Pain After Tubes Tied: A Symptom of Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome?
Women come from all over the world to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center for reversing tied tubes – or more correctly put in medical terms, to have a tubal anastomosis. The majority of our patients desire sterilization reversal so they may naturally conceive more children. Many others, however, have ligation reversals to feel more complete again and/or to alleviate symptoms that have occurred after their surgical sterilization procedure. These patients report new physical and psychological symptoms after undergoing tubal ligation – symptoms that have been described as Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS).
Symptoms of Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome
There are many symptoms attributable to PTLS. The most predominant symptoms are:
• Menstrual pattern changes
• Painful periods
• Hot flashes
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Decreased sex drive
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Memory changes
Does PTLS really exist?
The existence of Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome has been very controversial within the medical community. Early medical studies suggested that some sterilized women (women who had their tubes tied) had abrupt changes in bodily symptoms after their surgical procedures. These physical and mental changes were called Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome.
PTLS has been widely talked about by both women and medical professionals. Currently, PTLS information, advice, and ‘expert’ commentary saturate the internet. Conspiracy theories are prominent. Some people even believe sterilization is being forced upon women and there is a conspiracy, or lack of serious medical counseling, regarding the symptoms of PTLS.
More recent medical research has demonstrated that women do have changes in their menstrual patterns after tubal ligation; however, these changes are not as dramatic or as widespread as have been suggested in the past.
Observations from the Tubal Reversal Center
The tubal ligation reversal experts at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center provide sterilization reversal to a large number of women from across the world. We also counsel and treat a substantial number of women who attribute their worsening menstrual patterns to their tubal ligation procedures. These patients report a multitude of PTLS symptoms.
We like for our patients to be well-informed. Since women seeking relief of PTLS represent an increasing percentage of the patient population we care for, we would like to dedicate a series of informative blog articles discussing the concept of PTLS. More specifically, we would like to discuss the common medical reasons for new symptoms noticed after tubal ligation, current understanding about PTLS, and common psychological conditions which can mimic PTLS.
This is article first of a fourteen part series. Our second article in this series is Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome: Past and Present.
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 to discuss and share their personal experiences with tubal ligation. Feel free to contribute to our PTLS forum dedicated to patients who have personal insight into worsening symptoms after undergoing tubal ligation.
Editorial Comment
The decision to add a series of articles about Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome on the Tubal Reversal Blog was prompted by requests and suggestions of many of our tubal reversal patients. Most doctors have been taught that no such entity as PTLS exists, much to the exasperation of women who are suffering from symptoms that began after a tubal sterilization. This series of blog articles will allow individuals to report about their personal experiences and case histories. Then, articles from the medical literature will be reviewed and discussed. Hopefully, this approach will help explain the discrepancy between what individual women have experienced and what medical doctors think about this complex subject. I encourage both patients and medical professionals to contribute their insights and opinions to this important series of articles.
Gary S. Berger, MD
Medical Director
Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center
November 14th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
I had my tubes tied 9 months ago. My periods are hard. I was about to be a single mother and I gained 30 pounds after I had the baby now I weigh the same I was at 9 months pregnant. I’m only 26 years old. I feel miserable and helpless. I made a big mistake but I really didn’t want a 4th child and this seemed the best thing to do. Help me please!!
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:08 pm
I had my tubes tied in july so about 4 months ago, and I have been experiencing some pains in the tummy area and I was wondering if someone cold please help me out with, please email me at jonnyswife@hotmail.com. Thank you so much for all the help
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:57 am
Thank you all for the honesty and bravery you have shown in talking about your experiences. I have decided not to have my tubes tied.
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:01 pm
I had my tubal a month ago and have been experiencing abdominal pain ever since. Before the tubal I was the picture of health both physically and mentally. Now I have terrible back pain. I am also bloated, look to be about 4 months pregnant, and I am just not myself. I wish I would have read this Tubal Reversal Blog before undergoing the procedure.
July 21st, 2009 at 2:15 pm
LADYBUGP – The tubal clips can be removed and tubal anastomosis (rejoining the tubal segments) performed. Call (919) 968-4656 if you would like information about this procedure or read through the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center website.
July 21st, 2009 at 2:03 pm
I am 30 years old and I had my tubes clipped 7years ago and I have had nothing but pain ever since. I have talked to my doctor about it and was told it would get better but it hasn’t. All I want is some relief and to top it all off, now I have cysts on my ovaries. I just want myself to get back to normal.
June 26th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
CHRISTINA – Read the Tubal Reversal Cost page on the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center website to learn about the fee options for reversing your tubal ligation. You can also watch this video that describes tubal reversal costs. Here is a link to the Getting Started Page. You can also call (919) 968-4656 for a free Tubal Reversal Nurse consultation. We will be happy to help you!
June 26th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I’m 27. I’ve had my tubes tied for 6 and half years and had cramps and blood clots really bad to where I cry every month when I get my period. I know exactly how you all feel. I have a new boyfriend that has no kids and I want to be able to have another one, but I wasn’t sure if I would able to and I have no idea how much it would cost. How do I go about having my tubes reversed?
June 26th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
MILLIE – The first thing to do is run a home pregnancy test. Then, you should see the doctor who found your fibroid tumor and discuss the possibility of removing it. If that does not improve your symptoms, you could have a tubal reversal.
June 26th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I had my tubes tied in August of 2004. I did not want them tied. The doctor asked me during labor did I want them tied. I said yes, not being able to think about anything but pain. I have very painful periods, bad headaches, bad bloating, and a severe amount of pain. I recently went to the doctor that discovered I have a fibroid tumor. I have a boyfriend with one kid. I don’t know how my tubes were tied or clamped or what. So now I have not had a period in 38 days and I am wondering what is going on.
June 22nd, 2009 at 6:59 am
Oh wow…did you guys read my life after my babies. I thought I did the right thing and now I suffer from awful periods, to where I ca’t do anything, and I just want to cry. THank you for this site to know I’m not alone.
June 9th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
I thought that I was alone in this terrible thing! I found this website and I am so glad to know that I am not alone. I had a TL in september of 08 after my 3rd c-section.(I am 26) I had tough pregnancies and lost my first baby after 16hrs his life so when #3 came around and my c-section was awful I chose to have it done. I now have gained 12 pounds have hot flashes I actually do not have any periods but the pain I feel is soo bad that I have actually been brought to tears. My memory is horrible and I am moody and depressed. I don’t know what to do because I don’t even know how much anything like this costs to reverse and as much as I would like to have another child it makes me nervous because I do have a chance of birth defects and my uteris was thin. I hate feeling like this though and I really need it to stop!!
June 6th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
I am having surgery with Dr Berger next Tuesday, for this exact reason. My symptoms began immediately after my TL two years ago. Heavy bleeding, cramping, painful ovulation, terrible irratibility/mood swings,memory changes…I KNOW the TL caused these symptoms. We know our bodies and we don’t need a dr to tell us we are right about PTLS existing. I know nothing is guaranteed, however my hopes are that this surgery helps me to feel “whole” again, mentally and physically! Of course, another baby would be fantastic, too
Good luck to all.
