Diagnosing Menstrual Problems After a Tubal Ligation
Posted On: Monday, September 15th, 2008
Has your body gone ‘haywire’ after having your ‘tubes tied’? Many women report a variety of changes occurring after a tubal ligation. There are various gynecologic conditions that may be the cause and deserve proper evaluation by your doctor.
Problems that can occur after a tubal ligation
Previously, we introduced the topic of Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS) as a suspected cause of problems that can occur after a tubal ligation. Women who experience problems after a tubal ligation may not have PTLS. If women have problems after a tubal ligation they commonly have two complaints: changes in their periods (menstrual pattern) and/or more painful periods. If you have had a tubal ligation and are experiencing these complaints, you could be suffering from an undiagnosed medical condition.
To determine if you have an underlying medical condition causing the above symptoms, it is helpful to be aware of the medical terminology for menstrual disorders.
Medical terminology
The medical terminology for changes in the frequency or amount of bleeding with your periods are:
• Oligomenorrhea
• Hypomenorrhea
• Hypermenorrhea (menorraghia)
Menstrual periods that are infrequent or irregular is termed oligmenorrhea. Periods that are scanty in amount of bleeding is called hypmenorrhea. Periods that are heavier in the amount of bleeding is termed hypermenorrhea or menorraghia (both terms refer to heavier periods).
The medical terminology for painful periods is dysmenorrhea.
Dysmenorrhea is divided into two categories:
• Primary (since puberty)
• Secondary (developed as you became older)
More painful periods developing after a tubal ligation would be categorized as secondary dysmenorrhea.
Medical causes of menstrual disorders
There can be many medical causes for oligomenorrhea, hypomenorrhea, or hypermenorrhea:
Uterine fibroids
Endometrial polyps
Adenomyosis
Uterine infections
Thyroid abnormalities
Endometrial hyperplasia
Endometrial cancer
Blood abnormalities (platelet disorders)
Ovulation disorders?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
Pregnancy*
Anorexia nervosa*
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia*
Perimenopause?
Pituitary abnormalities?
* Marked items are mostly associated with oligomenorrhea
? Marked items can be associated with both oligo and hypermenorrhea
Most women who develop abnormalities in their menstrual cycle after a tubal ligation will not have a serious medical condition. Most will have hormonal abnormalities, uterine fibroids, or anovualtion as the cause for changes in their menstrual cycle. These are common conditions that occur as a person either ages or experiences significant changes in weight.
Dysmenorrhea
There can be many medical causes for dysmenorrhea. These are the major causes of secondary dysmenorrhea:
Gynecologic disorders
Endometriosis
Adenomyosis
Ovarian cysts
Pelvic adhesions
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Uterine polyps
Congenital obstructive Müllerian malformations
Cervical stenosis
Nongynecologic disorders
Inflammatory bowel disease
Irritable bowel syndrome
Uteropelvic junction obstruction
Psychogenic disorders
Secondary dysmenorrhea can be experienced by many women. The most common causes are endometriosis, adenomyosis, and ovarian cysts. Causes of secondary dysmenorrhea can sometimes be difficult to identify. Sometimes, women may need to be referred to other medical specialists to diagnose the cause of secondary dysmenorrhea.
Changes in one’s menstrual cycle are common and can also occur after a tubal ligation procedure. When a woman has a tubal ligation and then develops any of the symptoms discussed above, it is tempting to attribute them to Post Tubal ligation Syndrome; however, there may be other underlying medical or gynecological conditions responsible for these changes.
The tubal ligation reversal experts at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center recommend you see your medical provider if you develop any of the above symptoms after a tubal ligation. 
The purpose of your visit will be to diagnose any medical conditions which could the cause of your symptoms. If your doctor is unable to determine any medical explanation or if your symptoms are more extensive than those listed above, the doctor might attribute your symptoms to depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, or regret over your prior decision to have a surgical sterilization.
PTLS Articles on the Tubal Reversal Blog
This is the third article of a fourteen part series about Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome. Our next article is Guilt or Regret About Tubes Tied.
Readers can also view patient submitted stories about their menstrual symptoms, reasons for reversing tubal ligation, and outcomes after reversal reversal surgery. Each patient’s story is listed below:
Meet Momzilla
Meet Andrea
Meet Rebecca
Meet Praybelieving
Meet Katherine
We invite readers to join the Tubal Reversal Message Board and discuss and share personal experiences with tubal ligation. We also would like patients to join our PTLS Forum and share their personal experiences with worsening physical or mental symptoms noticed after tubal ligation.
Comment by Dr. Berger
The terms introduced in this article – such as oligomenorrhea, hypomenorrhea, hypermenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea – are descriptive medical terms for common menstrual disorders. When they occur, they deserve a thorough medical evaluation. As Dr. Monteith has described, there are many underlying causes or diagnoses for these conditions.
The question that seems to be at issue regarding Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome is this: when symptoms develop after a tubal ligation, are they attributable to the tubal ligation itself or to some other underlying condition? If no other underlying causes are found, then is PTLS the diagnosis remaining by exclusion? If a doctor does not believe in the existence of PTLS and no underlying medical or gynecologic diagnosis is evident, is attributing the symptoms to depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, or sterilization regret reasonable, accurate, or sufficient?
Articles About Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome
September 15th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Very informative article. It seems that to arrive at the diagnosis of PTLS thorough examination and testing is necessary to keep PTLS from becoming the catch all term when a physician doesn’t want to take the time to find out the source of a women’s complaints.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
What great information. It just goes to show how information can help women determine the direction of their own health care. I am hoping that the more information that is available will help others get away from catch all terms and that physicians will quit relying on the diagnosis of depression for problems that women have with their menstrual cycle. Thanks for the information.
