Hysteroscopic Occlusion of the Fallopian Tubes for Sterilization

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 21, 2024.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Hysteroscopic occlusion of the fallopian tubes is a procedure to block your fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. Your fallopian tubes are thin tubes located on each side of your uterus (womb) near the ovaries. Your ovaries are the organs that release eggs into the fallopian tubes. You may become pregnant if sperm enters your egg. Hysteroscopic occlusion of the fallopian tubes is a form of sterilization. Sterilization means permanent (lifelong) prevention of pregnancy. Before having this procedure, you must be sure that you never want to have babies in the future.
• Your caregiver will use a hysteroscope, which is a long tube with a camera and light on the end. The scope is used to insert special sterilization coils into your fallopian tubes. The coil is made of metals including nickel. There is a substance inside the coil that will irritate the tissue that lines your tubes. The irritation then causes tissue to grow around the coil and block the opening of your tubes. Once your tubes are completely blocked, sperm will not be able to reach your egg and cause pregnancy.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed.

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

• Acetaminophen: This medicine is used to decrease pain after your procedure. Taking too much acetaminophen can hurt your liver. Read labels so that you know the active ingredients in each medicine that you take. Talk to your caregiver before taking more than one medicine that has acetaminophen in it. Ask your caregiver before taking over-the-counter medicine if you are also taking pain medicine prescribed (ordered) for you.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine may decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your primary healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.

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

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

You will need to see your caregiver a few months after your procedure. You may need a hysterosalpingogram, ultrasound, or pelvic x-ray. These tests are done to check your tubes and make sure they are completely blocked. Your caregiver may also check if the coil inside each tube is in the right place. Ask your caregiver for more information about these tests.

Activity:

You may be able to return to your daily activities on the day of your procedure. Ask your caregiver for more information about returning to work, exercise, or other activities.

Birth control:

It will take up to three months for your tubes to be completely blocked. You will need to use a form of birth control during this time to prevent pregnancy. Talk to your caregiver about what kind of birth control is best for you.

Preventing blood clots:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood clots form inside your veins. You may be at an increased risk for DVT's after your procedure. Ask your caregiver for more information about preventing DVT's.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You feel dizzy or you have fainted.
• You have a fever (high body temperature).
• You have pain in your lower back, legs, hips or thighs.
• You have foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
• You have nausea (upset stomach) and vomiting.
• You have questions about your procedure, condition or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your legs are swollen, warm, and painful.
• You have very bad stomach or pelvic (hip area) pain.
• You think or know that you are pregnant.
• You have large amounts of vaginal bleeding and it is not time for your monthly period.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer