What You Should Consider Before Getting Your Tubes Tied

There comes a time in one's life when they will consider a more permanent form of birth control. A popular choice for a couple is a tubal ligation for a woman, also known as getting your tubes tied.

Before committing to this type of surgery, the most important thing to consider is whether you and your partner are absolutely sure you do not want any more children. While there is an option to reverse this procedure, it is often not recommended, and it is not guaranteed. Even with a reversal, chances of conceiving are slim. If you do happen to conceive, chances of having an ectopic pregnancy are increased.

I recently decided to consult my doctor about a tubal ligation. I am 34 years old, and I am a smoker. My doctor had warned me a few years ago that if I was still smoking at 35 years of age, he would no longer allow me to be on birth control pills. The risk of cancer increases considerably at this point. Since various types of cancer runs in my family, it was not a chance I was willing to take. Deep down I knew that I didn't want any more children. Both of my children were born early, and my youngest son was considered premature and had spent time in NICU. There were too many risks for me to carry another child. Both I and my significant other agreed that more children would not be a good idea.

Another reason I decided on the surgery is the effectiveness of getting my tubes tied. Other options of birth control, such as condoms and the rhythm method, were less effective and there were too many risks of failure. For peace of mind, we decided on surgery. My partner really did not want to go through with a vasectomy, which is a reaction I'm sure many men can understand.

When making this decision, there should be no pressure from your partner. It must be your choice. If you are not 100% sure this is what you want to do, you may be left feeling resentment towards your partner for years to come if you feel that you were pressured into it.