Postpartum Tubal Ligation Results

Less than 1 percent of women who have had a tubal ligation will become pregnant in the future. Therefore, you can expect the results of your postpartum tubal ligation to be complete sterilization. The procedure should not affect your menstrual cycle or cause any significant or prolonged sexual problems. When discussing your possible postpartum tubal ligation results, it is important that your expectations match your doctor's.

 

What Are the Expected Results of Postpartum Tubal Ligation?

Following your postpartum tubal ligation, it is reasonable to expect that you will be unable to get pregnant. Recent studies show that tubal ligation fails to prevent pregnancy in only about 3 to 5 out of 1,000 cases.
 

Can I Still Become Pregnant After Tubal Ligation?

Although it is unlikely, there is still a chance that you could get pregnant after this procedure.
 If pregnancy does occur after this procedure, it is also more likely that it will occur outside of the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy and must be treated by your doctor immediately to prevent a life-threatening situation.
 
There should be no limitations for you after you recover from this surgery. You will likely feel tired after labor and the surgery and will probably want to rest. The tubal ligation should not alter your postpartum recovery, and you should expect to go home the day after the surgery.
 
You may begin to have sexual relations whenever you are ready. You should know that no significant or prolonged sexual problems have been linked to this procedure in any way. This procedure also will not affect your menstrual cycle.
 
If you have questions about your expected results, you and your doctor should discuss them. It is very important for your expectations to match your doctor's.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD