Oh friends. I’m sitting here overwhelmed with gratitude for the way you’re taking your time to email me with your stories and/or your willingness for me to ask you some questions if you’ve had your tubes tied. (See part one about the aftermath of a tubal ligation.)
Writing about this here has been so eye-opening, and that’s a complete understatement. What I know for sure is that doctors a) don’t know enough about this and/or b) don’t take it seriously by way of blaming other possibilities for the symptoms. But I know, I just know, that there’s no way that it is a coincidence that this many women would be experiencing the same thing after having had their tubes tied.
Many of you are asking what my symptoms are and yes, I’m willing to share. The only reason I didn’t in my first post is because I didn’t want to lead people to believe that their similar symptoms are for the same reason. You know, in case their symptoms are because of something else, I wouldn’t want to put ideas in people’s heads, I guess. I still feel this way. Be sure to educate yourself on your own personal situation. Of course, it may differ from mine and those of the people I’m hearing from.
First of all, I was reading through the many many emails I received overnight this morning and I was struck with what I want to say in all of this. Ladies, we know our bodies. Our bodies know us. We need to listen to our heart-guts. We need to use our voices. We need to stick up for ourselves when the medical community doesn’t take us seriously or isn’t sure what to do with female issues.
I can admit that I’ve sat in many doctor’s appointment over my lifetime and felt small. I’ve come into the appointment knowing whole-heartedly that something is wrong and many times I’ve known what is wrong and I end up shrinking back. Getting intimidated. Faltering. I’m sick of it.
Women’s health issues are complicated and I’m not faulting the practice of medicine for not perfecting their responses. I’m simply saying that women are often disregarded as irrational. And not only that, but because the issues are often complicated, they are often shrugged off as occasional hormonal imbalances. In my case, when I brought up concerns about my symptoms after having my tubes tied, the doctor immediately concluded that I’m struggling because I’m 8 (nearly nine) months postpartum and chalked up my extreme depression and anxiety (and other physical complications) to breastfeeding.
She suggested I stop breastfeeding and said she hoped that would help. (Yes, I’ll be finding a new doctor.)
I know myself. I know I have struggled with PPD and anxiety in the past but this is something far greater than the experiences I had after the boys.
- my anxiety was so debilitating that no matter what I tried in over-coming it, mind over matter, deep breathing and yoga, etc…I could hardly function. Ryan had to start staying home from work. It was awful. (I’m using past tense because I’m on an anxiety medication to treat this symptom currently–and Dear God, I hope I don’t always have to treat symptoms with medication rather than the root of the problem.)
- my depression was heavier than ever. Of course, anxiety and depression go hand-in-hand and they were skipping along having a great time together. This was a totally different depression than I’ve experienced before. I don’t know how to describe it other than hopeless. Just a terrible foreboding ugly thing like never before.
- My skin has broken out in itchiness. I could scratch at my hands and arms all day long. It’s so distracting and painful. This is more evidence that something crazy hormonal is going on.
- My digestive system is seriously wonky. I’ve never had any issues with this at all and now I do. I won’t go into detail. You’re welcome.
- I have a few more personal symptoms that I’ll spare you. They don’t feel bloggable to me. If you’d like to know more, feel free to email me.
- majorly heavy periods starting only after the procedure
- irregular periods
- more painful cramping and pain around the time of the period and sometimes all the time
- ectopic pregnancy
- endometriosis (painful thickening of the lining of the uterus)
- as I mentioned before, early menopause (this seems to be the most common)
P.S. There’s a lot to learn from the comments on the original post, in case you’d like to learn more.
Disclaimer: I am a woman telling my personal story and simply encouraging women to educate themselves about their decisions. I’m in no way suggesting that every situation is the same. There are many variables and unclear aspects to every medical condition/issue. I do not mean to suggest that if you are experiencing complications after a tubal ligation you should be certain each symptom is related. Some of these symptoms could be related to other conditions and these posts are only meant to encourage you to do research and talk openly with medical providers about your unique situation. The “research” I’m doing here is simply a conversation and is in no way scientific. But you knew that. Thank you.
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
Just a quick note from a reader who is 53! I had my tubal ligation/cauterization back in 1986 and it was entirely without any side effect. Except I didn’t have any more babies! I am the mom of 3 adult children, who were born within 4 years. In other words, when my 3rd child was born, my other two were almost 2 and almost 4! yikes! If I saw my doctor today who did my procedure I would hug and kiss him. All that to say, my heart goes out to you and the other ladies who have had difficulties and awful side effects/results from having a tubal type of sterilization. You are in my prayers. I’m so sorry for the pain you are experiencing.
(I should add, I had a “normal” menopausal experience 20 years afterward, which was in line with my Mother’s sort-of early menopause at roughly the same age.)
Thank you, Susan. You bring up something I meant to say. I don’t think every woman suffers complications, but I do think it’s common. I’m so glad you didn’t!
I’m also wondering about the way that tubals have changed over time. That would be another interesting study.
Thanks Heather – the same thought crossed my mind — so many times things improve over the years but who knows, maybe in my case it was a simpler, less invasive procedure? All the same, what you are reporting here and what you’re hearing back from the other women is certainly troubling. God bless you as you journey on.
