Delayed Period After Tubal Ligation: Possible Causes & What To Do

Question
kristy,
Hi. I have had my tubes tied for four years now. I have not had my period for 7 1/2 weeks. Mybreast are tender like I'm going to have my cycle but still no sign. I am nervous about taking a pregnancy test aw ell as going to the doctor. I don't want to be that case where i am. could you give me some signs.
I have never missed my cycle. If i was stressing about something it still came just heavier.
thanks,
kishya

Answer
Hi Kishya :)

Well, considering that you had a tubal, its highly unlikely that you are pregnant.

Let me give you some statistics :

4 in 1000 women whom have had a tubal, will become pregnant. 3 out of the 4, are of menopausal stages in their life, and had the procedure done 15- 20 years prior. It happens sometimes in menopausal women because in those days, they only really cut or clamped. Over time, the tubes did grow back together and became functional. But please note, even still, its extremely rare. Especially now and days, doctors often cauterize (burn) the tubes, which basically makes you conclusively sterile. So that chances of you being pregnant, considering your procedure is only 4 years old, is very, very unlikely.

Yes, stress, and physical illness( flu and cold) will cause a disruption in your cycle.

Also, keep in mind its highly probable that you are experiencing a hormonal imbalance. Your ovaries are still functioning, so hormonal imbalance is completely possible. Also, hormonal imbalances will give you breast ternderness, cramping, water retention (bloating feeling) and queeziness thats often associated with pregnancy symptoms.

Often, hormonal imbalances will get back on track, but sometimes help from medication is the key, to induce a period.

You are almost 2 months late for your period. Again, its highly unlikely you are pregnant. But still, you should see a doctor about this, just to get a diagnoses, and treatment to get your cycles back on track. The doctor will most likely do a urine test, or a beta hcg test to check for pregnancy. But dont panic, that is procedure, and done on a routine basis.

I think its more likely a hormonal imbalance kishya, I really do. Regardless, this is definately something that you need to bring to the attention of your doctor, if your period still doesnt come.

Hope this is of some help, and thanks for writing :)

-Kristy