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What is Permanent Sterilization and Tubal Ligation?

Tubal ligation is a procedure that permanently prevents pregnancy by closing, cutting, or blocking the fallopian tubes, stopping eggs from reaching the uterus for fertilization. It is one of the most effective forms of contraception available, with a greater than 99% success rate, and is intended to be a lifelong, irreversible choice.

At Women's HealthFirst, we perform tubal ligation as a laparoscopic or minimally invasive procedure, typically on an outpatient basis. The surgery takes approximately 30 minutes, and most patients go home the same day with a short recovery period. You may also hear this procedure referred to as "getting your tubes tied" or bilateral tubal ligation.

We approach every sterilization conversation with the same principle that guides all of our care: your body, your decision. We will give you the complete picture, answer every question, and respect your choice fully. There is no judgment here, and no pressure in either direction.

Permanent sterilization and tubal ligation are typically sought by women who:

  • Have completed their families and are certain they do not wish to become pregnant in the future

  • Are seeking a highly effective, maintenance-free, and permanent contraceptive option

  • Have medical conditions for which pregnancy would pose a significant health risk

  • Prefer a non-hormonal, permanent alternative to long-term contraceptive methods such as IUDs or implants

  • Have a partner who does not wish to pursue or is unable to undergo a vasectomy


Important note: Tubal ligation should be considered permanent. While reversal surgery exists, it is complex, not always covered by insurance, and success is not guaranteed. Your Women's HealthFirst provider will discuss this with you openly as part of your pre-procedure counseling.

Your care begins with a counseling appointment, where your Women's HealthFirst provider will walk you through the procedure in detail, confirm that tubal ligation aligns with your goals, and ensure you understand the permanent nature of the decision. This step is not a formality; it is a genuine conversation, and there is no rush.

Once you have decided to move forward, pre-operative preparation typically includes a review of your medical history, any necessary lab work or imaging, and instructions around fasting and medication management before surgery. You will need to arrange transportation home, as you will not be able to drive following anesthesia. Your provider will give you complete written instructions before your procedure date.

During this time, it is also important to disclose all medications you are taking, whether prescribed or herbal. This is so that you can avoid taking drugs that can possibly cause blood thinning. Blood thinners can cause excessive bleeding during surgery. Other potential issues to be aware of are:

  • A reaction to general or local anesthesia
  • Giving up on smoking, if applicable
  • Properly fasting for a period prescribed by your provider

Tubal ligation is performed under general anesthesia. Using laparoscopic instruments inserted through one or two small incisions in the abdomen, your surgeon accesses the fallopian tubes and closes them using one of several methods, including clips, rings, cutting, or cauterization. The procedure typically takes 30 minutes or less.

You will be monitored by an anesthesiologist and a full surgical team throughout. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, with no large incisions, most patients experience minimal discomfort during recovery. You will be taken to a brief recovery area after surgery and will generally be ready to go home within a few hours of arriving.

Most patients return to normal light activity within 1 to 3 days, with full recovery typically complete within 1 week. You may experience mild abdominal cramping, bloating, or shoulder discomfort for the first day or two, which is normal and related to the laparoscopic technique. Your provider will prescribe appropriate pain management and give you clear instructions on activity restrictions.

Tubal ligation is effective immediately following the procedure. Your Women's HealthFirst provider will schedule a follow-up appointment to confirm healing and answer any questions. If you experience heavy bleeding, fever, persistent pain, or signs of infection in the days following surgery, contact our office promptly or seek emergency care.

What to Expect

Tubal ligation is a routine surgical procedure when performed by skilled hands. Here is a straightforward overview of the process, from your initial consultation through recovery.

Insurance Information for Tubal Ligation

Under the Affordable Care Act, tubal ligation and permanent sterilization are classified as preventive services, and most insurance plans are required to cover them at no cost to the patient. This includes most employer-sponsored plans, Marketplace plans, and Medicaid. Coverage can vary based on your specific plan, and some grandfathered plans may have different requirements.

Our team can help you verify your benefits ahead of your procedure and walk you through any anticipated costs so there are no surprises. We accept Aetna, Blue Shield PPO, Cigna HMO, Cofinity PPO, and most major insurance plans.

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Patient Resources

From accessing your patient portal and downloading pre-visit forms to reviewing your insurance information and exploring our patient education library, we make it easy to stay informed, prepared, and confident in your care every step of the way.

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Amanda Buck, DO, FACOG

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Cecilia Chui, DO, FACOOG

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Papa W. de la Cruz, MD, FACOG

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Natasha Harvey, MD, FACOG

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Anita Iyer, MD, FACOG

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Sidra Khan, MD, FACOG

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Huiwen Liu, MD

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Elizabeth Mlynarczyk, MD, FACOG

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Nancy Singh, MD

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Erwin Szela, MD, FACOG, MIGS, MBA

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Crystal Wadyal, MD, FACOG

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Office Locations

Palatine, IL

231 E Northwest Hwy, Palatine, IL 60067

(847) 808-8884
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Schaumburg, IL

Hoffman Estates, IL

Bartlett, IL

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Yes. Tubal ligation should be considered a permanent form of birth control. While reversal procedures exist, they are complex surgeries with no guaranteed outcomes, and success rates decrease with age and over time. If there is any uncertainty about future family planning, your provider will discuss alternatives with you.

No. At Women's HealthFirst, we respect every patient's right to make informed decisions about their own body and reproductive future. Our role is to provide complete, honest information and make sure you feel confident in your choice, not to influence it. If you have made your decision, we will support you fully.

No. Tubal ligation does not affect hormone levels, ovarian function, or the timing of menopause. Your ovaries continue to produce hormones and release eggs normally. You will still have menstrual periods after the procedure. The only change is that eggs can no longer reach the uterus for fertilization.

Tubal ligation is more than 99% effective. It is one of the most reliable forms of contraception available. The small remaining risk of pregnancy, including ectopic pregnancy, is discussed during your pre-procedure counseling appointment.

Most patients return to light activity within 1 to 3 days and feel fully recovered within 1 week. Some mild abdominal cramping, bloating, or shoulder discomfort in the first day or two is normal. Your provider will give you specific post-operative instructions before you go home.

Under the Affordable Care Act, tubal ligation is classified as a preventive service and is covered at no cost under most insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan type, and our team can help you verify your specific benefits before scheduling your procedure.

Both are forms of permanent sterilization that work by blocking the fallopian tubes. Tubal ligation typically refers to procedures that cut, tie, or remove a section of the tube, while tubal occlusion refers to blocking the tube using clips, rings, or other devices. The terms are often used interchangeably. Your provider will explain the method used and why it is recommended for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions