Our Summary

This research study aimed to see if women with open fallopian tubes lose more fluid compared to women with blocked fallopian tubes following a procedure where fluid is inserted into the uterus through a small, balloon-like tube. The women included in the study had either previously had a procedure called Essure®, which blocks the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy, or were healthy women with no such procedure.

The researchers pumped a salt solution into the uterus and then measured how much was lost after one minute. They also performed a test to check whether the fallopian tubes were open or blocked.

The findings suggested that women with open tubes lose more fluid than those with blocked tubes. This could potentially be used as a way to check whether a woman’s tubes are blocked following a permanent contraception procedure. However, the researchers caution that these findings need to be confirmed with larger and more diverse groups of women.

This could be an important development as it could make checking for blocked fallopian tubes simpler and more comfortable for women. This is especially relevant given that the Essure® procedure has recently been discontinued in the U.S., increasing the need for new ways to perform and check the success of permanent contraception procedures.

FAQs

  1. What was the aim of this research study about bilateral tubal ligation?
  2. What did the findings suggest about the fluid loss in women with open and blocked fallopian tubes?
  3. How can this study potentially impact the methods of checking for blocked fallopian tubes?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient considering bilateral tubal ligation to discuss with their healthcare provider the option of a saline infusion sonohysterogram (SIS) test to confirm that the fallopian tubes are successfully blocked. This test can help provide peace of mind and ensure the effectiveness of the procedure for preventing pregnancy. It is important to follow up with the healthcare provider regularly to ensure the success of the tubal ligation and to discuss any concerns or questions that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended bilateral tubal ligation include women who are certain they do not want to have any more children, women who are at risk for serious medical problems if they were to become pregnant, women with a genetic condition that they do not want to pass on to their children, and women who do not want to use other forms of birth control.

Timeline

Before bilateral tubal ligation:

  • Patient consults with a healthcare provider to discuss permanent contraception options.
  • Patient decides to undergo bilateral tubal ligation.
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to ensure they are a good candidate for the procedure.
  • On the day of the surgery, the patient is given anesthesia and the procedure is performed, typically laparoscopically.
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort following the surgery.
  • Patient is monitored for any complications and is discharged from the hospital once stable.

After bilateral tubal ligation:

  • Patient may experience some cramping, bloating, and shoulder pain due to the gas used during the laparoscopic procedure.
  • Patient is advised to rest and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few days.
  • Patient may have some vaginal bleeding or discharge for a few weeks.
  • Patient is advised to use alternative methods of contraception until the effectiveness of the tubal ligation is confirmed.
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and ensure the success of the procedure.
  • Patient experiences long-term protection against pregnancy and no longer needs to worry about contraception.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is bilateral tubal ligation and how does it work?
  2. What are the potential risks and side effects associated with bilateral tubal ligation?
  3. How effective is bilateral tubal ligation at preventing pregnancy?
  4. Are there any alternative permanent contraception options that I should consider?
  5. How long does it take to recover from bilateral tubal ligation surgery?
  6. Will bilateral tubal ligation affect my hormonal balance or menstrual cycle?
  7. How will I know if the procedure was successful in blocking my fallopian tubes?
  8. What follow-up care or monitoring will be necessary after bilateral tubal ligation?
  9. Are there any long-term health implications associated with bilateral tubal ligation?
  10. Are there any factors that may increase the risk of complications with bilateral tubal ligation in my specific case?

Reference

Authors: Patil E, Thurmond A, Hart K, Seguin J, Edelman A, Jensen JT. Journal: Contraception. 2020 Jan;101(1):40-45. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2019.10.001. Epub 2019 Oct 23. PMID: 31655066