Childbirth is arguably the most amazing thing we can experience in our lifetime. Bringing a new life into the world, and seeing those innocent eyes stare back at you is simply awe inspiring. For many the bundle of joy will be their first, second, or third, fourth or even fifth, but no matter how many babies you want to bring into this world, we all generally arrive at a place where we decide that our family unit is complete.
Recently, there has been a train of thought that once you’ve made this decision, you can get your tubes tied (tubal ligation) while you’re at the hospital having your baby. After all, you’re already there, and it will be snip-snip and it’s over.
At Northside Gynaecology we are not sold on this mindset. Giving birth can be a stressful affair at the best of times, and with emotions and hormones are running wild, it is certainly not the time to make huge life decisions about your health - and the future of your family. We believe that it’s in your, and your family’s best interest, to have permanent contraception, only once you have fully recovered from the birth.
Our recommendation is that you wait about 4-6 months after giving birth. This will give you enough time to recover, and we can perform a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. You can still be in-and-out in the same day.
Most women choose permanent contraception in order to liberate them from contraceptives, but many women are also opting for permanent contraception if they are unable to use contraceptives, or, if they are a carrier of a hereditary disease, and they don’t want to pass it on to their children.
Some simply don’t want any more children, and are removing the risk of getting pregnant altogether (almost 99% successful). Whatever your choice, it is up to you, and it’s our responsibility to guide you, so that you can make an informed decision.
Even if there is an outside possibility that you will want another child, then permanent contraception might not be the best option for you. We offer many other options that are also long term, and just as effective, but with the option of reversal down the line.
These options include the contraceptive implant and the IUD.
Let’s look at the pros and the cons of tubal ligation…
The Pros
- More than 99% chance you won’t get pregnant again (99% Success Rate)
- No more need for the pill and other contraceptives
- It can protect you from disease
- Reduces the risk of ovarian cancer
- Stops you from passing on genetic diseases
The Cons
- More than 99% chance you won’t get pregnant again (99% Success Rate)
- Procedure offers potential risks, including a small risk of having an ecytopic pregnancy
- Tubal ligation cannot be reversed
- Tubal ligation does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases
During your consultation, we will discuss all the pros and cons, answering any questions you might have.
If you are satisfied that you, and your partner, are not planning on having any more children, then tubal ligation might be an ideal solution for your family.
The specialists at Northside Gynaecology are happy to discuss the tubal ligation procedure with you, and we can perform the surgery in Brisbane, at North West Private Hospital in Everton Park, Caboolture Private Hospital, or at the North Lakes Hospital.
For more contraception information, please visit our website.