June 4th, 2009 at 7:00 am
Well I seem to be one of the youngest on here. It has been almost three and a half years since my tubal. I have two daughters both born by c-sections. We tied my tubes in January of 2006 at the age of 21. My friend actually sent me a text one day talking about this particular health issue and I was like oh… well maybe I have that cause it seems too weird that the symptoms fit. As we speak i am on my lovely “cycle.” the headaches were there all day, and a horrid sharp pain in my right side that I cannot explain. It is not a cramp cause cramps come and go, this is a pain that is there constantly a week before my period until the end. And it is the same sharp pain I complained of the morning after my Tubal. The nurse said “well you just had a c-section” DUH! GENIUS! But then explain this … why 3 years later the pain is still there? The moodiness is there.. i am constantly going through hot flashes and am almost to the point where I might as well go naked! I cannot sleep, and as an article mentioned I began my regular period 4 weeks after my daughter was born/tubal was done.I am so so glad that someone brought up the HORRID BLOOD CLOT! I never EVER had clots like that before I had my kids. They are so nasty and sick, especially when you can feel it sliding out.. i know it is grosse but someone has to be honest for the rest of the shy. And the heaviness of the menstral cycle is unbelieveable… i literally cannot leave my house for 2 day since i can fill a Super Plus in 15 min flat! I thank my husband for working so hard that I can stay home with my girls. But in someone as young as 24, my symptoms are much as real as yours… oh and I was diagnosed with depression 6 weeks after my daughter/tubal was done.
Now at at the age of 24, a couple weeks from 25, I find myself in tears over the fact that I cannot have any more children. Why I tied them in the first place I cannot tell you I had a logical reason, cause I didnt. The doctor was supposed to tell me when he was going to cut the tubes after my daughter was born and neglected to do so, otherwise I would have said no dont do it. I so desperately want more children. I cannot even tell you how bad. I just end up crying to my husband about it. I am an completely against pitosin (sp?) and tubals. They are good for some, but I will never encourage anyone to be part of either! Both have not been good to me.
March 29th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I had my tubes banded when I had my son 10 years ago. I reviewed my options with my Dr. I was told there were no side effects. Except possibly the bands could come off. Since that time in 1999 I’ve had LOADS of side effects. First it started with a heavier period. OH and more PAINFUL. Sometimes the pain is so unbareable I become sick and vomit. I’ve been in and out of the Dr’s office since then. I’ve had cysts that disappear…pain from my ovary area that doubles me over in tears. I get pelvic examines and nothings there. Ive been told I have Edometriosis, PID, Fibroids, Cysts, to it just my body changing… Yet everytime I get blood work I’m okay. I had to take the pill, even though my tubes were banded to help control the pain!!! Its unreal. My family Dr doesn’t know what to do anymore and specialist look at me like I’m nuts. What made me start researching PTLS was my aunt had her tubes done also and started experiancing the same issues. Funny. So I asked other women and several had the same problems. Now I know that many doctors to no believe PTLS is real but it is to me and to several other woman out there. If I could afford the surgery I would do it NOW. But my son has autism so much of my finances support him. I would give anything to end this pain each month. So I understand many of your stories and feel your pain… literally
On an additional note: I was diganosed with ADHD about two years ago because I complained of memory loss, insomnia, scattered thoughts..
but i suffer from all of these symtoms also!
• Hot flashes
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Decreased sex drive
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Memory changes
So, I know I’ve fought with the “I know what I’m feeling and what you’re telling me doesn’t fit” feeling and have fought with DRS alot. Its not easy dealing with an autist son, a teenage daughter and these issues… everyone just thinks your stressed…Some needs to listen
March 29th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
I had my tubes banded when I had my son 10 years ago. I reviewed my options with my Dr. I was told there were no side effects. Except possibly the bands could come off. Since that time in 1999 I’ve had LOADS of side effects. First it started with a heavier period. OH and more PAINFUL. Sometimes the pain is so unbareable I become sick and vomit. I’ve been in and out of the Dr’s office since then. I’ve had cysts that disappear…pain from my ovary area that doubles me over in tears. I get pelvic examines and nothings there. Ive been told I have Edometriosis, PID, Fibroids, Cysts, to it just my body changing… Yet everytime I get blood work I’m okay. I had to take the pill, even though my tubes were banded to help control the pain!!! Its unreal. My family Dr doesn’t know what to do anymore and specialist look at me like I’m nuts. What made me start researching PTLS was my aunt had her tubes done also and started experiancing the same issues. Funny. So I asked other women and several had the same problems. Now I know that many doctors to no believe PTLS is real but it is to me and to several other woman out there. If I could afford the surgery I would do it NOW. But my son has autism so much of my finances support him. I would give anything to end this pain each month. So I understand many of your stories and feel your pain… literally
March 29th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
It is so good to hear that I am not the only one having these “crazy” feelings. I had my tubal after my 4th child,at 28 years old, I have had severe pain especially after the tubal,a huge bruise on my lower abdomen for weeks that nobody could seem to explain,since I have had the same symptoms of “feeling pregant” some months and my doctor tells me ” it’s all in your head”. Why do they say that is there something they are trying to avoid?Anyone out there considering having a tubal ligation,I hope you read these articles of women that regret having this done. DON’T DO IT. Find something different,less painful that won’t cause you a lifetime of,depression,weight gain,mood swings,and total regret!!!!
