After the birth of my third daughter via C-section, I opted to have a tubal ligation. For me, getting my tubes tied was a no brainer decision for me and my husband. My husband and I were content with our three girls and I honestly didn’t want to be pregnant again or have to go through another caesarean. Yes, I could have sent my husband to get a vasectomy, but once I understood how easy the procedure could be done after my caesarean, it made sense in my mind to opt for it.

Fortunately, since my procedure, I have had little to no side effects. The worst side effect is my period is heavier than it used to be. My obstetrician explained after the procedure I could also get the symptoms I experienced before I was on the pill with headaches, cramping and irregular cycles. This could be alleviated with the Pill or a Mirena. I’ve opted to get neither at this stage because so far, none of the symptoms I had before I had my girls have affected me after the procedure.

For some women, having a tubal ligation has brought on side effects that have now contributed to a new term Post Tube Ligation Syndrome. The symptoms range from hot flashes, heavier periods, mood swings, depression, anxiety, insomnia, vaginal dryness, mental confusion and fatigue.

I’m not a medical expert and I can only share what I have experienced, but I have read on Facebook of friends and bloggers experiencing these symptoms and wishing they a) had been told of the side effects by their obstetrician and/or b) wished they hadn’t got their tubes tied.

If you are looking to get your tubes tied after birth, make sure you ask your obstetrician questions about side effects. Do your research and work out what is best for you and your family. Also remember that the decision shouldn’t be made lightly.

The night before our third daughter was born I had a heart to heart with my husband about how he felt that we were going to have our last baby. We were in agreement with our feelings. The same conversation should be had if the husband goes in for a vasectomy. It’s hard to go back and change what’s been done if you change your mind later about adding to your family.

The other side effect that was mentioned is that I could still fall pregnant. The chances of it happening are highly unlikely, but there have been cases where a tubal ligation has been done and a woman has fallen pregnant.

I’m content with the decision I made and I thought I’d share my experience if you are thinking about having the procedure done. Often we read about all the negative effects and rarely about the positive. But both are just as important to read to make a decision.

Would you consider getting a tubal ligation? Have you had it done? Have you had any side effects?