Tubal Ligation

A tubal ligation is a form of permanent birth control. Tubal ligation is often times referred to as having your tubes tied.  

Tubal ligation prevents eggs from travelling from the ovaries into the fallopian tube and from sperm traveling up the fallopian tube to an egg. This procedure does not affect the menstrual cycle. 

During tubal ligation the fallopian tubes are cut, blocked, or tied to prevent pregnancy. Sometimes the surgeon will even remove the fallopian tubes. This is called a salpingectomy.  

This procedure can be done at any time after child birth or during another abdominal surgery such as a c-section. If tubal ligation is performed directly after child birth a small incision just below the belly button will be made – called a laparotomy. The laparoscopic approach is performed by making a small incision through the belly button, then another small incision is made elsewhere through the abdominal wall to allow for special instruments to be used to perform the procedure.