March 29th, 2009 at 10:42 am
I have a a lot a problems with the tubal being tied. It would be nice to chat about our situation.
All you out there are completely right about this. It’s no picnic, that’s for sure. I want kids too. It would be my first child. Hope to here from all soon.
March 29th, 2009 at 10:13 am
I have had a tubal Ligation done July 1994. i cry and i have headaches cramps in my stomach all the time. I don’t always have the desire for sex. My stomach feels sick like it’s on fire. I feel like vomiting. My back hurts a lot like it’s going to break. I keep getting urinary track infections every 2 months. I feel for all you woman out there because I’m hurting too.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
[...] women who have had their tubes tied (tubal ligation) then having their tubes untied (tubal ligation reversal) may be the single best [...]
March 13th, 2009 at 4:08 am
MARY – Your tubes will not become “untied” by themselves 12 years after having them tied. If you are wanting to become pregnant again, you will need to either have tubal reversal surgery or treatment by in vitro fertilization. You may be interest in reading this article about “Untying Tied Tubes“. If you would like a free telephone consultation with a Tubal Reversal Nurse, call (919) 968-4656.
March 12th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
i have my tubeds tie for 12years can thay come untie by them self i dint have the cut or anything like that just tied so can thay come undone by them self
February 20th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
[...] having another child, but there was a new factor my decision to have a tubal ligation reversal: Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS). As I read more about this I started recognizing the symptoms I had suffered since having my tubes tied [...]
February 10th, 2009 at 2:51 am
I am 32 years old and it’s been 8 years since I had my tubes tied and this has been the worse experience in my life. My Dr told me I had no choice but to tie my tubes after 4 children and 3 c sections. He told me that my uterus was so thin that if I was to get pregnant it’s a possibility that the baby and I would die. Faced with that alternative I got my tubes tied not knowing the hell I would go through monthly. I can live without the migraines, the painful cramps, the heavy bleeding and the huge blood clots.
February 1st, 2009 at 3:29 am
I had my tubal ligation at age 30 and I regret it so much. I re-married and had them untied at age 38 and I have gotten pregnant several times only to have miscarriages. All the symptoms everyone complains of after tubal ligation are so common my cousins have them also and they are huge clogs, severe pain, leg pains, pelvic pain, headaches, sore breasts, nausea, bloated, dizziness all before and during menstrual cycle. After I had my tubes untied my menstrual cycle has changed just a little. Less days of menses 3 to 4 days, less pain but I think it messed me up I never had these problems at 30 years of age I was very healthy I played sports kept in shape. Now I have leg pains, gained weight of 15lbs, severe menstrual pain. Also frequent miscarriages.
January 25th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
I want to have this surgery I am actually tearing up becasue I had no idea this could be reversed. Having had my tubes tied it has changed my body dramatically. I feel hopeless I go through the same pattern of symptoms every month year after year and I depise it. I no longer feel like myself. It is good to know that there is something I may be hopeful for.
