Tubal ligation - discharge
Definition
Tubal 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.
Alternative Names
Sterilization surgery - female - discharge; Tubal sterilization - discharge; Tube tying - discharge; Tying the tubes - discharge; Contraception - tubal
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.
Review Date:4/19/2022
Reviewed By:John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.
Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.
