Procedure FAQs

A standalone laparoscopic procedure typically takes 20 to 45 minutes. Postpartum tubal ligation adds only a short amount of time to your delivery.

Most tubal ligations are performed under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep. Postpartum procedures are sometimes done under spinal anesthesia if you already have an epidural in place.

Laparoscopic procedures typically use one to three small incisions, usually under half an inch each. Postpartum procedures use a single small incision below the navel.

Incisions are small and typically fade significantly over several months to a faint line, though individual scarring varies.

You can discuss your preferences with your surgeon, but the final technique often depends on your anatomy, whether the procedure is postpartum, and what your surgeon is trained and equipped to perform at that facility.

For most patients, tubal ligation does not change menstrual cycles, since the ovaries and hormone production are untouched. Some research on this remains mixed for a small subset of patients, so discuss any concerns with your provider.