Tubal Ligation at Young Age: An Overview

Introduction:

Tubal ligation is a permanent birth control method. During surgical procedure, the tubes are remove surgically. The procedure is indicated for those individuals who have completed their family and do not wish to have more children. Usually, the procedure applies to older women who have a substantial number of children. However, in recent years, the trend has emerged for young women choosing this surgical procedure as a reproductive control. The actual age for tubal ligation at a young age is thirties or forties. Certain factors, such as lifestyle and medical conditions, can affect the decision of tubal ligation at a young age. There are several risks and benefits associated with the procedure. The article discusses tubal ligation at a young age, its procedure, risks, and benefits.

What Is Tubal Ligation at a Young Age?

Tubal ligation at a young age is a permanent birth control method. It is a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes of the women are permanently obstructed, tied, or blocked. It is a long-term or lifetime birth control solution.

The fallopian tubes are the tubes in which the eggs move from the ovaries to the uterus. There, it gets fertilized by the male sperm. When these tubes are obstructed, sperm cannot reach the eggs, preventing pregnancy. Young women choose tubal ligation at a very early age because they do not want children in the future. If the young patient is considering tubal ligation, then there is a need to consult a medical gynecologist.

What Is the Procedure for Tubal Ligation at a Young Age?

Tubal ligation can be done at any age. It is a woman’s choice to undergo this procedure at any age. The procedure can be performed by several different techniques, which are as follows:

• Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation (LTL): The common method is done by the surgeon under intravenous general anesthesia. This is to prevent pain during surgery and relax muscles. The surgeon makes two cuts, one near the navel and the other close to the pelvic bone. The navel incision is for inserting a small camera to visualize the fallopian tubes. The surgical instrument is inserted from another cut to tie tubes. Then, the camera or laparoscope is removed, and the cut is stitched up.

• Laparotomy: The surgeon may make a large cut on the abdominal area during this surgery. The size of the cut can be two to five inches. Through surgical instruments, the tubes are sealed by using bands or rings. The instrument is removed, and the cut is closed with stitches. It will take several weeks for the women to recover. This can be done in combination with cesarean delivery. The surgeon will use the same cut for tubal ligation and cesarean section.

• Mini-Laparotomy Tubal Ligation: The term mini means small. During this procedure, a small on the upper side of the pubic hairline. The tubes are clipped.

• Postpartum Tubal Ligation: The procedure is done after cesarean or vaginal delivery. A small incision is made to see the fallopian tubes during delivery.

• Hysteroscopic Sterilization: The procedure in which a device is inserted into fallopian tubes through the cervix. This can lead to scar tissue formation.

What Are the Indications of Tubal Ligation at a Young Age?

The indications for tubal ligation at a young age are described below:

• Desire for Permanent Contraception: Women who have completed their family and do not want to have their children in the future can opt for this procedure for permanent contraception.

• Medical Reasons: Certain medical conditions can make pregnancy at high risk. Medical conditions like autoimmune disorders and heart conditions can cause severe pregnancy risk.

• Genetic Disorders: People with genetic or hereditary disorders who wish to avoid passing their disease to their offspring can opt for this procedure.

• Risk of Pregnancy-Related Complications: A history of pregnancy-related complications can cause severe physical and mental risks to the woman's health and the fetus.

• Allergic to Other Contraceptive Methods: Women who are allergic to other contraceptive methods, such as intrauterine devices and hormonal contraceptives, can use this procedure as an alternative.

• Personal Choice: This procedure can be the personal choice of women who do not want to have children in the future.

• Fear of Unintended Pregnancy: Women who fear unintentional pregnancy can undergo this procedure.

What Are the Contraindications of Tubal Ligation at a Young Age?

The contraindications of tubal ligation at a young age are described below:

• Desire of Future Fertility: Women who want a future pregnancy should not opt for this procedure because it is permanent.

• Uncertainty: Women uncertain about their desire for permanent contraception should not undergo this procedure.

• Medical Conditions: People with unstable medical conditions, such as heart problems and acute infections, can have several risks during surgery.

• Coagulation Disorders: People with blood clotting disorders should not undergo the procedure.

• Pelvic Infection: People with pelvic inflammatory disease or other infections are unfit for the procedure.

• Recent Childbirth: People with recent surgery of the uterus or fallopian tubes because of childbirth, abortion, or any other reason.

• Pregnancy: The pregnant woman is not advisable to go for the procedure.

What Are the Benefits and Risks of Tubal Ligation at a Young Age?

The benefits and risks of tubal ligation at a young age are described below:

Benefits:

• It is an effective form of permanent birth control method. The failure rate associated with the procedure is low.

• It is a permanent solution for people who do not want biological children in the future.

• It does not cause any harmful effects on the body and does not introduce any extra hormones.

• Women with this procedure may get freedom from daily birth control methods, such as pills or condoms.

• The procedure does not interfere with sexual pleasure.

Risks:

• Some people may be allergic to anesthesia. The allergic reaction can cause bleeding, infection, or any complications related to the surgical procedure.

• There can be a small risk of unintended pregnancy.

• It is not a reversible procedure.

• Some people may feel regret in their later life.

• It can cause long-term health effects, such as hormonal imbalance and changes in the menstrual cycle.

• The procedure has emotional and psychological effects.

• Surgical complications can include injury to nearby organs, formation of blood clots, and adhesions.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, tubal ligation at a young age is the permanent decision of birth control. It is a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are obstructed or blocked by tying them with bands or clamps. Young women opt for this procedure because of their personal choice for not having future pregnancies. The other reason can be fear of unintended pregnancy, allergic to other contraceptive methods, genetic disorders, and medical conditions. Young women seeking tubal ligations should consult a healthcare professional before knowing its risks and benefits.