September 17th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I had a tubal ligation 6 years ago and my periods have been abnormal ever since. I haven’t been stressed and didn’t regret my decision until this last month. However, I read a lot about symptoms on PTLS and out of a list of 32 signs, I had 19 of them. I am currently having some bad cramping and have for a week. Not sure what the deal is but I can’t even get into the doctor for a month.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
I too had a tubal ligation… cut and cauterized. After severe pain in my left side, abnormal periods and a couple of ultrasounds over a period of time, I had a d&c. The pain still continued until I became pregnant two years later. The tubes grew back together. Lab tests showed that the procedure had been done correctly. The good news is that after my son was born, I no longer had the pain. And I had this beautiful little boy who is a blessing to this day. I would encourage those who are thinking about the procedure to really really think about it.
January 7th, 2009 at 10:35 am
I had my tubal ligation on 10/16/08 since then I have not had a menstrual cycle. I also noticed that my attitude has changed towards everyone. I am very irritable and get agitated right away. I am only 27 yrs old. Is this normal?
January 13th, 2009 at 9:24 am
I toughed my way through the physical and mental issues that followed a tubal ligation as a young wife, not realizing I needed medical help. Even now as a grandmother,I am grateful for the insight into what was happening to me that your article provides.
January 31st, 2009 at 11:56 am
I did not know of complications following a tubal ligation. Mine was done October 2003 – over 5 years ago. Since then, I have had increasing problems with menstruation I’ve always attributed to a past preliminary diagnosis of endometriosis (never confirmed through laparoscopy). But, now I am wondering if it is something directly related to the tubal ligation, since my prior symptoms ceased before even having children. I have 3 children, my last 2003. My cycles are fairly regular (27-29 days), but I have disabling uterine contractions lasting 3-5 days and HEAVY bleeding with lots of clots. I’m usually on bedrest for a few days. I also struggle to maintain emotional stability for 2 weeks out of each month. I feel normal or like myself only 25-50% of each month. I would really like to have a reversal done and am praying about it and the ability to afford it.
February 5th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
I had a TL in October of 2006 after the birth of my fifth child,I didn’t have any trouble until he was about a year or so, then my periods would be two days of heavy bleeding and then for the rest of the week or longer, I would be so light that it was like spotting and then are days that I get a bad headaches the day before I start,I know that this is not normal by any means, and my doctor is the type to tell me that it is all in my head and it hasn’t a thing to do with my TL! All the stuff that I’ve been reading can’t be in our heads! I’m only 32…not crazy!! Something is wrong! There are many women I’ve talked to that have most of the same problems. Thanks for the feed back!!!
February 22nd, 2009 at 9:05 pm
[...] to reverse her tubal ligation to have more children. Like some women, she has also experienced changes in her menstrual cycle. She will be documenting her journey so others may benefit from her [...]
March 27th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
I have had a tubal and a c-section together. Now my periods are really weird. I have the first one and its really heavy.Then I have a second one and its really light. Plus I can feel something like a needle in my side at times and a knot under my belly button when I am standing but not while I am sitting or laying down. What could this be? I also have Crohn’s Disease. Could that have something to do with it?
March 28th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
I had my tubes tied July 12th 2007 after a c-section. My periods are awful. They have been painful since about August of 07 and now we are at 2009 and just this month I have had 2 periods. I had just gotten off my last period about the 21 and 2 days later I have started again….what is the deal here… If anyone knows let me know… Thanks.
April 6th, 2009 at 3:18 am
I had a c-section and tubal ligation after my 3rd child. I was used to regular periods and 4-5 day bleeding. It has been 4 months since I had the tubal ligation and my periods are super light – more like spotting for a day and irregular. Also now I have a month and a week between each one. Now I am kinda worried I might be pregnant but my husband thinks I am just depressed because more children are no longer an option. Is my tubal causing these problems ??
April 6th, 2009 at 6:27 am
Your tubal ligation is probably not causing these problems. Most commonly the reason is anovulation- or not ovulating. You should discuss this with your doctor to prevent future problems.
April 20th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
I had a tubal done in Feb 2005. I have had numerous problems: the hard knot in my stomach just under my belly button; periods are heavy one month, fine the next; have gas every single day and stay bloated. I have 4 children. After the first two, I lost all my weight, Now, I can’t lose the weight. My back constantly hurts. Have you got any ideas about this?
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:43 am
I had my tubal done on the 13th of May and I have yet to have my period. Is that normal? I took several OTC pregnancy tests and all came back negative.
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Some woman may skip a cycle after stress or surgery…talk with your doctor if this keeps happening.
June 14th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I have had four children one in 1999 one in 2000 one in 2002 and the last in 2005 I got my tubal ligation done six weeks after my fourth child was born. It has been nothing but awful starting six weeks after I healed from the surgery. My periods are crazy. I have to use two boxes of the ultra tampons a month. I have no energy. I’m aggravated most of the month. My mood swings are terrible. I’m very nervous. It’s hard to do anything when I’m on my period its so heavy. I have a hard time shopping and standing for long periods of time without messing up my clothes. I have lots of clots.I have a line that has appeared above my lip that looks like a mustache but there is no hair, it’s just a dark pigment.
