Surgery
Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation is a permanent form of female contraception that blocks or seals the fallopian tubes so eggs cannot meet sperm.
Quick answer
Tubal Ligation: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Female sterilisation blocks, seals or removes the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs travelling from the ovaries to the womb. It is intended to be permanent.
- Why it is done: It is chosen by women who are certain they do not want children, or more children, as a highly effective and permanent method of contraception.
- What happens: Usually done by keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic, the surgeon blocks or removes the tubes through small cuts in the abdomen.
What it is
Female sterilisation blocks, seals or removes the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs travelling from the ovaries to the womb. It is intended to be permanent.
Why it is done
It is chosen by women who are certain they do not want children, or more children, as a highly effective and permanent method of contraception.
What happens
Usually done by keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic, the surgeon blocks or removes the tubes through small cuts in the abdomen. It is often a day-case procedure.
Recovery
Recovery from keyhole surgery is usually quick, over a few days to a week, with some soreness and shoulder-tip discomfort from the gas. Normal activities resume gradually.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include the usual surgical and anaesthetic risks, and rarely failure of the procedure. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, and reversal is difficult and not routinely available, so it should be considered permanent.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Tubal Ligation: frequently asked questions
Is tubal ligation reversible?
Reversal is sometimes possible but is complex, not always successful and rarely available on the NHS, so sterilisation should be regarded as a permanent decision.
Will it affect my periods or hormones?
No. The ovaries continue to work normally, so your hormones and periods are generally unaffected; only the path of the egg is blocked.
Related
Other surgery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists / relevant professional body
Building patient-education content for procedures?
We create clear, accurate, referenced medical explainers and decision aids for teams and learners.