QuestionI am due to have a baby in June. I have thought about having my tubes tied to keep from getting pregnant again. If I have my tubes tied will I still have my monthly bleeding, cramping, bloating, and other pains? I was always a very heavy bleeder. I hope you can answer my questions.
Thank you
Lacey
AnswerDear Lacey,
Yes, you will still have your periods and the symptoms associated with them after a tubal ligation. Some women experience lighter periods and some have heavier periods, while others remain virtually unchanged.
The symptoms associated with periods (bloating, cramping, breast tenderness, etc,...) are related to female hormones - estrogen and progesterone. Those remain unaffected by a tubal ligation unless there is damage to the ovaries or their blood supply during the surgery. In those situations there are other effects that can occur, which they have now grouped into a syndrome called 'Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome'.
The only permanent sterilization procedure that will rid you of periods is a hysterectomy. If they leave ovaries, there is typically no need to take estrogen supplements because the ovaries still continue to produce the estrogen. The cramping/bloating/bleeding is gone because the uterus is not there to cramp and shed it's lining each month.
Weigh your options carefully. A hysterectomy is obviously a completely permanent procedure. You must be sure you never want another child. A tubal is considered permanent as well, though occasionally it can be reversed - depending upon how it is done.
I hope this information has answered your questions and helped you. I wish you well!
Brenda