June 16th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I wish I would have found out about this sooner. I only recently learned how a TL can affect your menstrual cycle. Since I have had my TL(1996) I have had very regular periods, like clockwork. BUT, they are so very painful and there are so many clots, most often it scares me. But I just put up with it for the last 13 years. I am about to embark on the journey of having my Tubal Ligation reversed. It is mainly because I would like to have another baby in the near future, but I hope and pray that after the surgery the cramps, pain, anxiety, etc. will go away and no longer affect my life they way it has. I’m one of those people who made the decision under someone else’s influence and really regret having had TL. If I had another choice I would tell him to get a vasectomy instead of me getting any type of surgery.The article above were very helpful and its good to know now that I’m not alone. Good luck for everyone out there that is having their surgery reversed.
September 6th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
It has been 25 years since I had my TL. I did this following the birth of my fifth child. I will be 53 in a month and I’ve regretted the decision for tubal ligation all these years. My periods have never been the same and in preparation for menopause, it isn’t easy for me. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone ever.
September 7th, 2009 at 11:05 am
I am almost 45 and I believe I had tubal cauterization 7 years ago. I regret the decision immensely and would love to have it it reversed because I have had extremely heavy and funky periods. I am irritable a lot more now. I have changed since my tubal. Now I wish and pray I can get it reversed.
September 19th, 2009 at 6:24 am
I had twin baby girls on June 19, 2009 and bled for 4 weeks afterwards. It is now September 19 and I haven’t had a period yet. They were born by c-section and I had a tubal ligation done. I’m beginning to wonder what’s wrong. (I’m not pregnant…took the test just in case.)
February 10th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
I have 3 boys one in 2000, one in 2005 and one in 2008 all by c-section. I got the tl done after the last one and haven’t had a cycle as of yet. My cycles have always been on the light side and got lighter after each birth. It lasted 7 days before my first pg, 5 after my first, 3 days after my second and just haven’t had one after my last. I’m not even sure if it’s normal or not!!!!!!!!
February 18th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
I had my tubal ligation Feb 2009. I started getting migraines 3mos after my surgery. Now I’ve been getting my period frequently. I have always had very heavy bleeding and nothing has changed with that. But I think it may have to do with the tubal not that I would change it, but it just sucks.
February 25th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
I got my TL almost 6 yrs ago. Since then my periods have been heavier but other than that nothing out of the ordinary as far as cramps and so on. Just recently I started my period about a week and half late and on the third day I was having pains so severe that it felt like contractions every half hour or so. My period only lasted three days (usually last 5-7 days). A week and a half later I started my period again…It really worries me because several women in my family have had history of ovarian complications. Does anyone know what could be wrong? Thanks.
March 25th, 2010 at 10:57 am
I had my fourth child on Jan 24 and had my tubal ligation the same day. It is march 25 and I still have yet to have a period… I have taken a pregnancy test and it was negative but I am still worried… my stomach is cramping and my breast are hurting as if I was on my period but I am not… if anyone has answers please let me know.
March 25th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Cristalle
You are probably not ovulating. You should talk to your doctor and they will evaluate your hormone levels and make the appropriate recommendations.
June 1st, 2010 at 4:11 pm
I had my last child in Sept of 05 and I got my tubes tied this past year. My cycle has gotten heavy with very big clots and now my cycle is staying on for more than two weeks. I regret this decision so much and encourage any woman not to have a tubal ligation. What could be wrong with me?
June 7th, 2010 at 11:36 am
i had a TL on April 19 2010 about 1 1/2 months after the birth of my second child. My OBG put me on the DEPO shot on my 6week check up until i was able to have my TL. So i had no menstrual period the whole time up until the day i had my TL. i was not told that i was going to be bleeding have the TL. this nurse jus handed me a pad to put on after my surgery. well i have not stop bleeding or cramping since and it is now June 7 2010. i dont know if this is normal but im calling my OBG today cus it is messing up my life
June 11th, 2010 at 12:00 am
I had a TL when I was 21 and I’m now 29. Before having TL I suffer from bad periods, but not like after. I too like all the others have long,heavy period and clotting. It seems I start only 15-20 day after stopping. The other at a friends house after being off my period for a week
June 11th, 2010 at 12:14 am
“sorry computer messed up” I was cutting my 6 yr old son’s hair, and a big blood clot came out and ran down my leg to the floor. Anyone knows why? I also suffer from migraines, dizzy spells, weakness, always tired, ance, and back and side pains. I live on a heating pad, and sometimes just cry. I went to the doctor’s office and he put me on anti-dression med. It’s becoming a problem I’m starting to miss work every three week.
I also read in someone else comment about the pain under bellybutton. I also felt that pressure and what’s weird is sometimes I feel and pulse.
After my TL the only decomfort I felt was a gas feeling, I still get this feeling everyone month. I find I have a bowel problem now. Anyone else? Please comment. These problems are problems that have been building in the last eight years. I THINK I’M GOING CRAZY
June 26th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
I had 4 children, and after the birth of my last child I chose tubal ligation, personal reasons I do regret it. I have found that my periods are crazy, my last one is driving me to take a Ptest, because I have gotten so use to heavy, heavy bleeding, this last one was so light that I am worried now and it came 7 days early. I have head aches everyday, my mood swings are not normal. I am not depressed or, have history of mental illness. The doctor’s told me that I might have Cluster Headaches. After reading all these posts, I clearly feel that this might be all connected. Concern is how I am left feeling. Upset about the facts that my doctor did not go over with me afterward one has TL, if I was told about all these medical concerns after one has TL, I know that it would not have been something I would have done. I looked into reversal and can’t afford it. STUCK!
