QuestionI'm 34 years old and I had a tubal ligation on 12/13/99. My period going on
2 weeks late. It normally lasts 6 days and last month, 3 days. My breasts are
tender and I cant stand to sleep without a bra now. I even saw a little liquid
from my nipples. I go to bed atleast 3 hours earlier than normal. I took a
pregnancy test and it came out negative. I also have 3 children 13, 11, and 8.
I need some advise. And no, we do not use protection. I was counting on
the tubal ligation for that. Oh yeah, my OBGYN doesnt practice anymore. I
found out that he's teaching at a college.
AnswerDear Janice,
Occasionally a woman can still get pregnant, despite having had her tubes tied properly. The tubes can evolve in such a way as to try to heal themselves, and sometimes a tract develops that allows egg and sperm to meet. However, tubal ligation, regardless of whether the tubes are cut, burned, clipped, banded, or tied, is about 99% effective, meaning that about 1% of women will conceive an unplanned pregnancy after tubal ligation. This failure occurs slightly more frequently in younger women. Regardless, the procedure is and should be considered permanent sterilization.
Symptoms which are typically associated with early pregnancy (breast tenderness/swelling, headache, nausea, fatigue, backache, etc,...) are basically hormonally related and can also be related to hormone fluctuations within our cycles. That is why it is so difficult to "diagnose" a pregnancy based on symptoms alone.
Because almost all of the symptoms you have described are breast-related, I would very much recommend seeing a gynecologist. It worries me that you say you "found out" that your OB/GYN no longer practices. I'm hoping very much that does not mean that you have neglected making sure you are getting annual Pap smears and gynecological exams - including breast exams.
If the nipples spontaneously leak a discharge, or stain the clothing, that is not normal; nor is it normal to have bloody nipple secretions.
Nipple discharge from both breasts indicates "galactorrhea." While a few post partum women will continue to leak small amounts of milk for years following delivery, galactorrhea in general indicates the need for a serum prolactin measurement and possibly an MRI of the pituitary gland to look for prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas. Hypothyroidism can also cause this problem, although it is rare.
Athletes may also experience small amounts of galactorrhea from constant rubbing of the nipples against clothing. Frequent sexual stimulation of the breasts may have similar effects. The serum prolactin measurement is best made after a few days of non-stimulation of the breast. Even after a breast exam, it is often helpful to wait 2 days before measuring the serum prolactin.
Persistent discharge from a single duct, particularly if bloody, rust-colored or multicolored, suggests the presence of an intraductal lesion, such as a papilloma. While these are often benign, they need further follow-up.
When you see your new OB/GYN, you can definitely request a quantitative blood pregnancy test (serum beta hCG) to rule out a pregnancy if you have not yet had a period by then.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
WOMEN MUST BE HEARD!
*VOTE on (OR BEFORE) NOVEMBER 4*
