Delayed Period After Tubal Ligation: Causes & Concerns

Question
I am 28 years old and since my tubal 7 years ago my periods have been irregular. My period is later than usual this time.This week at night and early morning I feel like I am going to start and then nothing. Could it be pregnancy? I've been a little stressed and trying to loose weight so I have changed my diet lately. Could it be due to that? I really don't want any more children, I have 2 and they are 7 and 10.

Answer
Dear April,

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 only about 1% of women will conceive an unplanned pregnancy after tubal ligation. This failure occurs slightly more frequently in younger women.

There are many various causes for amenorrhea (absence of periods) - pregnancy being just one, and yes, dietary changes being another. Others can be:
-Hormonal imbalances, which cause fluctuating levels of the hormones needed to support menstruation
-Emotional or physical stress / Depression
-Rapid weight loss or gain
-Change in diet
-Low body weight
-Obesity
-Frequent or strenuous exercise
-Cysts or tumors in the ovaries
-Thyroid or Pituitary dysfunction
-Certain medications or drug use
-Menopause OR Premature ovarian failure (menopause before age 40)
-Occasionally stopping birth control pills

The general recommendation is that if you miss three consecutive periods and pregnancy is not the reason, you should see your doctor so that a cause can be determined. More than likely your doctor will do a quantitative blood pregnancy test (serum beta hCG), which is more conclusive than a urine test, to make sure that pregnancy is ruled out as an option. Otherwise, you can try taking a home pregnancy test one weeks after a period is due/missed if it will ease your mind sooner than waiting out another cycle.

I hope this helps you and has answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda