Our Summary

This study looked at the choices made by pregnant women with cancer in the US when it comes to long-term birth control or sterilization methods. The researchers used data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s National Inpatient Sample, looking at hospital births between 2017 and 2020. They compared the choices of women with different types of cancer (breast, leukemia, lymphoma, thyroid, cervical, and melanoma) to those of women without cancer.

The results showed that the type of cancer influenced the choice of birth control or sterilization. Women with breast cancer were more likely to have a surgical procedure for sterilization (bilateral salpingectomy) or to choose an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control. No women in this group chose a birth control implant. Women with leukemia were more likely to choose the implant, while those with lymphoma went for surgical sterilization or tubal ligation (another sterilization procedure). Women with thyroid cancer were more likely to choose tubal ligation, but none of them chose the implant. Women with cervical cancer were more likely to choose sterilization, but none chose long-term birth control. No women with melanoma chose long-term birth control.

Furthermore, younger women (under 30) with breast cancer, cervical cancer, or lymphoma were more likely to choose sterilization. Younger women with melanoma were more likely to choose tubal ligation.

In simpler terms, the study shows that the type of cancer a pregnant woman has can influence her choice of birth control or sterilization method at the time of delivery.

FAQs

  1. What does the study reveal about the link between the type of cancer and choice of birth control or sterilization method?
  2. What birth control or sterilization methods did the study find to be most commonly chosen by women with different types of cancer?
  3. Did the age of the pregnant woman with cancer have any influence on the choice of birth control or sterilization method according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient considering bilateral tubal ligation is to thoroughly discuss all available options with their healthcare provider and consider their individual medical history and future family planning goals before making a decision. It’s important to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure and to make an informed choice that aligns with their personal preferences and needs. Additionally, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the permanence of tubal ligation and to consider alternative contraceptive methods if there is any uncertainty about future reproductive plans. Communication with your healthcare provider is key in making the best decision for your health and well-being.

Suitable For

Patients who are seeking a permanent form of contraception, such as women who have completed their desired family size, women with certain medical conditions that make pregnancy risky, or women who have a high risk of passing on genetic disorders to their offspring, are typically recommended bilateral tubal ligation. Additionally, women who have a history of complicated pregnancies or have a high risk of pregnancy complications may also be recommended this procedure.

Timeline

Before bilateral tubal ligation:

  • Patient discusses options with healthcare provider
  • Patient considers factors such as age, health, and desire for future fertility
  • Patient undergoes counseling regarding the procedure and its risks and benefits
  • Patient schedules the procedure and completes any necessary pre-operative tests
  • Procedure is performed under anesthesia, typically as a same-day surgery
  • Patient is monitored for any complications post-operatively

After bilateral tubal ligation:

  • Patient may experience some discomfort or pain at the incision site
  • Patient is advised to rest and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few days
  • Patient may experience some spotting or light bleeding
  • Patient is advised to use a backup method of contraception until the procedure is confirmed to be effective
  • Patient follows up with healthcare provider for any concerns or follow-up appointments
  • Patient enjoys the peace of mind of permanent contraception and no longer needing to worry about pregnancy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about bilateral tubal ligation include:

  1. What is bilateral tubal ligation and how does it work?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with bilateral tubal ligation?
  3. How effective is bilateral tubal ligation as a method of permanent birth control?
  4. Are there any alternative methods of permanent birth control that I should consider?
  5. Is bilateral tubal ligation reversible if I change my mind in the future?
  6. How will bilateral tubal ligation affect my menstrual cycle and hormonal balance?
  7. Will I still need to use other forms of contraception after undergoing bilateral tubal ligation?
  8. What is the recovery process like after undergoing bilateral tubal ligation?
  9. Are there any long-term health implications associated with bilateral tubal ligation?
  10. How does my cancer diagnosis impact the decision to undergo bilateral tubal ligation?

Reference

Authors: Harris CA, Mandelbaum RS, Rau AR, Song BB, Klar M, Ouzounian JG, Paulson RJ, Roman LD, Matsuo K. Journal: Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2024 Apr;103(4):695-706. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14654. Epub 2023 Aug 14. PMID: 37578024