A gynecologist may have told women that having tubes tied is a safe procedure but were they told about the possible side effects they may encounter as a result of the tubal ligation?
In rare cases, adhesions can form at the site of the tubal coagulation.
Post tubal ligation syndrome (PTLS) is a term used to for symptoms experienced after the surgery such as increased menstrual bleeding and increased cramping that are attributed to changes in the hormone levels. Another explanation is that the symptoms are caused by the disruption of the normal blood flow between fallopian tubes, the ovaries, and the uterus. The reality of PTLS has been a subject of controversy in medical literature because the same symptoms can occur in women who have not had a tubal ligation. Women who have had tubal reversals have reported that they symptoms have gone away which points to the possible legitimacy of the syndrome.
Other symptoms women report experiencing after having a tubal ligation include increased mood swings, depression, decreased sex drive, weight gain, heavy menstrual flow, longer periods, painful ovulation, and abdominal pains.
There are more health risks to the woman at the time of surgery including infection, injury to the bladder, bleeding from a major blood vessel, and unintentional burning of the bowel or other structures and anesthesia complications. If a laparoscopy is used to perform the surgery there is a risk for bowel perforation, which can lead to massive infection. Every operation carries risks of infection and hemorrhage.
Doctors have had women come to an office visit complaining of severe cramping, pain upon intercourse, dysfunctional uterine bleeding and the occurrence of pelvic pain or pressure. A British study revealed that 43% of women with tubals have experienced conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding, severe cramping, cervical erosion, ovarian tumors, and the need for a second surgery for the recanalization of fallopian tubes. The study showed that women who had previously been on birth control pills were more likely to experience heavy menstrual flow and pain after having a tubal ligation.
Tubal ligation may also be a risk factor for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).
Any woman facing surgery including tubal ligation should do research and ask lots of questions of her healthcare professionals before consenting to the surgery. She should ask to see studies regarding the outcome of those who have had the surgery to determine what the risk factors and possible side effects may be of having the surgery.
Sources:
S. Lawson, R. A. Cole, and A. A. Templeton, “The effect of laparoscopic sterilization by diathermy or silastic bands on post-operative pain, menstrual symptoms and sexuality,” British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 86:659-663.
M J Muldoon, “Gynaecological illness after sterilization,” British Medical Journal (Jan. 8, 1972) 84-85, Table III.
Susan Harlap, Kathryn Kost, and Jacqueline Darroch Forrest, Preventing Pregnancy, Protecting Health: A New Look at Birth Control Choices in the United States (New York: Alan Guttmacher Institute, 1991) 92.
