QuestionI am from N.C. and I have 5 children ranging in age from 7-22. After my 7yr old was born, the next day I had my tubes tied. I have been told by many women that the procedure will not last. I would like to know if that is true. Do I now need to worry about getting pregnant again at 42 (current age) or older. I do have an active sex life.
AnswerHello Ms. R from the U.S. (North Carolina),
A tubal ligation is a surgery whereby different methods are used to destroy a portion of the tube, thereby making the tube inoperable. I cannot tell you specifically what the chances are of that failing, since I don't know what method was used, but the chances are very low. There is a chance of failure for whatever reason, but it is a very low rate and I think your risks are low. In addition, with your age, your natural fertility rate would be decreased as well. I think you can be comfortable and confident that you will not get pregnant.
Good Luck,
Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