July 27th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
I had my first child at age 32. After that I stupidly opted for an IUD without hormones and had crazy, and heavy 10 day long (monthly) periods. After two years, I was on a non stop period, had it removed, had two healthy periods then became pregnant. Being that I was in labor with my oldest for 23 hours, and ended up having a c-section, I decided to schedule a c-section for my second. Since I was already being operated on I decided to have a tubal ligation at the same time, and felt so much discomfort during the procedure. The day after I gushed, and gushed a lot of blood…something I did not do with my previous child post partum. A few months went by before my first actual period. The first three were miserable 10 day long periods again. After that for the past 20 months all periods, except for two, have been 2 to 3 1/2 weeks long every month! They have been gushers with big clots the size of my thumb or bigger. I sought medical attention after the first super long period, and kept seeking help for almost half a year thereafter and got nowhere. There was nothing wrong with my uterus, my pap, and biopsy came back okay, but I had a cyst in my right uterus that grew from 4 cm to over 5.2 cm within that six month stretch. I was sent to over three military medical clinics in San Diego in that amount of time, and all I was told is that they didn’t know why I’m bleeding like that, and that the cyst was normal and would go away. Here I am over a year since I last sought help still having the same issues, believing that I still have that cyst! I have begun my journey again as I live in a different location, and will be getting most of my help from civilian medical being that my husband’s base here is small. Maybe I need to consider having this blasted procedure reversed. I blame the tubal ligation for the cyst, discomfort, mood swings, and crazy blood loss. DON’T DO IT! You’ll regret it. My husband was more than willing to get a vasectomy, but I didn’t want him to since I was going to have a c-section anyway. Regardless whether I was to have a vaginal or c-section delivery, he should have gone through his much less painful and less complicated procedure of a vasectomy versus my tubal ligation.
July 30th, 2010 at 9:39 am
Wow, I had tubal ligation done in 2007 after having a c-section. I have been having the same issues, Periods lasting up to 3 weeks, mood swings, depression, heavy periods, months when I wouldn’t have a period. Before having the procedure done my periods have been like clockwork, and I didn’t have the depression or horrendous mood swings. I went to my Dr and had blood work done, sonogram on my uterus and no problems were found, my hormone level was good as well. I was put on birth control to help regulate the periods and help with mood swings which it has helped somewhat. Is this just a coincidence that we all are having the same issues after this procedure? This is terrible to deal with not knowing when and where a period will strike!
August 15th, 2010 at 9:25 am
On January 28th I had my fourth child and first son. The day after he was born I decided to have a tubal ligation. I’m still breastfeeding so I have not had any periods yet so I do not know if they will be effected however I do have days with cramps. My big issue is with gas and bloating. I’m always gassy! Everyday regardless of what I eat and the bloating is crazy. I have also noticed that when I bend over I have a pinching/shock feeling in my left hip. I don’t want anymore children but I do regret the TL.
August 28th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
I had a c-section and TL in 2005, for the first 2 years or so I had a light period every couple of months and I was ok with that. Then my period stopped for almost a year and since it returned I have very heavy, long periods where I’m needing to change every 1-2 hours. I have severe pain in my left side and lower back for days before my period, which is the only way I know I will get it because it can be 3 weeks to 4 months in between. Before I had the TL I always had a light regular period lasting 3-4 days and I knew I would get it in the morning of the day it was due. I can’t say I regret my TL because it has brought other relief to my life but the bleeding is crazy and out of control. It’s embarrassing having to go to the bathroom once an hour or so just because I need to check how heavy it is. I can easily go through 3 boxes of super and a pack of pads for back-up every month. Im 28 and it has really hindered my life.
August 31st, 2010 at 2:40 pm
This site has made me feel a little better about some of the things that I am experiencing after having my tubal 9 months ago. I am having a constant dark to blood discharge almost all month long. I never had this till my tubes were tied. I had not started after having my baby in November so I went back to my OB and he started me on a steroid, which jump started my period, but ever since then, I have a heavy period and then about 9-10 days after the start of my period I begin with the dark discharge. I have been back to my OB 2 more times and he has checked and said all seems normal. I feel like, he looks at me, like I am crazy. I hate that it seems I have a period all month long. Has anyone else had this issue?
September 2nd, 2010 at 11:57 am
This is to Taylor who wrote in on august 15th. I had the same problems after having my son and it was a gallstone. I had my gall bladder removed and recovered. No more of those problems. Get yours checked. Sad to say I didn’t know what it was and waited 6 months and the pain got worse and worse especially after a meal. But glad I had it removed finally.
November 15th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
I had my tubes tied after a c-section January 1, 2010. Why have I only had my period twice what could be wrong? or is it ok?
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:15 pm
I have had tubal on June 30,2010 the day after I had my son who is 4 months now and since I have had this done I stay so aggravated and I snap at everyone. Is this normal to have after a tubal ligation?
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Dara
Women complain of many symptoms after having a tubal ligation.
December 1st, 2010 at 3:39 am
I have also have had trouble with my periods since having my tubes tied. At the time my baby was only 6 months old,she was the last of my 4 children. My doctor asked me when i was on the labour ward table if i wanted to have it done i’d had gas & thought i have 4 healthy children so why not. I was only 29 years old. But if i would have known what i no now it would have been a straight out ‘NO’. My baby is nearly 13 years old i have put up with cramps (like labour pains) heavy bleeding(sometimes 11days with lots of clots) with a break of maybe 14 days then on again, tender breasts,mood swings,feeling depressed,headaches, & lots more. It was 2 years ago i went to a doctor who sat & listened to me she then put me on the Deepo injection things have settled but 4 the time i went 18 days in a row. My gynae told me it was in all my head.
