Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A fallopian tube is attached to each side of your uterus (womb). When one of your ovaries releases an egg, the egg travels through the fallopian tube to your uterus. If the egg is fertilized by a sperm from a man, you become pregnant. A laparoscopic (LAP-er-ah-SKAW-pik) tubal ligation is surgery to close your fallopian tubes. It is also called female sterilization or having your "tubes tied". Caregivers use a laparoscope to do the surgery. This scope is a long metal tube with a magnifying camera and a light on the end. It is put into your abdomen through one or more small incisions (cuts).
  
  
• During a tubal ligation, your fallopian tubes are burned shut, cut, or closed with a type of clip. Immediately after your tubes are closed, sperm will not be able to reach an egg and cause pregnancy. A tubal ligation is an effective and permanent (lifelong) form of birth control. Before having this surgery, you must be sure that you never want to become pregnant in the future. You will still have monthly periods after your tubal ligation. A tubal ligation will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as AIDS or herpes.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  
• Over-the-counter pain medicine: You may use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for your pain. These may be bought at grocery and drug stores. Ask your caregiver before taking OTC medicine if you are also taking pain medicine ordered (prescribed) for you.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Activity and other special instructions:

You may feel like resting more after surgery. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• Your incisions come apart.
  
  
• You have heavy bright red bleeding from your vagina or your incisions.
  
  
• You have trouble urinating, burning when you urinate, or bloody urine.
  
  
• Your incision is red, swollen, or has pus or foul-smelling drainage coming from it.
  
  
• You have pain that gets worse instead of better, or that is not controlled with your medicine.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You are vomiting and are not able to keep food or fluids down for over 24 hours.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your surgery or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden, or have chest pain.
  
  
• You have heavy vaginal bleeding that fills one sanitary pad or more an hour for four hours in a row.