Alternatives to Tubal Ligation

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What alteratives do I have besides tubal ligation for long-term birth control?

Alternatives to Tubal Ligation

A Tubal Ligation is considered to be permanent birth control. The procedure involves surgery to sever or cauterize your fallopian tubes, to prevent eggs from moving down the tubes and becoming fertilized, resulting in pregnancy. Because a tubal ligation is considered permanent, if you do decide to become pregnant, you may need to undergo a tubal ligation reversal, especially if you wish to have natural conception.

But tubal ligation is not the only option for reliable long-term birth control. Other options include:

  • Implanon - small hormone-releasing "sticks" are implanted in your upper arm, which release small amounts of hormones, over a period of 3 years, to prevent pregnancy. The implants are removed after 3 years, during a brief office procedure. Risks include irregular periods, acne, weight gain and headache.
  • Mirena - hormone-releasing intra-uterine implant, which lasts 5 years. Risks include post-procedure cramping, irregular periods, risk for pelvic infections. It cannot be used in women who have uterine fibroids.
  • Copper intrauterine device - copper wire releases minute amounts of copper which make the uterine environment unfriendly to sperm and eggs. Risks include pelvic infection, post-surgical cramping, and longer and heavier periods. Removed after 5 years.
If you think that there may be a chance that you will change your mind, after having a tubal ligation, it is best to discuss alternatives to tubal ligation, with your Gynecologist. Taking the time to look at alternatives, can reduce the chance that you may have to undergo a tubal ligation reversal, with its associated surgical risks.

   

Comments

12/30/2006 6:09:07 AM
CynthiaB said:

Fortunately, tubal reversal surgery can provide an option for women who have had a previous tubal ligation and now want to become pregnant again. At Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, Dr. Gary Berger has pioneered techniques that make tubal reversal surgery a safe, successful, and cost-effective option. The only other option for a woman to achieve pregnancy after sterilization is in vitro fertilization (IVF). In nearly all cases, tubal reversal surgery is more successful and costs less than IVF. Pregnancy rates at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center are approximately 75% and the all-inclusive fee for the surgery is $5900. Compare that to pregnancy rates with IVF (28%) and costs for IVF (approximately $15,000 - $20,000) and it is clear that tubal reversal surgery - when performed by an experienced doctor such as Dr. Berger - is the best alternative for achieving pregnancy after tubal ligation.




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