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This should be considered as a permanent method of birth
control. A tubal sterilization closes off the fallopian tubes;
the sperm cannot reach the egg and a pregnancy cannot happen.
There are a number of surgical techniques that can be used
to close off the fallopian tubes. If the tubes are closed
off by tying and cutting, it is called a tubal ligation. Another
way is by sealing off the tubes via electrocautery. Other
methods include using clips, clamps or rings around the fallopian
tubes. Your physician will discuss the various alternatives
with you before the surgery.
This procedure can be done immediately after a Casearean
Section or it can be scheduled as a separate procedure. If
it is done as a stand-alone procedure, it will typically be
done by a laparoscopy. In this method a laparoscope (a very
small telescope-like instrument) is inserted in an incision
made near the navel. A second incision is also used to inject
carbon dioxide into the abdomen so that the necessary organs
can be seen. The laparoscope is equipped with a light and
appropriate miniature surgical tools and devices which are
used to perform the closure.
After the procedure you will still experience your normal
pattern of menstrual cycles. Sterilization does not affect
your femininity; no glands or organs are removed from your
body. All the hormones that affect hair, voice, breast size,
etc are still made by the ovaries and released into the body
as before. It does not decrease your sexual pleasure. An egg
is still released by the ovaries each month as before; it
is dissolved and absorbed naturally by the body.
In a few rare instances, the sperm will reach the egg and
the fertilized egg will attach itself to the wall of the fallopian
tube. This is an ectopic pregnancy and must be handled immediately
by your physician or the Valley OB-GYN Clinic doctor on call
at Covenant hospital.
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