January 23rd, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Well after having my third child July 18,2008 We decided that getting my tubes tied would be in my best interest..Since being pregnant with our third child and having to take daily shots & loaded up on meds the entire pregnancy for a blood clotting disorder..Pretty much stated the fact that having anymore children was out of the question..On Nov 4,2008 I had my tubal ligation done..Not knowing the horror it was going to bring..I mean I have had my period a number of times since then It is now coming to my 3rd month after and As I sit here is Horrible pain from these cramps I want the world to know that there are tell tale signs that something is just NOT RIGHT..I cough and it feels as if my ovaries are going to Burst right out of me..I move and it feels like they are pressing up against the walls of my stomach..The pain is unbearable..Yes this was a Stupid mistake..I should have opted for the Mirena instead..My hair is constantly falling out in handfulls,and my breast hurt as if I were pregnant all over again..I am more than moody..it is more like I want to go on a Rampage..My husband and I are not on the same page about anything..I have taken pain pills to Ease the pain But NOTHING has done the trick..I understand that Nothing is going to take them away completely..But for heavens sake please ease them a bit..I want everyone who comes across this site to see that this is Real..It is Not worth the pain you endure each month..It is not worth Not being able to stand up straight..Forget about getting your tubes tied..Go for something Less dramatic..Trust me when I say this is No ride in the park..It hurts like crazy..I do not have the insurance nor money to do a reversal or else I would go right ahead..Thanks for reading !
January 7th, 2009 at 8:09 am
I had my tubes tied in 1998 after the birth of my second son. I was 21 yrs old then. I like all of you wish I had been told about the symptoms after a tubal. I had nearly all of the same symptoms you all have mentioned here. And they started very early after the surgery. This was the worst mistake of my life and I regret doing this to my body. I find it very difficult and almost impossible to lose weight, and I dont eat much either. I gained a tremendous amount of weight after the TL. The cramps, pain and heavy flow associated with massive clots are things I never had until the TL. I also suffered depression for some time but am better now. I am truly thankful to the Lord that my Husband stuck by me through this horrific time. I also wanted to mention my cycle has always came around the time it is suppose to. But I missed my December cycle and also January cycle. I also have all the symptoms of being pregnant, but the home test were negative. The most odd symptom is the fluttering in my stomach. I do not have insurance either and the clinics here cant see me until February. Has anyone of you all experienced this? Like I said I have never missed a cycle unless I was expecting. I am 31 and I am just going crazy not knowing something. Anyone with advice or same thing please post. Thank you all for your stories.
December 27th, 2008 at 10:18 am
I had My tubes done Nov.2008. My recovery was fast and easy. But now I have symptoms of being pregnant and I KNOW that I’m not! My first period was a doozy, heavy like water and huge blood clots. I have three children so I know when I’m prgnant, The first and up most symptom for me is the tender boobs, the weird thing is that I’m having “let downs” and I leak. So really I’m just wanting and trying to research info about any hormonal changes after having this procedure and wanting to know if these symptoms ever go away.
December 27th, 2008 at 7:41 am
I had a tubal ligation in April of 2002. My problems started right away. My hair started thinning, I developed brown spots on my arms, my breast sunk in and my mood swings started. I have been going from doctor to doctor just to be told that my hormones are normal and nothing is wrong. They put me on the pill but it made my cramps a thousand times worse. I was not on the pill for 4 years prior to the tubal ligation so they cannot blame it on suddenly not taking birth control pills anymore. This has destroyed my life. I no longer feel feminine or feel like being around people but am told I am probably depressed. As soon as I get enough money I am having a tubal reversal. I think it is a shame that doctors can give tubal ligations and know that it could ruin your whole life.
Completely healthy before this, now you tell me that there is no connection.. Oh, don’t forget the 10 pound weight gain that I cannot get rid of.
Tammi
December 5th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I had my tubes tied in Jan.2000. I have been in the hospital 2 times for being severly anemic. I never thought it could be this. But now I do. I was under anesthesia when I made the final decision. I always regretted it. Now I just want to feel better. Is there anyway any insurance will cover this?