December 6th, 2010 at 1:15 am
I am a 27 yr old with 2 kids. my youngest is 2 and i had my tubal ligation when he was 6 wks old. my cycle is pretty normal and hasn’t changed much at all. However, last month i got what i thought was my period, only it was 12 days early, was a little lighter than normal and lasted the same amount of time. it has been almost 4 wks since then and i haven’t had another. is it possible that it was just early?
December 6th, 2010 at 7:05 am
Rickey
Always take a pregnancy test. If positive see your doctor right away and if you periods stay irregular see your doctor about other possible reasons.
December 30th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Had a tubal ligation and removal of mucosalfibroid almost 2 months ago. I already had twins through ceserean 6 years ago. My periods used to be painful and heavy until thr scanning ut was discovered that I have fibroids . The doc told me the removal of fibroids will make mehave normal periods. Am at my second period since the surgery and the periods are very much painful. I have diarrhoea,headache , backache and all the joints are paining. I went to the doc and he said the womb is ok but they discovered malaria parasites. I am receiving injections but the situation worsens. Can I be havivg any problems due to the surgery?
December 30th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Joy
Your history is complicated and needs to be discussed with your doctor. It would be difficult to provide you with accurate information without knowing your history and performing a careful examination.
March 9th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
I had my tubes tied Sept 6,2000 it has caused nothing but problems for me. eight days before my menstrual cycle starts i have a lot of pain in my back, belly button and legs. i went to doctor i was put on birth control however it did not help. i try all kinds of pain pills does not help. i feel very depressed, using heating pad for pain does not work. I prayed to God to heal me, if i would have known that i was going have this much pain i would never had my tubes tied.
March 31st, 2011 at 8:14 am
I had my second and third sons in April of 2005, and my tubal the month after. Up until about a year and a half ago, I could tell when my cycle would begin, because about a week before I would feel a sharp pain in one or both sides where my Fallopian tubes are that felt like a toothpick standing on end inside my belly. I always attributed it to an egg butting up against where my tubes were cut, burned shut, AND tied. (My husband and I were VERY sure 3 children was enough for our personal situation) However, since about the summer of 2009, my periods have become more irregular, and every time I have one, there is one day where I cannot do anything because the pain and bleeding is so severe, I’m immobilized. I’ve tried heating pads, anti-inflammatory OTC pain relievers, and nothing has worked. This month has been the worst ever. My uterus has been in one constant cramp since 9 last night, and the pain rivals that of early labor, stretching around from my back to my lower abdomen. Is there anything else I can try for relief? A tubal reversal is not really practical for my circumstances, both physicially, and financially.
April 5th, 2011 at 11:19 pm
I had my daughter in December 2010, then a tubal ligation in February 2011, after my tubal ligation I bled for 5 1/2 weeks, which I didn’t know that it wasn’t normal to bleed that long but wasn’t having any other problems until I had stopped for about 1 1/2 weeks then started again, this time the bleeding was unlike anything I had ever experienced before, even heavier than after childbirth, and the pain in lower abdomen and lower back is unbearable. Went to ER, they diagnosed me with Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding and put me on hormone for 7 days. That finally stopped the bleeding, but only for 3 days, yesterday I started again the bleeding is so heavy and the unbearable pain is back!! Am going in for a pelvic ultrasound tomorrow, I hope they figure out what is going on!! This was my 3rd child, and I never had any problems until after I had the TL, so these problems have to be related to the surgery, even though before I had the surgery I was told by my Dr that TL does not affect your cycle or hormones in any way!! How can they say that when there so many women experiencing the same symptoms after TL??? They need to do more research and should warn women of these complications!!!
April 9th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Im a 32 year old mother of three i had a tubal 7 years ago. I have been reading these comments and im absolutelty astounded by the similarities in my symptoms. My cycles are few and far between, gas is excrutiating and i also get migraines before i start. Pain in my belly button or below and i have gained a lot of weight. I dont think that we were told the ramifications of this procedure.
May 10th, 2011 at 7:36 am
I am the mother of 4 great kids. In 1999, when my youngest was born, my now ex-husband and I decided to have a tubal ligation. Sine then, I have had brown spotting up to 2 wks before my period, the last 2 yrs such bad cramps they woke me up out of a dead sleep, back pain, painful sex about a wk or more before period. I hav been put on birth control pills which helped some. I also hav mood swings, which I attributed to family history (my mother had a tl as well), severe bloating at times, back pain/cramps so bad OT meds don’t help. I never really thought it was related to my tubal, but after reading others’ comments, I am very concerned for my health.
May 10th, 2011 at 7:46 am
It is possible that your symptoms are related to the tubal ligation. Your symptoms are suggestive of endometriosis or adenomyosis. You should see your doctor for testing and evaluation. If nothing can be determined you should consider either a tubal reversal or other surgery depending on your desires.
June 14th, 2011 at 7:20 am
I had my tubes tied four years ago and I now suffer with having my period twice for the month,weight problems,and constant pain in my tummy.I also had a c-section and I have a sharp pain on my right side on the cut itself which never goes away!HELP!!.
July 28th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
I too have the same problem as Yasmin but I had my tubal done 7 years ago and I birthed all of my children vaginally. Have not had any recent weirdness until now. I just got off of my period and it’s been 2 weeks and I am spotting constantly. I do have some sharp pains on both sides just at different times, etc.
Urgent response please. Thanks.
