Tubal ligation - discharge
Sterilization surgery - female - discharge; Tubal sterilization - discharge; Tube tying - discharge; Tying the tubes - discharge; Contraception - tubalTubal ligation is surgery to close the fallopian tubes. After tubal ligation, a woman is sterile. This article tells you how to care for yourself after leaving the hospital.
- When You're in the Hospital
You had tubal ligation (or tying the tubes) surgery to close your fallopian tubes. These tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus. After tubal ligation, a woman is sterile. In general, this means a woman can no longer get pregnant. However, there is still a small risk of pregnancy even after tubal ligation. (A similar procedure that removes the entire tube has a higher success rate in preventing pregnancy.)
Your surgeon probably made 1 or 2 small cuts in the area around your belly button. Then your surgeon inserted a laparoscope (a narrow tube with a tiny camera on the end) and other instruments into your pelvic area. Your tubes were either cauterized (burned shut) or clamped off with a small clip, a ring, or rubber bands.
- What to Expect at Home
You may have many symptoms that last 2 to 4 days. As long as they are not severe, these symptoms are normal:
- Shoulder pain
- Scratchy or sore throat
- Swollen belly (bloated) and crampy
- Some discharge or bleeding from your vagina
You should be able to do most of your normal activities after 2 or 3 days. But, you should avoid heavy lifting for 3 weeks.
- Self-care
Follow these self-care steps after your procedure:
- Keep your incision areas clean, dry, and covered. Change your dressings (bandages) as your health care provider told you to.
- Do not take baths, soak in a hot tub, or go swimming until your skin has healed.
- Avoid heavy exercise for several days after the procedure. Try not to lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (about a gallon, 5 kg, jug of milk).
- You can have sexual intercourse as soon as you feel ready. For most women, this is usually within a week.
- You may be able to return to work within a few days.
- You may eat your normal foods. If you feel sick to your stomach, try dry toast or crackers with tea.
- When to Call the Doctor
Call your provider if you have:
- Severe belly pain, or the pain you are having is getting worse and does not get better with pain medicines
- Heavy bleeding from your vagina on the first day, or your bleeding does not lessen after the first day
- Fever higher than 100.5°F (38°C) or chills
- Pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint
- Nausea or vomiting
Also call your provider if your incisions are red or swollen, become painful, or there is a discharge coming from them.
References
Isley MM. Postpartum care and long-term health considerations. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 24.
Rivlin K, Davis AR.. Contraception and abortion. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 13.