November 20th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
I had my tubes tied 10 days ago and I litterally think that it is a slow death!!!The pain is unexplainable and excruciating.I wish I could turn back the hands of time. I would rather practice abstinence from my husband than to go through this.I am saving every dime I can for a reversal,Im not going to by myself a cold cola or anything unnecessary because the only thing I think about is I could be that much closer to feeling better!!!!
November 3rd, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I am saving to get the TR and have another baby. I had my TL 15 years ago. I just stumbled across this blog about PTLS. I am shocked I have had so many problems since I had my TL. I thought I was going crazy; no one believed me, I was in my mid 20’s and the Dr. wanted to give me a hysterectomy. They said I was in early stages of menopause – at 22! The pain from my periods is unreal. I would scream in pain,and vomit for hours. I have lost jobs, and missed out on life. The Dr. put me on birth control pills. it does help with the cramps and make my cycle shorter, but the headaches, crying, and mood swings are still full force. I was scared to get my tubes reversed because I was afraid to stop taking birth control pills and bring back all the painful periods. But now after reading all of this, I have even more reason to have the operation. Thank you all for sharing your stories.
October 30th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I had my tubes tied on aug 1st of this year. I had a c-section and then after my daughter was born they tied them, The few things i have noticed is weight gain, fatigue, cramping now and then and some headaches. i thought three out of the four was because it was my fourth and im not sleeping as well and such things when a new baby arrives. But i went back to the doc today for a really bad cold and they did my weight and low and behold im gaining weight. im so upset because the only time i gain weight is when im pregnant.i have always lost weight and it stays gone. Now the doc told me that because i had my tubes tied i might gain weight. i asked him why my OB didnt tell me this he said he didnt know. I dont eat a whole lot and yet im gaining. im so depressed about this.
October 26th, 2008 at 1:11 am
I am 29 yrs old and had my tubal ligation about 2 and a half years ago and I am regretting it. I do not want more kids but do want a reversal. I get headaches all the time, I am becoming increasingly moody before and after my period. I never got cysts on my ovaries before my TL and didn’t have painful periods but since my TL I get cysts on my ovaries monthly and have long painful periods. I cannot loose weight and I have been put on depression medication which I have never had to be on before and I have been through a lot in my life. I get angry with my kids over little things and feel like I don’t have my patience anymore. I hate this but can’t afford the reversal and don’t have insurance. When I tell the Dr’s my problems they put me on birth control but it makes it 3 times as bad. I was on the yaz pill and broke out more and got cysts on my ovaries and my monthly period three times this month. I don’t know what to do I can’t live like this anymore I hate being in pain monthly.
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:37 am
Yes, I feel the same way…I’ve never had any bad pain when my cycle came on before the TL, and now it’s so bad I have to miss work the first day it comes on. I have no desire for sex anymore, my podido is very low. I have terrible headaches, and I addressed all my symtoms to my doctor..I even asked him could it be from the TL and he said no! I’m glad I found Dr. Berger, I will be doing the reversal next month, I can’t wait!
October 18th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I had my tubes tied 11 years ago and from the first month on my menes have increasingly heavy and more painful. I am recently remarried and trying to explain the painful sexual experience is very difficult. I was on the verge of begging for a hysterectomy until I looked into having a tubal reversal so I could get pregnant again. The side effects I have experienced are exactly those of PTLS. The doctors forget to tell you about these kind of side effects.
October 18th, 2008 at 11:53 am
I had clips put on my fallopian tubes when i was 21 years old. I was told then they were the easiest to reverse. After 20 years of intense monthly pain and all doctors telling me I am imagining things,and crazy, I can assure you all, the ligation is incredibly uncomfortable for some women indefinitely. I also feel the tubal has led to an over accentuated empty nest depression, as I was young enough to have more babies when my body screamed for them. I wish I never did it.
