Re: Tubaligation

• Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
• Next message: Jodi: "Trying to not get too excited"
• Previous message: Suzanne: "Re: Tubaligation"
• In reply to: Laura: "Tubaligation"

The risk of pregnancy after tubal ligation is variable depending on the technique used and the age of the patient at the time of the proceedure, but is never less than 1%, with about half of the pregnancies being ectopic in nature, i.e. confined to the Fallopian tube. You need to see an obstetrician ASAP for this reason.

The reasons for failure are also multiple, though this far out, you can usually assume that the proceedure was performed correctly. In all likelihood, a fistula has formed in the tubal remnant that is closest to the uterus, a fistula being a small hole or passage that provides a connection between two open areas that are not supposed to be connected. Sometimes the fistula is just large enough for the sperm to get out, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy, while the opening is sometimes large enough for the egg/zygote to get in, thus resulting in an intrauterine pregnancy. This is bit of an oversimplification, but it will due for the broad strokes.

Again, I urge you to see an obstetrician ASAP. You must find out if you have an ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life threatening condition.

--
William D. McIntosh, MD, FACOG
Clarksville, TN

This is for educational purposes only.  It is not intended
 to replace consultation and examination by your physician
 or other health care provider.

• Next message: Jodi: "Trying to not get too excited"
• Previous message: Suzanne: "Re: Tubaligation"
• In reply to: Laura: "Tubaligation"