The Sterilization Decision
The decision came easily. The facts:
- My daughter is a Tween
- I’m a single-mom with (according to this calculator) a 30% chance of getting married again.
- I don’t want any more children.
Sterilize me. Please.
“Why would you want to do that?” The doctor sitting in front of me was an older man; his white hair seemed to float in wisps around his head. I repeated the facts; perhaps he was hard of hearing.
There are two procedures for women who no longer desire to have children, tubal ligation, which was first done in 1930 and Essure, a new procedure that’s been around since 2002. Of course the doc pushed the newer procedure. Instead of getting the go-ahead and a date for the surgery, I went home to do research.
The Essure sterilization procedure is done in a doctor’s office and there is no cutting. Inserts are placed within the fallopian tubes, tissue grows around the inserts and sterilization is achieved after about three months.
Tubal ligation is currently done under some form of anesthesia (though that may be changing) and the fallopian tubes are cut, cauterized (burned), or silicone rings are placed around them so that eggs are unable to pass through.
If you’ve thought about a permanent method of birth control, I encourage you do the research. Decide what is right for your body and for your lifestyle. Don’t let anyone; especially those in the white coats make this kind of decision for you.
I’ve made up my mind.
- Aunt B
I didn’t have to make the decision thankfully because my last daughter was a planned repeat c-section so while they were in there they were able to just do the tubal ligation. There was no extra anesthesia (I already had a spinal for the C) and it was quick and easy. I know that this is not a choice for most moms, however, and I commend you for taking charge of your body and the choices concerning it by researching your options thoroughly.
Hi Valerie,
Thanks for your input. I find it really interesting when doctors start pushing one procedure over another. That’s a red flag for me to do research. It helps me ask the different questions and I know that the ultimate decision is mine. I agree with you that is is SO important to take charge of your health and make decisions for you body.