October 17th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
i had my tubes tide in 1998 and i have experinced these same syptoms. i believed the Drs. i have seen think i am crazy. i tell them what i am going through and they say it’s fine. but i know it’s not. so it is nice to see i am not the only one. and what i am going through has a name
October 14th, 2008 at 9:51 am
I’ve had my tubes tied approximately 15 years ago – which I sadly regret because I would love to have a baby now but am hesitant to do the reversal.Ssince then I experience abdominal pains during intercourse to the point that I don’t even want to anymore, which is not fair to my husband. I never thought this would happen and wished that I was told about it.
October 6th, 2008 at 10:59 am
hi im 28 yrs of age and had my tubal 4yrs ago and ever since then i have never been the same and have distroyed my marriage and feel like im always not me i lost the will to be with my husband and i get moody and have lots of pain when my monthly visitor comes and get head aches like crazy also 6months after having my tubal i have been diagnosed with anxiety attacks i wish i new this was going to happen cause i regreat every day of my life on making this decission i wish that thier was info out thier to let us now what also may happen after having a tubal
September 15th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
[...] 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 [...]
September 12th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Often patients with some or many of these symptoms, sometime after their tubal ligation, have reported feeling depressed to their doctor. Without the discussion of the possibility of PTLS, patients have been told that their depression or report of other symptoms is “all in their head” and are either treated for depression or not. The rest of their symptoms still exist with no resolve. I’m glad that there is support and regard for these patients’ difficulties here at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. I hope the women who have experienced these symptoms will write to us about them. Maybe they can be helped.
September 10th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
It will also be interesting to hear from the medical community regarding their feelings on PTLS. I hope they will get involved in this important discussion and offer hope and support to the women who suffer from these debilitating symptoms.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
What wonderful infromation for the many women out there that are having these types of symptoms. There are so many women out there that are going through similar situations and hopefully this will give them hope and a means of support. This will let them know that they are not alone.
September 10th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
We hope to hear from many of our patients who have told us about their PTLS symptoms and then success after tubal reversal surgery! This would be great for other women who are experiencing the same problems.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:06 am
I think anytime women are driven to take money from their savings, to alleviate a terrible host of symptoms, the medical community needs to take notice!
Many women on the message boards have traveled a great distance to self-pay for a procedure to restore their bodies and have no desire for more children. To me, this is very telling.
I know with my PTLS, I was offered hormonal therapy, pain meds, ablation and hysterectomy to deal with the symptoms that began shortly after my TL. Since I knew intellectually and in my heart that the new collection of symptoms were a result of the TL. I had nothing but good female/reproductive health all my life until after the TL.
I tell every woman with whom the topic arises, to think twice about TL for many reasons. In lives that are often changing, one change we don’t need is self inflicted health problems. In addition, the life changes and heart changes can also drastically change ones ideas about permanent sterilization.
It’s a terrible place to be to be suffering month in and month out, be told it’s not from something you KNOW it is from, and to feel like you are no longer fully a woman as a stranger in your own body.
Thank you for this article! I look forward to the series, and when the day comes that physicians must disclose potential side effects to all women seeking sterilization.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:28 am
Excellent choice of blogs! Now is the time to be one’s own patient advocate. This type of detailed information can only help!
September 9th, 2008 at 4:43 am
PTLS is very real to the ladies who suffer from it. Thank you to Drs Berger and Monteith for listening and caring.
September 8th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I am very pleased that CHTRC is bringing attention to this very important issue facing so many women. It is obviously misunderstood and its existence flat out denied by many physicians. We need better information and more informed choices for women out there prior to their tubal ligation surgeries.
September 8th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
What a wonderful opportunity for women suffering from menstrual and body changes following tubal ligation to find community and support. This documentation should provide ligitmacy to women with these symptoms. Thanks Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center for taking the lead in this area of women’s health.