July 29th, 2011 at 7:34 am
Sunflower – I am not sure what kind of response you are looking for, but if it a medical diagnosis, you should see your local doctor.
August 30th, 2011 at 6:57 am
I have 4 kids. I had my tubal in July of last year. Sometimes my periods are normal, and sometimes they are late. Not usually to heavy, craps are bad though. I am very moody too.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:15 am
I had my tubal in Oct. 01. I am 30 and a mother of three. At first things were good, but in 2006 my periods began to become very irregular. I recently had an ultrasound that confirmed one tiny cyst on each ovary. All other test were normal even my thyroid test. My doctor says everything is normal, but I now regret having this tubal preformed. I have 21 of the tl symptoms. Im engaged now and he wants a baby. FRUSTRATED!!!!!!
September 3rd, 2011 at 5:22 pm
I had a TL with my last child in 2010. When my period came back it was very heavy and then for the rest of the month I spot till my next period starts. Could this be from the TL and should I have it checked out? Would be nice to get some feed back as I don’t want to waist money if its just hormonal.
September 3rd, 2011 at 5:31 pm
Paddy – It is best to check this with your doctor to see if there is a reason other than your TL for your heavy periods.
September 5th, 2011 at 1:27 am
I have a c-section and tubal ligation on the 09th of April.Now my periods are changing, comes in different dates. Last month was on the 08th this month September is earlier on the 5th. What are my chances of becoming pregnant?
September 5th, 2011 at 9:13 am
Margaret – Your chances of getting pregnant after tubal reversal depend on your age. You can see the pregnancy success rates at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center for women of different ages here: http://press.tubal-reversal.net/2009/pregnancy-rates-by-age-and-tubal-ligation-method.html
September 8th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
I have my tubal 10 yrs ago. I am now 6 wks late on my period, feeling bloated, breast a little larger, nauseous with heart burn, I can’t be pregant so wondering why I am now having this issue. My periods are pretty normal, no problems that cause me any worries, wonder if anyone has had these problems?
September 20th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
I had a miscarriage in april 2011. My dr. Gave me a shot of depo until we can get the tl surgery done i got the surgery done on 06-03-11. I started spotting on 07-29-11 its been on since then. I wanna know is this because i didn’t get another shot of depo or is it from my TL surgery.
September 20th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
Help Me – Most likely the spotting is related to the hormone injection you received. It often causes spotting, sometimes for several months until it is completely out of your system.
September 21st, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Thanks Dr. Berger. I was getting really concerned about spotting for such a long period of time. So this is not abnormal for me to be bleeding that long. My main concern is that am I going to have these crazy symptoms that everyone else is having after getting their tubal ligation surgery. I am so scared of the problems I am might endure with the TL surgery.
September 26th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
I had my 3rd child Via C-Section in January and Had a tubal ligation on March 30th I had it done via laparoscopic surgery and they burned my tubes they did not cut. I had a period on April 4th it was the first one since I had given birth. I had another period on May 1st. Again on May 27th, June 27th then it came early on August 22nd. As of today I still have not gotten a period. I took a pregnancy test yesterday and it was negative, but this morning I felt nauesous but Im not sure if its because I am worried about this. I had cramping and feeling like my period is “right there” but nothing. I do not want anymore children I just want to know if this is normal or what? I was tired last week practically falling asleep at work at 3pm like clockwork. If I was pregnant would the test be positive by now or was it a false negative? any insight would be great. I am 28 years old.
September 26th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
With an early pregnancy test the test will turn positive before you miss your menstruation. You should always consider repeating your test in one week to be certain.
September 28th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
I want to SCREAM! I have seen a couple of the ob/gyns in the office.In over two years none of them seem to care about my problems. All I get is “aww.. that sounds awful. Yeah- that can happen.” And let’s be honest, when you provide your own medical information to a Doctor, they tend to treat you like a paranoid whiner. I don’t understand why no one will help. I am suffering, but as I’ve seen with LOTS of research, we all are – why is it so hard for a medical professional to DO THEIR job? I am aware (as research also shows) that diagnoses of the true cause can be incredibly difficult even taking years to diagnose, but that is what the doctors are there for. I pray for us all, as well as the family and friends supporting us as we fight for our health and sanity.
September 29th, 2011 at 11:57 am
I had my tubal ligation done in December of last year and ever since than when it is a couple days before my period I get a 2 day headache that nothing will take away. I also I have heavier periods than usual its almost like clots are a miscarriage they hurt so bad.. I really wish I would have none all the symptoms before hand because I would have found another method.
October 2nd, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Maybe someone can help me with this. I had a c section on July 25 2011 and my tubes tied at the same time. I had a normal period the middle of August and nothing since then. It’s now Oct 2nd so it’s really late. I have taken three pregnancy tests in the past three weeks and they’ve all been negative. I’m confused about what else this could be. I also noticed two weeks ago my breasts leaking some fluid. After my last child when I stopped being engorged I could’ve sworn I checked and I had stopped leaking fluids. What do you guys think this could be and should I see my doctor about it?
October 3rd, 2011 at 10:55 am
Likely annovulation. You should see your doctor and have thyroid and prolactin hormonal test run to see if this is the cause of your irregular periods and fluid leaking from your breast.
October 15th, 2011 at 1:58 am
I have read all of these comments about TL. I had one done in Nov. 2008 at the age of 24 after my second child. I have not had any problems. The problem I do have, I was told about in the hospital while speaking with my Doc. The paper that women sign does warn you of what could happen. There is not need to complain so much it is part of life. Women learn to deal with it.
