Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

If you are considering a tubal ligation after the baby is born, you should know about post tubal ligation syndrome. Only about two to five percent of women experience symptoms of this syndrome after surgery. Although this syndrome is relatively rare, women should be aware of it to make an informed decision about surgery.

Women should be informed of the possibility of side effects prior to the surgery. I was offered a tubal in the middle of my c section with my son. I had been given no information at all and was asked to make a split second decision. Fortunately, I don't do that well, so I declined the procedure. Whether a woman chooses to have the procedure or not, she should be informed of all potential risks and side effects.

Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome is caused by problems with blood circulation after a tubal ligation surgery. Some of the symptoms are caused by a hormonal imbalance that results when the communication is severed from the ovaries to the uterus.

The type of surgery may increase the risk of problems later. The syndrome is more common in methods involving cauterizing the tubes. Clips or rings have the least number of cases of post tubal ligation syndrome. The age at the time of the surgery is another risk factor. Women who have a tubal in their twenties are more likely to have problems than women who have the procedure in their thirties or forties.

Symptoms of Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome are mostly menstrual changes. Menstrual changes can be heavy bleeding, irregular cycles and missed periods. Early menopause may result and the risk of needing a hysterectomy is higher after a tubal. Some women also experience pain during intercourse. Other symptoms include loss of libido, anxiety, hot flashes and ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment options include a tubal ligation reversal. This procedure reconnects the tubes and re establishes the blood flow. This may help relieve the symptoms of the syndrome. The success of this procedure depends upon several factors including the original surgery and the number of years since the surgery was performed.

Related Articles:

Reversing a Tubal Ligation

How Many Children Will You Have?

Finding the Right Infertility Specialist

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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