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Q: I was wondering whether after you had your tubes tied it is still possible to become pregnant even though the procedure has been done?
A: Sterilization is defined as the voluntary destruction of the reproductive function of an individual. Many different procedures have been used for this purpose. In the United States, female sterilization is typically performed using laparoscopic means. Laparoscopy is a technique consisting in the insertion of a telescopic tube which is also illuminated and allows the visualization of the internal pelvic and abdominal structures of an individual. A very common reason for making use of laparoscopy for therapeutic reasons is that of tubal sterilization. In particular, this technique consists in using laparoscopic methods in order to electrocoagulate the tubes, close them by means of clips or bands, or removing a small portion of them. Electrocoagulation is the procedure by means various portions of the tubes are destroyed by means of coagulating these sections by means of heat or electricity. Tubal ligation by means of bands or clips consists in, as the name says, making use of such structures in order to close the tubes. Tubal sterilization may also be performed by removing small portions of the tubes by use of variuous possible techniques, the mostcommon of which is the so called Pomeroy technique.
Tubal sterilization, like any other method of birth control, is not infallible. The standard quoted rate of failure following tubal sterilization is 0.5%. The most serious complication of tubal sterilization failure is ectopic pregnancy, i.e., a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus. Finally it should also be mentioned that this type of birth control technique in no way prevents transmission of sexually transmitted bacteria and viruses, such as those responsible for syphilis, hepatitis, and AIDS.
Updated: 07/11/99
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