October 26th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
HH… I assume you are not breastfeeding.
I had my first period after childbirth, than not again for 6-8 months. I was breastfeeding though, I also have stopped for over 6 months, and could prob still get a drop out.
…..
I also had a tubal. I had my 3rd child in 3/2010 c-section and tubal. With having no periods, than very light ones for the first year after. Then a few months back my periods became very heavy for a few days with cramping on the left side. I have never had cramps, with all of a sudden change. I would compare the cramping as bad as labor contractions. I called my Dr. Since I just had a pap they just prescribed me Ibuprofen. It does absolutely nothing. So I am left with this pain. Im not sure what to do, if something else could be wrong. Or if I will just be dealing with this forever. The pain is worse than having a c-section.
November 9th, 2011 at 11:26 pm
I have had 3 c-sections (1998, 2002, & 2007), and a TL during the last c-section in 2007. I did not have a period at all for 2 years, but I breastfed for 3 years. Then, my periods were heavier, and I noticed more cramping / PMS than before TL. Also, a few days after period ends I will spot off and on for a few days. But last month my period was 2 weeks late, and now I am spotting brownish/black blood & clots though I am not due to start for a couple more weeks. I did some ab workouts…could this be why I am spotting now??
November 10th, 2011 at 8:18 am
Marie
Likely you have annovulation or an anatomical cause for your bleeding. Your doctor should be able to run test and determine the cause of your abnormal bleeding.
November 12th, 2011 at 12:12 am
I have 2 daughters, one from 2003 and one from 2007. both vaginal deliveries. After my second, I have a tubal ligation. Have had irregular periods since then. Sometimes once a month or sometimes every other week. Serious mood swings, irritability, heavy and/or light, I almost feel bi polar. Like others, got put on anti depressant. Just saw a womens specialist. Now I have 5 options, Mirena, BCP, Nuvaring, endometrial ablation, or hysterectomy. I am only 28 years old. I am a healthy person as far as I know. Could this be from my tubal ligation 4 years ago? and Would these options be better for me? or would a tubal reversal be better to put me back to my normal self? I have read reviews of reversals on this website and many women say after a reversal they feel like themselves again afterwards. Any insights?
November 12th, 2011 at 7:36 am
If you ever wish to have another baby again then tubal reversal would be a good option for you. Many women will report improvement after their tubal reversal.
November 19th, 2011 at 9:02 am
My children are 8, 2, and 1. The last two I had c sections with and after my last one, had a Tubal ligation on the operating table right after my c section. My periods have been pretty normal except this last one: after sex twice last week, I started bleeding…thought my husband “started it early” for me. Only a few hrs after each time, the bleeding had stopped. Two days ago, I started again, like 10days early. I was in jail for 3mo and had my period 4 times. I’ve been out almost exactly a month and this is my second period. I have never bled like this and this cycle is so heavy I soaked, SOAKED a tampon within an hr and a half NAP.! A nap! I’m just bleeding an awful lot and its not the normal I’m used to…and my son is 16mo. Wtf.
November 25th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
How expensive is a tubal reversal?
December 3rd, 2011 at 12:53 am
I had a t.l. 2 almost 3 yrs ago after 5 vaginal births. for awhile everything was ‘pretty normal’ but these past 3/4 months my periods are all over the place, with heavy heavy bleeding. I had a miscarriage at 6 wks before the tl and this is clots just like then. and abd pain OMG! and i feel tired and weak just want to sleep and sleep and not wake up cuz i think it just takes so much out of me. atleast reading here i am not the only one but will be seeing a doc for my prob though i doubt they will take me seriously either
December 11th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
I had a tl Oct 2009. My periods were regular until May of 2011 when my cycles began to become irregular. I had a 35 day cycle in September, 40 day cycle in October, and 41 day cycle in November. I have noticed very heavy bleeding the first 3 days of my period. I have to wear 2 pads during the day. I feel uneasy if I have to go to the store around that time, as I feel all eyes are fixed on the bulge on the back. It is very embarrassing. I also have nausea and vomiting that mirrors morning sickness. I have spent $100 on preg.tests only to have conflicting results. Some + others -. I have fatigue, trouble losing weight, faint spells, headaches, mid-month spotting similar to implantation bleeding. My tubes were only cut and tied. I had a Parkland Tubal Ligation. My thyroid and other tests are all normal. My mood swings are terrible. I have an appt. coming up with obgyn to see what is going on with my body. I’m afraid that they will send me home with birth control pills, or that they will call me a looney. My husband and I are already looking to invest in a tubal reversal after reading success stories of several women. I would have never had this tubal ligation done had I known everything that comes with it.
December 22nd, 2011 at 6:09 pm
I had my tubal just this past March. Since having the surgery my cycle has been weird. I will spot for a couple of days and then its really heavy for 3 or 4 days. I also have some bleeding during intercourse. Could this be because if the tubal or something else?
December 22nd, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Laura P – These changes could be a rsult of the tubal ligation. Menstrual changes after tubal ligation are commonly reported as one of the symptoms of PTLS.
January 3rd, 2012 at 2:29 pm
I had my tubal in July 2006 after the birth of my fourth child. My periods were heavier and slightly more painful but nothing i couldn’t handle. However these last few have been awful, and are getting worse with each one. The pain feels just like contractions and can be so intense i will throw up. this one is by far the worst. the pain has gotten so bad i actually feel as though i am going to faint. nothing i do makes it better. I had pain before and the more active i was the less painful now i don’t dare move, the more i move the more pain i have. I have about decided i need to see a doc. i went through the wishing i could have another baby stage that’s past, defiantly no more kids wanted. but what in the heck is going on why is it getting so bad over five years after the fact.
