Postpartum  sterilization is sterilization performed after the birth of a baby.  Sterilization is a permanent form of birth control.  In women it is called tubal sterilization.  In this type of birth control, the fallopian tubes are closed off to prevent eggs from moving down the fallopian tube to the uterus and also prevents sperms from reaching the egg.
 

 

The most common method used for postpartum sterilization is tubal ligation. A small is made in the abdomen ( this procedure is called minilaparotomy ) for women with vaginal delivery. For women who had cesarean delivery , the procedure is done through the same abdominal incision that was made for delivery.

When is postpartum sterilization performed.

 
Postpartum  sterilization is performed after a woman gives birth. The fallopian tubes  and still enlarged uterus are located under abdominal wall below the navel after delivery. It is ideal to do this procedure before the uterus returns to its original position which is usually within a few hours or days following delivery . For women who had a cesarean delivery, the procedure is done right after the delivery of the baby. It may take about 30 minutes to finish the operation. When postpartum sterilization is done right after the baby  is delivered, it usually does not make your hospital stay any longer.

How is postpartum sterilization performed ?

 
It is performed with either a regional anesthesia, general anesthesia or local anesthesia. If you had a c-section, the procedure is done through the incision that has already been made. If you had vaginal delivery, a small incision is made below the navel. The fallopian tubes are brought up through the incision. The tubes are then cut and closed with a special thread. After the tubes are closed off, the abdominal incision is closed with stitches and bandage.

Are there risks associated with postpartum sterilization ?

 
Tubal ligation is a safe form of birth control. It has a low risk of death and complications. The most common complications are those related to general anesthesia. Other risk include bleeding and infections.

Are there any side effects ?

 
Side effects depends on the types of anesthesia and the way the surgery was done. Some of the side effects include the following :

• nausea
• dizziness
• being bloated
• shoulder pain
• abdominal cramps
• sore throat

 
If you have abdominal pain that does not go away or fever, contact your health care provider.

NOTE

Before you consider this type of birth control, you have to consider the following :

• medical history
• personal choice
• physical factors such as weight

 
You have to be fully aware of the risks, benefits and other options before making a choice.
 
Content Sources