What is it?

Tubal Ligation (getting your tubes tied) is a surgical operation where the fallopian tubes are clamped off.  The fallopian tubes are responsible for carrying a female’s egg from the ovary to the uterus.  It is considered to be a permanent method of birth control because the surgery is very difficult to reverse.

How does it work?

Clamping off the fallopian tube stops the female’s egg from traveling out of the ovaries to meet the sperm.  This prevents fertilization of the egg (pregnancy).

Remember, Tubal Ligations protect against pregnancy but they DO NOT protect you from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

How effective is it?

Tubal Ligation is 99.6% effective in preventing pregnancy

 Possible Side Effects

• Pain, bleeding, & nausea (feeling like you will be sick / vomit) following surgery

 Tubal Ligation is a good choice for you, IF:

• You want a very effective and permanent birth control method
• Other forms of birth control are not options for you

 Tubal Ligation is not for you, IF:

• You are not sure that you want a ‘permanent’ form of birth control
• If your partner is unsure
• You have not considered other forms of birth control

I am interested, what’s the next step?

• Tubal Ligations are covered if you hold an Ontario Health Card (reversals are not covered).
• Talk with your family doctor and he/she will refer you to a gynecologist.
• If you do not have a family doctor, visit the Health Unit.  Our doctors will set you up with a gynecologist if you feel this option is right for you.
• Your first appointment with the gynecologist will be a consultation.  The procedure will be discussed along with possible risks versus benefits.
• The gynecologist’s office will contact you once they have booked the procedure for you at the hospital
• The second appointment with the gynecologist will be on your day of surgery.
• This procedure is considered day surgery and is performed on an outpatient basis.

For more information call (519) 258-2146 ext 1200 or 1201

 The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. (2000). Sex Sense:

Canadian Contraceptive Guide. Ottawa, ON.

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. (2000). Choosing a

contraceptive that’s right for you…. Ottawa, ON.

Limburg, J. Middlesex-London Health Unit. (1998) Birth Control Options. London, ON.

Reviewed April 25, 2007

T/Sexual Health/Fact Sheets/Birth Control Options