About four out of every 10 pregnancies in the United States are unintended, meaning the pregnancy is unwanted or poorly timed. Tubal ligation, or having your tubes tied, is one of the most effective forms of birth control, but it’s not the right method for everyone.
At Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska, our women’s health experts offer short-term (the pill), long-term (birth control implant), and permanent (tubal ligation) forms of birth control. We provide these options to help women stay in control of their bodies and health.
Here are four reasons why you might consider a tubal ligation.
Your family is complete
Tubal ligation is a permanent form of birth control that cuts or blocks the fallopian tubes, preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg. It’s meant to be irreversible.
If your family is complete and you have no desire to have children in the future, a tubal ligation may be a good choice for you. If there’s any chance you might want children, we may instead recommend long-term reversible contraception (LARC) such as the intrauterine device (IUD) or birth control implant.
According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the birth control implant and IUD are as effective at preventing pregnancy as a tubal ligation. LARCs are a good option for anyone who’s indecisive about their future family plans.
Pregnancy is a health risk
Pregnancy is a health condition that carries its own set of risks for all women. But for some people, pregnancy is life-threatening.
People who can’t get pregnant because it may negatively affect their health or put their life at risk may consider tubal ligation. The procedure allows you to continue to have sex with your partner without having to worry about pregnancy.
Prevent passing on a genetic trait
You may also turn to tubal ligation if you or your partner carries a genetic trait that may affect the growth or development of offspring and lead to an early death, such as Tay-Sachs Disease or cystic fibrosis.
A permanent form of birth control may prevent the need to make difficult decisions in the case of an unintended pregnancy. Genetic carriers can use in vitro fertilization (IVF) and genetic testing of embryos prior to reducing risk of having children with serious genetic conditions.
Reduce risk of ovarian cancer
Tubal ligation may reduce risk of ovarian cancer in people who carry the genetic mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2. While BRCA are the breast cancer genes, certain mutations also increase risk of ovarian cancer.
However, we only perform a tubal ligation for other reasons, not specifically as a preventive measure for ovarian cancer. Other less invasive treatments can lower your risk, such as hormonal birth control.
Are you considering tubal ligation? We can talk to you about the procedure and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Call Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, today or request an appointment online.
