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Original poster

Sterilization at same time as C-section

32 replies

CEL91 · 03/01/2020 04:41

I've been offered the choice to be sterilized at same time as having my c-section. I'm struggling to make a decision whether I want to or not. The finality of it is quite scary and I've not had much advice and no kind of counselling to help make the decision.
I'm just wondering if anyone else has been through this and can chat about it please?
I'm 28 currently pregnant with child 3.

OP posts:
olivehater · 03/01/2020 04:46

We considered it for my third. Most of the health professionals I spoke to weren’t keen on it. I was 36 and they still thought I was too young. The main thing that put me off is that it doesn’t work as well if you do at the same time as section because the tubes are swollen from pregnancy hormones. I thought I would still have to use contraception anyway. I decided on the day of the section. I actually just wanted to keep it simple and not add extra procedures and be there straight away for my baby. Still not sure if made the right decision. Hopefully send dh for vasectomy this year!

MsChatterbox · 03/01/2020 04:48

I think if you're not desperate to be sterilised then don't do it.

Original poster
CEL91 · 03/01/2020 04:53

I dont want anymore children after this one but I think the finality of it is what's so daunting. I guess making the decision and having it done before we even know if the new baby is healthy and delivered is what's freaking me out a bit

OP posts:
THNG5 · 03/01/2020 05:41

I had my tubes tied during my c section 7 months ago. Even though you make a decision prior the operation, they still ask after baby is delivered and if you say no, they won't proceed. I'm 39 this month and just had my third.
On a side note, I've also just found out I'm pregnant! I'm waiting for a scan to determine if it's a viable pregnancy as the risk of ectopic pregnancy is high. When talking to one of the nurses, she asked me if anyone had ever mentioned that the failure rate is higher when sterilization is done during a c section (they hadn't!) as everything is swollen etc.

Elindab · 03/01/2020 05:56

Well, they offered it to me and I was like no way are you insane? Just because, as you're suggesting, it's not the right time to make that decision! Nor is it necessarily the best method of contraception! The reasoning seems to be, oh we're in there anyway, what else can we do with your body? I think not.

Thistles24 · 03/01/2020 07:07

I was offered and refused. 2 women in the ward with me had it done, both were in much more pain than those of us who just had sections. My friend had it done about 6 months post section and had no issues with it.

shortytrekker · 03/01/2020 07:15

I did this. It took me a couple of months after the offer to actually decide it's what I wanted. They actually removed the tubes as it's more certain and scientists now think ovarian cancer begins there. So it's good to just be rid of them! We fall pregnant very easily, I'm also mid-late 30's, have had complicated pregnancies and c-sections so really didn't want to go through it again. It is a very final thing but if it feels right, it's quite liberating!

dementedma · 03/01/2020 07:15

I had it done when I was 38 and on my 3rd section. 3rd baby was totally unexpected ( and unwanted, though a much loved 18 year old now!) and no way did i want any more. It made perfect sense to me and had no problems during or after the procedure.

cheeseismydownfall · 03/01/2020 07:55

I was offered after my third section (literally straight after DS was delivered) and declined. We knew we didn't want four children but our second DC nearly died about a week after birth and this was definitely at the back of our mind. I didn't know about the risk of it being less successful, no one mentioned it.

DH had a vasectomy about six months later. Although if I have have known about the high rate of long term pain associated with the procedure I think I would have discouraged that too! Fortunately he's been fine.

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 03/01/2020 08:03

If you think it sounds too final, then it’s not for you.

Original poster
CEL91 · 04/01/2020 10:17

For any of you that declined the sterilization what long term contraception did you use instead

OP posts:
Elindab · 04/01/2020 16:40

what long term contraception did you use

Round here, the husband getting snipped seems to be standard.

