Is a Tubal Ligation Right for You?

“What happens if something happens to one of your kids?”

“What about knowing you’ll never have another child of your own again?”

“What happens if you get pregnant and something could happen to you and the baby?”

Those were just some of the questions people asked me when I told them I was getting my tubes tied. 

I had made the decision to get my tubes tied (medically known as tubal ligation) well before my third child (second pregnancy). After having a complicated pregnancy with my twin girls, I felt confident that after my second pregnancy that I wouldn’t want to have any more children of my own. Additionally, since I already knew I would be having another C-section with my second pregnancy, I felt reassured that after the baby was delivered the doctors could perform the surgery without needing additional time for this procedure.

I also knew my decision would affect others, too.

I talked with my husband about this decision, who was personally happy that I wasn’t asking him to go under the knife. We also considered and recognized that we wouldn’t be having any more biological children, which we were both comfortable with.

I talked with my doctor, who gave me the pros and cons of this decision. The positives outweighed the cons for my decision – very little chance of getting pregnant again (and if this would happen, there would be potentially devastating effects such as an ectopic pregnancy) and that this surgery is usually permanent (again, can be seen as a con for many).

On the day my son was born, the doctors asked me again if this decision was something I wanted. Full of emotions from just having my son, I somewhat confidently said “yes.” The procedure is something I’ll never forget – the burning smell and mental realization of everything being done. While I was completely physically numb, I remember my mind going somewhat numb, too, from the realization that the procedure was happening.

Do I regret my decision? Absolutely not. Do I feel this decision is right for everyone? Absolutely not.

I wouldn’t go back and make a different decision if given the choice. However, I think if I had been given a crystal ball, I could’ve prepared for some physical and mental difficulties I faced after the procedure a little better. I’m not a doctor and can’t say that my tubal ligation was the direct result of my difficulties; however, I know that was one significant difference between my recovery from my two pregnancies.

Before having your tubes tied – do your research. Talk to other moms who have had it done. Make a pro/con list and see what may make this procedure the right one for you.