my thyroid issues (don't have one), my other health issues, and my husband's desire to "stop at three."

 

IMO, it is nice not having to deal with/worry about birth control or pregnancy in our marriage. We just never think about these things, we simply enjoy each other, ;) and are very thankful to have our three wonderful girls.

 

OTOH, for about a year after the procedure, I was surprised at what went on inside my heart -- the realization that my "child-bearing years" were DONE. For us, this was a brief, concentrated period. I was single (and celibate) until I was married at 37. I was just 38 when our first daughter was born, and not quite 40 when the twins came. When we celebrated our THIRD wedding anniversary, we had three babies. But I knew that I could NEVER have any more... even though, theoretically, we didn't want any more. In a way, I think a part of me had to grieve, I don't know, the loss of my youth? The loss of being able to bring forth life? I didn't expect to have regrets, and I can't exactly say that I did, but I did have to think about being "sterile." I am completely okay with this now, and thankful to have come through two tough pregnancies, two C-sections, cancer, chemo, surgeries, and all more -- ALIVE and (mostly) WELL -- but it did surprise me that I had to process it on the inside. HTH.

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I put other because I never had ceasareans and we weren't sure we were done until long after our third and last one was born. But we eventually decided that with my health problems and potentially going on very bad medication for babies, he had a vasectomy. It was no problem for him and it would have been a big problem for me as I form scar tissues readily.

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After waiting for 8 yrs and now being pregnant and having gone through two procedures where they checked if my tubes were open, I can not imagine getting them cut, so I put never. But my DH always says try to avoid making such final statements.

 

I can't imagine what it would take. I guess it would be something like severe health issues,not because of not wanting more children. My fertility and my God given ability to bear life is to precious to me.

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I had it done after my sixth c-section. I couldn't do it after my fifth c-section because I just couldn't close the door permanently on anymore babies. Later, while I wasn't pregnant, I made the decision that if we had one more baby, I would be content. I would not recommend to anyone that they make a decision like this while they are pregnant or even in the first year after a new baby. Your emotions are just too out of whack. I haven't had any complications from it and I don't regret it, except for those occasional baby urges that are brief.:001_smile: Only you and your husband can make the right decision for you.

Joy

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I'm very glad I had it done. When you know that this season of life--babymaking--is over, or truly want/need it to be over and are ready to move on to the next season in peace, it's not a terribly difficult decision whether you do something permanent or not. (And I realize that some people never really know that they're "done"...or don't want to know...or don't ever want to be done, so those are different scenarios. LOL)

 

:iagree: I had this done 5 years ago. I didn't have a c-section - had it done the next day. I have no regrets and not a single problem. After my second child, I considered it, but just couldn't commit. I was still so unsure. After my 3rd child - there was no question that we were done for both of us. I tell my friends all the time how much I LOVE my tubal! LOL! It just makes my life easier where that is concerned. As far as procedure, etc - I had a tiny bit of discomfort the first couple of days. Absolutely nothing that major. A tiny twinge of pain here and there. My periods are still as regular as ever and actually are usually a day or two less in length.

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I would have one if I were already in for a c-section. I must tell you though that a friend of mine had a tubal after her 2nd son 5 years ago. They cut AND burned them. She is now pregnant. This idea completely terrifies me! She said the statistics she read are 1 out of 125 women find themselves pregnant after sterilization. It's a horrible time for her to be pregnant. She is the sole supporter and her dh has been out of work the better part of the year. They don't have health insurance and are living with friends. But, everything happens for a reason and they are trying to be cheerful.

 

LALALALALA... not listening to that! I do NOT want to even think about my tubal not working! AHHHHHH!!!

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I'm very glad I had it done. When you know that this season of life--babymaking--is over, or truly want/need it to be over and are ready to move on to the next season in peace, it's not a terribly difficult decision whether you do something permanent or not. (And I realize that some people never really know that they're "done"...or don't want to know...or don't ever want to be done, so those are different scenarios. LOL)

 

:iagree: I had this done 5 years ago. I didn't have a c-section - had it done the next day. I have no regrets and not a single problem. After my second child, I considered it, but just couldn't commit. I was still so unsure. After my 3rd child - there was no question that we were done for both of us. I tell my friends all the time how much I LOVE my tubal! LOL! It just makes my life easier where that is concerned. As far as procedure, etc - I had a tiny bit of discomfort the first couple of days. Absolutely nothing that major. A tiny twinge of pain here and there. My periods are still as regular as ever and actually are usually a day or two less in length.

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I posted nope. And my Drs wouldn't do one on me, either, even though I begged. I've taken informal polls of my own and most women who have them enter meno MUCH faster, or things go horribly wrong (that said from a VERY educated nurse I know who speaks at seminars all over the states).

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If I had health issues to consider... I might have a tubal. I'd probably have my husband have a vasectomy, although I've heard of some complications. http://ladycomp-babycomp.com/show.php/index Here's something that I wish I had used, after my second child. I had a very painful... long delivery... and thought I could handle being done. I would have at least one more child, perhaps two, if we hadn't done something permanent. At this point, I can't adopt... and I'm too old to start the reversal thing... so I'm done... and I just have to deal with it...

Carrie

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Had one after 5 kids. We knew we were done.

 

Three years later: regretted it. Ugh. The permanancy really hit hard.

 

Paid out-of-pocket to have it reversed.

 

Two post-reversal children.

 

So, my sisterly advice would be to think long and hard about doing something so permanent.

 

Lisa

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I had mine done 9 years ago. I have had alot of problems with it. my periods are heavier, but shorter. I have had complications like the clip riped through my tube and got embedded in my ovary,( it was so painful) I had ti have the clip and most of the ovary removed.I now find s*x very uncomfortable, and I still got pregnant.

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I voted you couldn't pay me to do it. This is now!! Not back then when I did it. I truly regret it!! Horrible periods lasting 2 weeks. Severe clotting during the peroids. Lots of headaches (migraines during the cycles) Irritable-severe. It is like PMS but 100 times worse. Lost some of my hair....I had a horrible experience. Got my tubes reversed and now is ok.

 

My OB/Gyn said I was going into early menopause. When I bought up to her the possible reversal. She was all for it. (She wasn't the OB/Gyn I had for the Tubal Ligation) I switched to her after my regular OB refused to listen to me and wanted to give me a hysterectomy. :glare:

 

After the reversal about a month, I felt normal!!!

 

Please DO NOT do it!!!!!!

Holly

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I posted nope. And my Drs wouldn't do one on me, either, even though I begged. I've taken informal polls of my own and most women who have them enter meno MUCH faster, or things go horribly wrong (that said from a VERY educated nurse I know who speaks at seminars all over the states).

 

Exactly what happened to me until I had them reversed!!

Menopause symptoms went away after the reversal.

Holly

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Do you trust your dr?

 

I didn't want to make this decision while I was IN a pregnancy, so we decided on barriers until the little one was safely here and I was back to normal. Whatever that is, lol. :tongue_smilie:

 

I talked to my dr about everything. How old I was, my pregnancy history, our dc's special needs, etc. He recommended the vas for permanent bc and the IUD for anyone who had qualms about permanence. Even tho he would have had a stake in a tubal, he said some women experience a real emotional difficulty from the loss of their fertility.

 

His advice made sense and I'm glad I got his input. If I didn't have a trusting relationship with a caring, pro-life dr, I'd find another. :)

 

P.S. I didn't vote.

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