What are the risks and potential complications of tubal ligation or salpingectomy?

Contraception

Oct 2

BY DR. BROOKE WINNER

When considering tubal ligation or salpingectomy for contraception, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Standard Surgical Risks: As with any surgery, there are general risks like bleeding, which might require a blood transfusion (though this is rare), and the possibility of infection, although infection rates with tubal sterilization are very low.
Postoperative Discomfort: Even with minimally invasive surgeries, some pain or discomfort is to be expected afterward. Surgeons usually provide pain medication to help manage this.
Damage to Surrounding Organs: During the surgery, there’s a slight risk of damaging nearby organs such as the bladder, bowels, or nerves, although this is uncommon.

Beyond immediate risks, it’s crucial to consider the long-term implications of these procedures. Many people may regret having a tubal sterilization since it is a permanent form of contraception. While some types of tubal ligations may be reversible, it’s best to be fully certain that you do not wish to become pregnant in the future before proceeding with the surgery.

Do you prefer to watch it?

Watch Dr. Brooke Winner explain the potential risks and complications of tubal ligation and salpingectomy in this video.