Tubal ligation is surgery to close a woman's fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes move eggs from the ovaries to the uterus once a month during ovulation in order for sperm to fertilize an egg during intercourse. The procedure is sometimes referred to as "having your tubes tied" and is a form of permanent birth control. Once the tubes are closed or "tied" sperm cannot fertilize an egg.

Tubal ligation may be advised for women who are certain that they do not wish to become pregnant in the future.

Tubal ligation is permanent and highly effective at preventing pregnancy; however, it is not 100 percent effective. In very few cases, a new passage way can form and allow the egg to pass into the tubes and allow fertilization.

There are many birth control options available. You and your doctor can decide which of those options is right for you.

Prior to any surgery, your doctor will give you a complete medical examination and evaluate your overall health and your health history. You may be required to get additional tests such as X-rays and lab tests. Your doctor will also review with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation and will ask you to sign a consent form. It is important that you ask questions and be sure you understand the reason for the surgery as well as the risks.

It is important that you inform your doctor if you have allergies to any medications, what medications you are taking, and if you have bleeding problems. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant.

Your doctor will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.

Depending on the circumstances of your surgery, you may be instructed to do the following:

• Completely empty your colon and cleanse your intestines prior to surgery. You may be requested to drink clear liquids only for one or several days prior to surgery.
• Stop eating or drinking after midnight the night before the operation except medications that your doctor has told you are permissible to take with a sip of water the morning of surgery.
• Plan for your care and recovery after the operation. Find someone to drive you home after the surgery. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties.
• Stop smoking at least six to eight weeks prior to surgery as smoking delays wound healing. Smokers are also more likely to have breathing problems during surgery.

You will go home the same day of your surgery. You should be able to return to work within a couple of days, but should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about a week. You may have sexual intercourse as soon as you feel ready (no backup method of contraception is required).

Complications from tubal ligation surgery are rare, but bleeding, infection and reaction to anesthetic can occur in some cases.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Symptoms of pregnancy, such as a missed menstrual period, breast tenderness, and nausea.
• Pain on one side of your lower abdomen and you feel faint or dizzy.

A variety of factors may influence the cost of the surgery. They include:

• Insurance coverage
• Pre-existing health
• Insurance co-pay
• Location of the facility

These factors vary depending on you and your situation.

The cost of each procedure can vary dramatically based upon age, location, gender, and insurance coverage. HealthGrades provides detailed cost estimates which include the costs of the procedure, drugs, hospital stay, and more. Each cost estimate is easy to understand and provides medical terms you need to know.

The detailed cost estimate for Tubal Ligation, includes costs for:

• Surgical cutting of fallopian tubes
• Tubal ligation immediately following delivery, c-section or other intra-abdominal surgery
• Obstruction of the fallopian tubes by a clip or a band
• Laparoscopic cutting of the fallopian tubes
• and Laparoscopic placement of clips or bands in the fallopian tubes.