PleaseGiveMeAShake · 04/01/2020 16:53

I am also 28 and in 4 weeks I will have my 3rd through c section.
I was told it is possible to do and they shared they pros and cons in detail.
The scariest con for me was when they put the clamps on you ovaries you are swollen from the c section. When the swelling goes down it can in very rare cases lead to a little gap and sperm can get through. If this happens it would be classes as an etopic pregnancy and you would need a medical termination.

Obviously this is very rare, but I don't want to take that risk as small as it is. I may get steriliser at another time. But defiantly not during my c section.
I am thinking of getting the coil put in during my c section instead now.

HappyHarlot · 04/01/2020 16:54

When talking to one of the nurses, she asked me if anyone had ever mentioned that the failure rate is higher when sterilization is done during a c section (they hadn't!) as everything is swollen etc.

That's why it's performed in a different way. Most female sterilisations are done laparoscopically (Keyhole) by applying a small clip to each fallopian tube.

Because the fallopian tubes are too 'juicy' when pregnant or recently pregnant, the actually cut a cm or two out of each tube and tie each end off. They may also causterise the ends.

www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/consent-advice/consent-advice-3-2016.pdf

Warmhandscoldheart · 04/01/2020 17:18

I was 28yo when I was sterilised after Elected CS of DC2.
I was very certain I didn't want any more children and had discussion with my consultant about full implications of the decision.
I never regretted having the operation.

onyourway · 04/01/2020 21:32

I was sterilised during my third CS. I was almost 40, I knew that even if something awful had happened to my dd, I wouldn't have had another child, so for me, it was just a relief not to have to have another op at a later date.

SparkyBlue · 04/01/2020 23:38

I had it done during my third c section. I've had complications on every pregnancy and my third was completely unplanned so I knew I wanted no more. I requested it on my initial hospital appointment when I was 11 weeks and it was put into my notes then and the consultant discussed it in more detail at a later date. I never ever felt pressured into having it done and I was told I could change my mind at any time. I felt a bit sorer when recovering from it but nothing major but the actual procedure took longer than expected . I just assumed it was a ten minute job but it took a lot longer than that lol.

Original poster
CEL91 · 05/01/2020 05:00

@PleaseGiveMeAShake no one has spoken to me about any pros or cons really, I've just had to find out from google and on here. I've read about the failure rates too and just think it's a bit iffy. I dont know what to do.
Can they put the coil in when they do the section?

OP posts:
butwhateverfor · 05/01/2020 05:04

Can't believe everyone was offered this. I asked for it after my third child at 39 and was refused!

Aquamarine1029 · 05/01/2020 05:15

I was sterilized at 27 after 2 children, and I'm 47 now. One of the best decisions of my life. Not having to worry about contraception or deal with hormonal birth control fucking with your body is glorious.

shortytrekker · 05/01/2020 08:20

@butwhateverfor I was on my third c section which has included complications both for me and for the baby, that's probably why in my case.

Original poster
CEL91 · 05/01/2020 10:23

I was told at my vbac talk that they probably wouldn't suggest it because of my age. But when I saw my consultant she did suggest it because they are already in there anyway.

OP posts:
Earlgreybee · 05/01/2020 10:28

I was told I had to wait 10-12 weeks to have a coil put in in case of uterine rupture. Have had one since then with zero issues.

pigdogridesagain · 05/01/2020 11:19

I had it done after my 4th c-section aged 29. I didn't want anymore children and medically it wouldn't have been advisable to have more. However I wouldn't recommend it because i found the recovery more painful and I have had terrible problems with my periods ever since ( 13 years ago). My GP told me that while it's no officially recognised by the NHS there are many many women who suffer with extremely heavy painful periods after this type of sterilisation. I ended up having to use the mirena coil for 7 years even though I didn't need contraception.

Wendyasbury · 05/01/2020 12:21

I had it done at 34, during section on my 3rd and last child. I begged for it for various reasons. They were very reluctant due to my age. But agreed in the end. I was 100% sure about it and have never regretted it. In fact it has been an enormous peace of mind for me to know I don't have to deal with a pregnancy ever again. I would only do it if your 100%

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