Sterilisation at c-section - any experience?

[SignoraStronza]

Just after a bit of advice about how to persuade the consultant that this would be a good idea! Will be having cs#3 with this one, which will be third pg and third dc (although dh's second). Am mid thirties.

No point in discusssing why dh won't have the snip as have been round and round in circles on this and as, as the one most adament about not wanting any more, it is up to me to get contraception sorted long term.

Hormonal contraception doesn't suit me and have tried them all! Am wary of copper coil, as mirena insertion had led to PID in the past. Neither of us really like condoms and, with three small children we'll need all the spontaneity we can muster! Abstinance - no thanks!

I'll need to broach the subject of sterilisation with the consultant and if things go ok during the section, ideally would like to have it done then. I'm aware of all the risks, I.e the chance of post partum swelling leading to failure but am 'aware' enough of my body/cycle should that happen.

Has anyone got any experience of this and how best to push for it?

[isisisis]

Will you need to push for it? A friend was routinely offered it prior to her 3rd section. If you're certain it's what you want I can't see much of a problem. It's cheaper for the NHS to do it at the same time, I'd argue that if you need to.

[hazeyjane]

I was offered automatically, but refused because of the high failure rate. I am glad that I did as their were complications with the section, and ds was very ill afterwards - I think throwing sterilisation into the mix would have been a nightmare.

[Bonkerz]

DEFINATELY mention it. No one offered this to me when pregnant with my third until the day I booked in for my planned section! The consultant asked me why I hadn't requested it and I told him I didn't know it was an option. Absolutely gutted now as can't afford time off work etc to get it done.

[SignoraStronza]

Right, so will nag and nag and insist if necessary then! Really could not cope with fourth pg/cs and feel like my body is on the verge of collapse as it is! Am taking iron supplements as was borderline pph last time (500ml) and would be really disappointed if they couldn't do it for whatever reason. Having to get time away from kids to go and have it done in yet another op would be a real pita.

Small glimmer of hope is that if it couldn't be done at the time for whatever reason then dh has said we will discuss again. My friends, whose dhs he drinks with, have said they'll get their dhs to have words with him if necessary - they've all had the snip without any issues!

[Littlepinkpear]

I booked in for my section last week and asked this child #2 for me. Consultant said it wasn't worth doing due to high failure rate (1 in 200) and suggested an implant or coil. Told me it wasn't routinely done at my hospital.

I was too tired and stressed to argue with her, but I could give her a million reasons why I don't want an implant or coil...

Would rather take my chances with it personally!

[SignoraStronza]

Update. Have been to see the consultant today and he was happy to do it as dc#3, cs#3 and I'm getting on a bit at 35. He said that if I'd been 30 and had two he might have wanted to discuss in more detail but he could tell I was convinced.

When he said "so this is your 3rd baby, 3rd c-section.." I chipped in with "and final, in fact I'd been meaning to discuss that with you...".

We went through other forms of contraception and I explained I was useless on anything containing progesterone and DH not willing to have snip. Explained that we had discussed it though and dh feels that if anything were to happen to me and the kids, he might want the option to have more children, while I am just not wishing to be pregnant and have a section again, whatever happens in life. Also said we couldn't afford a 4th dc although dh would have a whole football team if he could and we're wondering where to put this one as it is!

We went through the method he'd use (no clips, just cut and tie) and I said I was aware of the possibility of failure due to swelling and it was a risk I was willing to take - am quite astute to my own cycle. He said he hadn't known it to happen with any of the ops he'd performed though.

I asked him what would happen in case of pph, as placenta is anterior so am a bit concerned about that - said I'd be happy for him to take the whole lot out in that case, to which he chuckled and put my mind at rest.

All in all a very positive experience. Went in prepared for a fight (so well informed) bit didn't have to. Feels like a massive weight off my mind now.

[meditrina]

I'm glad it's working out for you.

I wouldn't go for this because of the fail rate, but as you're OK with it, you must be very pleased it looks possible now.