Have you had your tubes tied? Are you happy?

[LatteLover12]

Hi,

I'm 17 weeks pregnant with my third (and definitely final!) child.

I'll be having a section when the time comes and I've been offered a tubal tie at the same time.

It's something I was considering before the consultant mentioned it and now I've got a bit of time to weigh up the pros and cons.

I'm 37. This is my third baby and DPs first.

If I didn't get it done I'd end up on the pill again.

I like being able to control when I have a period.

The Dr said it could cause heavier periods.

Can anyone share their own experiences?

I did the tubal ligation with my 4th child (c-section). I have absolutely no regrets at all. Made sense to do it at the same time as the c-section. I still get periods and they aren't any heavier.

And it actually did improve my sex life as I really wasn't worrying about contraception. Just to be double sure DH had a vasectomy too! No regrets from him either.

Yes, had it done in my early 30's as also had to have ablation. Struggled with it at first, as it's okay to say you do not want any more children - but when someone says 'you can't have anymore' I felt differently. However, how, I have no regrets. No hormone related contraception meant I felt loads better. If they're going in anyway, get it done.

I already had 4 DC, was mid 30s and needed womb ablation so had it done at the same time . You still need to use contraception with ablation else a fertilised egg can implant elsewhere and is very risky.

I cried signing the consent form, I cried in the pre-op.

It is 100% the abrupt end of an era.

Ten years on DH and I still both agree it was the right decision but I did grieve for a while.

I had mine tied in 1986. My periods didn't regulate, & they were heavier & more painful. HTH
My DH & I both approached GP at same time. Me for mine, & he for a vasectomy. We decided
who ever got offered whichever would go ahead. Never had any regrets.

Thanks everyone, this is all really helpful.

I hadn't even thought about grieving for my fertility so thank you to those who explained how they'd felt about that.

So much to consider. It might be easier to just go back on the pill but the idea of a permanent, no hassle option is definitely appealing.

Anyone else?

I had mine done during a bilateral ovarian cystectomy 2 years ago (aged 27) as, after a very rough pregnancy with my second child, I was confident I was done having babies! I have since split with my ex and am settled with my current DP and occasionally have broody moments where I do wonder "what if" but I'm very confident that my pros still outweigh my cons and we are kept busy with 3 children between us (plus DP is 42, so he is also confident he wouldn't want any more children!) 🤣

I haven't experienced any problems from having the clips put on, periods are regular and not noticeably more painful than before. I think, for me, the only down side is that it seems frustratingly pointless still having periods despite not being able to get pregnant (but I've always hated them 🤣) but I'm grateful that I have had it done as I have never felt well on hormonal contraception.

I had mine done two years ago, aged 32. I have two children and was confident I didn't want anymore children. The op (done as a solo surgery) was simple, I had no issues and have had none since.

I still love babies, but I'm always very happy to give them back after a cuddle. 😊

I had it done pretty young, at 28. Now 44, still think it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Mine wasn't completely straightforward, they ended up having to keep me in overnight and it was about 4 days before I got back to work because I was just wiped out, but other than that, no problems.

I had my tubes tied at 27, twenty years ago. Best thing I've ever done, did not change my periods at all, and no problems whatsoever.

I have to say I was unwell after the op, was worth it to be rid of periods - life changing in that way!

@RandomMess

Did you have a hysterectomy? You do not lose your periods after tubal ligation.

I begged from 23 to be sterilised never wanted kids, made sure I never got pregnant was delighted at last when I was done, at 37. Best thing I ever had done.

I had ablation and final litigation.

Supposed to be 6 hour discharge, still
In recovery at that point was in for 3 days... 🤷🏽‍♀️

I had mine done soon after I had my daughter. I never regretted it. Mind you that might be because my obstetrician told me another pregnancy could kill me.

I was in your shoes just a year ago. 38, pregnant with my third, planned c section due to placenta previa so for me, it was no brainer. I happily signed the consent forms to have my tubes cut and tied during my section.
Fast forward to today. I'm 20 weeks pregnant with baby number 4. I'm apparently the exception to the rule and having a miracle...🙄
Now I knew there was a failure rate but the more I speak to midwives and doctors, it seems this failure rate is higher when sterilised during a section. I don't know at the moment what went wrong but am very much looking forward to finding out during my next section in August. Needless to say, dh will be getting the snip this time!

@THNG5 😳

I had mine done at 26 when my DS was 3 years old. It was quite an easy procedure, recovery was slightly painful but if you have yours following a c-section I should imagine it will be different.

I am very happy since having it done (around 6 months ago) and no regrets. I did speak to my consultant about the heavier periods but he atributed that to coming off hormonal contraception. I have to say that my periods haven't changed at all though.

Please do ask any questions if you like

I had my tubes clipped. I was 33 and knew I couldn’t have any more kids without severe mental/physical health problems. No regrets. So nice not having to worry. Also haven’t noticed any difference in periods either but mine were already quite heavy.

Had mine done at 3rd c section when I was 38. Such a relief. Couldn’t have faced another child so perfectly happy. No problems

No, mine sent me spiralling into an early menopause. My doctor did warn me I didn't listen. I was 45.

You could have a hormonal or copper coil inserted at time of c section instead. Hormonal is more effective than sterilisation and should lighten or stop periods. Lasts minimum 5 years.

Hastily had mine fitted at the time of my emergency section last month!

Another happy sterilised woman here. We already had 3 dc and I was 100% sure that I never wanted to be pregnant again. Even if I had a new partner, I was completely sure I didn’t want any more dc. As it turns out my ex and I did split up before my fertile years are over and I’m still sure of my decision.

OMG @THNG5 😳

Thank you so much everyone; I think I'm swaying towards having it done after all of your responses.

My doctor attributed the heavier period issue to coming off hormonal contraceptives too @SuperPixie247 but as I haven't been on the pill for about two years now I doubt I'd notice a difference. (TTC took a long time!)

Thanks again everyone, you've all really helped 😊

Sorry meant to I was clipped.

Yes I had mine done at 29 after the birth of my fourth child. I've never regretted it.