Tubal Ligation vs Removal: We’ll Help You Understand Your Options

If you’re considering permanent birth control options, you may be weighing tubal ligation vs removal and wondering which approach is best. While both are effective at preventing pregnancy, it’s important to think through your individual circumstances and preferences carefully before making a decision. 

We’ll review the key differences between the two procedures, including effectiveness, recovery timelines and reversibility, to help you understand your options.

If you’re evaluating tubal ligation vs removal, we encourage you to contact us. We’ll be happy to guide you through what’s involved so you can make the right decision for you. 

What Are the Key Differences Between Tubal Ligation and Removal Procedures?

Tubal ligation, often referred to as “having your tubes tied,” is a permanent method of sterilization in which your fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, are surgically blocked or cut and sealed, preventing eggs from being fertilized.  

Tubal removal is another permanent form of female sterilization. Also known as bilateral salpingectomy, it is a surgical procedure in which both fallopian tubes are completely removed. 

We’ll consider other important differences of these procedures, including effectiveness, recovery timelines and reversibility below.

Tubal Ligation vs Removal: How Effective is Each Procedure?

Tubal ligation is very effective. According to statistics from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, less than one out of 100 women will become pregnant within a year of having the procedure.

Tubal removal is also highly effective, with a slightly lower risk of pregnancy than tubal ligation, with a failure rate of close to zero. 

While both approaches are exceptionally effective methods of birth control, keep in mind that no method of sterilization is 100% foolproof. In the case of tubal ligation, if you experience an unintended pregnancy, there’s a higher chance it will be an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus).

Does Having Your Tubes Removed Offer Any Additional Health Benefits?

Both tubal ligation and tubal removal may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, though complete removal of the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) is associated with a higher reduction in ovarian cancer risk. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, having a salpingectomy is effective in preventing ovarian cancer, with a risk reduction of about 80%. If you have BRCA gene mutations, you’re at higher risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer; accordingly, your healthcare provider may recommend fallopian tube removal to reduce your risk. 

What Are the Typical Recovery Timelines for Both Procedures?

While recovery times will vary depending on the individual, both tubal ligation and tubal removal are outpatient procedures that can be performed using a minimally invasive surgical technique known as laparoscopy. This means you should be able to go home the same day as surgery in most cases.

You may be able to return to work within a week if you have a job that doesn’t require physical activity, such as a desk job. If you have a more physically demanding job, you may need an additional week before you can resume your normal work-related activities. Depending on how active your day-to-day life is, your recovery time may take longer.

Are Tubal Ligation and Removal Procedures Reversible?

Tubal ligation is meant to be permanent. It can sometimes be reversed through a surgical procedure that reconnects the fallopian tubes, though success rates vary and there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to get pregnant after you have the surgery. 

Complete tubal removal is not reversible.

For these reasons, permanent birth control methods such as tubal ligation and tubal removal need to be evaluated carefully with your partner and your healthcare provider. 

We invite you to talk to us about surgical sterilization approaches versus long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and other birth control methods to determine the best choice for you.

Considering Permanent Contraception? Let Our Caring Team Help You Review Your Options

If you’re contemplating permanent birth control, you know it’s a momentous decision with long-term impact. We’re here to support you in making the right choice. We’ll review your specific circumstances and help you weigh your options.

At Associates in Women’s Healthcare, we’re your home for expert, compassionate care, whether you’re trying to conceive or considering female sterilization. 

We invite you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.