TUBAL LIGATION SYMPTOMS
OUR EXPERIENCE

Tubal ligation symptoms can be experienced by some women after having their tubes tied.

Most women will not experience a problem after tubal ligation but some will have abnormal side effects. There are no reliable statistics on what percentage of women will experience tubal ligation symptoms.

Most of our patients request tubal reversal surgery to restore fertility, but some request tubal surgery to be evaluated and treated for tubal ligation symptoms.

We treat a select group of patients. Over 90% of our patients who have tubal reversal as a treatment for tubal ligation symptoms will report improvement after having tubal reversal surgery.

Tubal ligation symptoms: What are they?

The most common symptoms after tubal ligation are heavier periods, increased cramping with periods, more bloating and, sometimes, pelvic discomfort.

Some women report more involved symptoms after tubal ligation; pelvic pain, weight gain, depression, bloating, and decreased sex drive.

Others report more extensive, generalized bodily symptoms and this constellation of systemic symptoms is often referred to as Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS).

For more information on tubal ligation symptoms attributable to PTLS:
Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome Symptoms

The existence of Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome is extremely controversial and many health professionals are not supportive of the diagnosis. Health insurance companies do not recognize Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome as a valid diagnosis and will not reimburse patients for any procedures performed for a PTLS diagnosis.

For more information: PTLS: Why the controversy?

Tubal ligation side effects: Does tubal ligation cause problems?

Does tubal ligation cause problems? In our experience this can be a complicated question to answer. Most women who have a tubal ligation will not have any problems.

Some women who have problems after tubal ligation have problems which are associated with tubal ligation but not caused by tubal ligation. This can be a complicated concept to understand, so for more information: Tubal ligation problems: A helpful explanation

Some of our patients do have problems directly associated with their tubal ligation and many will report improvement after tubal reversal surgery.

Tubal ligation symptoms: Our recommendations

If you are experiencing problems related to your tubal ligation then we recommend you be evaluated by your doctor for other treatable medical or gynecological causes.

If your symptoms started soon after your tubal ligation (weeks to months) then the tubal ligation could have contributed to your symptoms or it is equally possible the tubal ligation is not responsible.

If your symptoms started long after your tubal ligation (months to years) then it is less likely your tubal ligation is responsible.