Sterilisation during c-section?

[Eskino]

I've got my pre-op meeting with the hospital later today for a c-section. As well as getting my hands on a pair of those lovely knee socks I want to bring up the discussion of contraception.

I've only just heard that its possible to get sterilised at the same time as having a c-section. I'm 41 and this is my 4th child, I've had really troublesome pregnancy and I'm more than ready for a permanent solution and this way would save much time and messing about.

Has anyone had a sterilisation at the same time as a section? A "..while you're in there.." so to speak. Please tell me your experiences, bad and good, and how was your recovery afterwards?

Thanks

[swampster]

A good friend of mine had it done exactly as you describe - at the same time as C-section for child No.4. She is very happy with her decision. I don't think she is a MNer so I imagine she won't be on to tell you about it herself.

Good luck with it, whatever your decision.

[Gracefulbirth]

It's certainly possible, however I don't know if every Dr. is happy to do it at that time. I think if you really want to go for it, they may want you to make sure you are absolutely sure etc.
The consultant my friend spoke to about it said they would do it about six weeks afterwards, but personally I think that would pretty disruptive to live with a new baby!

[Oblomov]

I was supposed to have this. By my elective turned into an emergency and it seems that in all the kerfuffle, the sterilisation was forgotten!
I had to have it done a few motnhs afterwards and I was shocked at the recovery time. It was like having a very mild cs again.
I recommend having it done at the same time as cs. Soem drs argue against this, because some think the fallopian tubes are swollen at this time? so it makes it not as reliable ?? Or so some claim/ I have read.
So long as you are sure, then I suggest holding firm and quietly insisting that this is what you want. Do not be detered.

[Oblomov]

"bring up the discussion of contraception" ?
erm that sound a bit namby pamby. Are you SURE? People don't request info about contraception, and then start talking about sterilisation. Do your research. Be VERY VERY sure. And then approach it from a definite, this is what I want approach. If you go in there and gently question about contraception, drs will surely not take you seriously.
Have you really looked into this? Because i am afraid its not quite coming across as that.

[mayhew]

It is very likely that at your age with 4 kids this would be a very straightforward discussion. Surgeons are wary of younger women with fewer kids because they not infrequently come back wanting reversal. There is a slightly higher failure rate when it is done at the same time as cs (all that healing going on?) which the doc is duty bound to tell you about but its still more reiable than any other contraceptive option.

[LadyPeterWimsey]

Had my fourth CS at 35, and had tubes tied at the same time - while the hood was up, as it were. Have never regretted it. I knew my body wouldn't stand another pregnancy, and didn't want to go back on the pill. I also didn't want to have to go back in for surgery with young children at home.

As far as I remember there was no problem at all about the doctors being reluctant to do it - four children and problem pregnancies meant that it seemed like a no-brainer to everyone, especially me.

[LadyPeterWimsey]

Oh, and the recovery seemed the same as my previous CSs - I didn't notice any difference.

[carrielou2007]

I was asked recently at my appt to discuss havi g a section this time (for medi all reasons) about my thoughts on contraception and I asked about this. I have been asking my GP to be sterilised since my daughter was 1. At nearly 40 this us dc3 and I was told they were very happy to do it at the same time if that's what I wanted. End of conversation and was written on my notes until my next appt to noon the date. Very happy with that.

[harrygracejessica]

I had one at my 3rd section - was babies 4 and 5. I was only 30 so had to fight a little but my consultant backed me 100%. Only thing I found was my periods for 6 months after we're painful and heavier but then settled back to normal :-)

[Beatrixpotty]

I was actually asked at my last hospital appt at 28weeks if I wanted this after my next section which will be my 3rd.I am 39.To be honest it had not even crossed my mind,the registrar brought it up!She said if I did want it done it would not add much time to the procedure but the failure rate is slightly higher than when done as an independent operation and the only thing that was important was that it had been discussed and consented.Given that the doctor suggested it to me I imagine your request will be looked upon as very straightforward and they will agree.