January 10th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
I to so regret getting a tubal ligation done also . I have heavy painful periods and sometimes I will bleed for two days than two days with no bleeding than I start bleeding again really heavy and also have bad cramps. I go through two boxes of super plus tampon boxes a month and I dont think its all in my head
January 14th, 2012 at 11:46 pm
had my tubes cut 1998 since then it has been a nightmare i was twenty five think l went through menapause and still am have three kids periods have a mind of there own come when they like and go relations with my husband are akward mood swings and teary eyed and rage are somewhat unbearable of what lm going through have bled now for the past six weeks have made appointment again with doctor have had all routine tests done in the past colonoscopy,smears,womb test.throid and had my gallbladder and stones out still no change
January 22nd, 2012 at 11:32 am
I had a TL in 1997 after my second daughter was born. I have experienced painful menstrual periods. Before I had no pain, just a 5 day cycle. After the TL I began having migraines on the first or last day of my cycle(each month). My cycles last a full 7 days. On the 2nd or 3rd day of my cycle I use a Kotex Ultra tampon every 2 hours, I wake up in the middle of the night about 6 times to change, I have to wear overnights pads along with the tampons because the flow is so heavy. It feels like something is pulling the inside of my uterus and then there are several clots on that day. The rest of the days are normal but for that one or two days a month I am miserable and can barely do anything. I am a teacher so imagine working. I do not suggest a TL for anyone.
January 22nd, 2012 at 6:50 pm
I am a 23 almost 24 year old mother of three about to have my fourth an this will be my 3rd c section and was going to get a tubal ligation. can anyone, give me any advice on why i should or should not get it done. all advice is welcome. thank you
if you have any advice you can pls. email me on
holly_wnslw@yahoo.com.
January 30th, 2012 at 10:30 pm
I am a 27 year old mother of 8. I had A TL in July 2010. The first year was okay but all of a sudden my periods have been kind of strange. My monthly has only been lasting 4 to 5 days which is fine by me but in Dec 2011 was my last normal cycle. This month I haven’t gotten a cycle at all. I only spotted one day and that was it, I did notice that my cycles were much heavier and painful. Now all of a sudden I’ve been cramping for 2 weeks straight, but I don’t want to eat and I’ve been getting up to 4 severe migraines a day for the past week. This isn’t normal for me at all and I don’t feel normal. I have been having nausea and Im in pain. I’m going to call my doctor but I wish I would’ve gotten a TL done!!!!!!!!!
February 6th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Wow! I am a 36 yr.old woman of five. Reading all of these symptoms I suffer from all of them. Just recently I started suffering from severe nausea, headaches, mood swings, etc. I started to think I was pregnant but I know that I’m not it’s just terrible. I wish that I had never gotten it done is there something that I can do.
February 9th, 2012 at 10:04 am
Hello! I’m 31 years old and a mother of four wonderful kids. After having my last daughter who was born at 27 weeks weighing in at 2lbs. 5 oz. 14’ on July 2010 and almost losing our life’s, I decide to go ahead with a tubal Ligation this pass Dec. 2011. I’ve only had two Menstrual Cycles since my T.L. and my first one was perfectly well and on time. My second cycle changed and I got my cycle a lot more earlier which I didn’t think much about it because it’s normal for the cycle to change patterns from time to time but what freaked me out was that the instant I started my second cycle it was super heavy from the start. Almost two days into my cycle and I had an incident where I got up from a chair and went directly to the restroom because I felt like I needed to go pee. Little did I know that at the time I got up, I menstrual cycle just kept flowing and flowing to a point that I thought that it wasn’t going to stop. My menstrual cycle literally came out and was all over the floor and even half way to the restroom. This freaked me out because this had never happened to me before. I was alarmed and concerned but at the same time, I felt no pain and felt perfectly fine. Few days after the incident I set an appointment with my doctor and he mentioned that my ovaries were still intact that he did not mess with that but did say that due the strain my ovaries were put on due to the surgery I’d probably have a heavy menstrual cycle for the next four to six months, he also mentioned that he did remove my tubals completely so there was no way that I could refers my tubal Ligation later. Which to me was perfectly fine because I don’t want any more kids but was that a right thing to do?!? Some of the symptoms that I’ve noticed are whenever I eat, I can only eat so much before I start feeling nauseous and then I’m unable to finish my food. Another of my symptoms is that lately I’m feeling a lot more tired than usual and also stressed. Is this normal or did I just completely do a big mistake in having a Tubal Ligation?!? Anyone that can “PLEASE” give me comments or opinions, I’m open for anything. Thank You!!
February 9th, 2012 at 10:05 am
Forgot to include my email address on the top message if you would like to message me at mge2hot@hotmail.com
February 9th, 2012 at 11:06 am
I thought I was losing my mind like alot of you.
Then I found this and look we all are going through this same thing. Its all connected and no one professionally seems to be saying or doing anything to help us.
I had my TL 6 months ago at age 29.Now I have periods every two weeks. Headaches, dizziness, nausea,extreme moodswings, pains under belly button and in sides but I also developed what I was told was just a galbladder problem caused by the surgery.
There has to be something we can do. If nothing else we need to come together and form some kind of group to stand up and demand research, there has to be something we can do instead of suffer silently.
I know if you are like me, this is not only taking a toll on yourself but those around you. I just want to feel like i did before the TL.