I saw this pop up on twitter earlier and since I’m having my twins (and last children) very shortly I was considering this if I have to have a c-section (which I really really hope I don’t). Otherwise, the hubby would get the snip. (which apparently also isn’t without risks of chronic pain symptoms. :(
So, obviously I’m concerned, but I did some reading and it seems that perhaps this syndrome is more common in those who have it done as a stand alone surgery rather than as part of a c-section.
I don’t know, definitely something for me to think about now… yikes!
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Yes. Just simply something to think about and educate yourself on. I don’t know if it’s more common as a stand alone procedure or c-section. Mine was done during a c-section. I just encourage you to look into it thoroughly. Not all women experience negative symptoms, but it appears that many do.
Best of luck to you!
Hi Heather,
A woman I work with SWEARS by a doc who does bio identical hormone replacement. She gave me his name, but I lost it. I guess he is so good at balancing hormones that people who have done transgender surgeries go to him…a bit different, but if he can make a dude feel like a hormone balanced women he MUST be good! I can get his name if you would like :)
Also, another thought from my experience..
I am sure that your symptoms do probably stem from your procedure. Something else that you can check yourself now would be if your diet is whacking out your hormones.
Sometimes pregnancy can change our bodies and make us develop allergies. I developed severe allergies after my second son. My seasonal allergies (that I already had) got WAY worse and I also developed food intolerances. I did not realize what my deal was until just recently. It felt like major hormone imbalances. I hate restricting my diet so much, but it greatly affects how I feel. I am now gluten and dairy free and feel SOOOO much better….my hormones are very balanced and my energy level is soaring. I started by eating only meat and veges for a week. I felt like I had a new personality after doing this. I now eat lots more, but realize that any time I have my beloved coffee drink that I feel like the world will cave in after a few hours…my body’s way of screaming at me for drinking it ;)
Hope that helps!
Maria
I have an appointment with my OB next Thursday Heather. I’m hopeful he will hear me out and I plan to bring LOTS of literature with him… Thanks to YOU, I finally had that “AH-HA!” moment last night when I took a few minutes to e-mail you a list of all these symptoms I have that begun shortly after I had my tubal. A VERY wonky stomach (as you so kindly put), soreness, itchiness, electrical/lightening bolt pain in my arms/legs/and most anywhere else, horribly heavy long periods, anxiety that had NEVER been there before… night sweats/night chills, sore breasts that I’d NEVER had before, migraines and headaches several times a week…
I should add that I’m 36 – and have 5 children. I DO realize that many of these issues could be stress related – but I’m here to tell ya… I was THEE most stressed out in my life when my 4th daughter was born and just 3 months later learned I was expecting my 5th child. Plus we had JUST opened a new business/store – and life was crazy. At that point – and even throughout my last (5th) pregnancy, I had NONE of these symptoms. In fact, I hadn’t EVER had ANY of these symptoms at any point in my life until after I had my tubal.
ALL my symptoms are things I wouldn’t have ever tied to having a tubal ligation. However – the ONLY thing all my symptoms have in common is that they started right after I had my tubal.
I’ll keep you posted and let ya know what I learn next week! THANK YOU again for your help – I owe ya one!
Cathy recently posted..The Motherhood Battle
Heather, I am so GLAD that you have mentioned severe anxiety related to childbirth. So many women are either in denial or have not experienced it. I have been criticized and crucified because of it all. We should definitely talk sometime!
Oh, sweet Heather…I just read your first post too because I missed it and I’m almost in tears thinking of all you’ve had to endure. I know life isn’t fair but sometimes things like this make me want to scream, “but why CAN’T life be fair, because this just ISN’T FAIR!!!” I haven’t experienced this syndrome, but I have experienced PPD and postpartum anxiety and it is HORRIBLE. At the worst moment of it I honestly thought I was dying…and I wanted to. I remembering telling my doctor everything and asking her if I was losing my mind, because I had no idea who I was anymore. She looked me straight in the eyes (sweetest doctor ever – I am so blessed – and I so wish you had the same kind of doctor) and said “honey, that is called anxiety. you are NOT crazy.” And she suggested medication and, even though I cringed at the thought, it has given me my life back. Even my husband would say that once I was on medication I was suddenly me again. Like I had stepped out of a year of fog and emerged the same me he fell in love with and married after being gone for so long. I also started seeing a counselor which was the second best decision I made through this, because there was so, so much baggage I had to work through. I just finally weaned off the medication because we are expecting our third (and oh my word I am so excited and nervous and anxious and happy all at once). Anyways…I shared all that to hopefully encourage you that I know what depression and anxiety feel like and there really is healing from it. And I want you to know I’m praying and will continue to. *Hugs*
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If you have a holistic lactation consultant who works around where you live they can offer some great help for ppd. I hear you saying that this is not normal ppd for you but perhaps it may help ease your symptoms until you make a further decision. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett has a great book on ppd/breastfeeding and Jennifer Tow is one of the best holistic lactation consultants with lots of life changing info on her blog. I am praying you find the best help possible for you. Thanks for being brave enough to share. This will help many women.
Heather, I have to say I have never heard of any of this before you started writing about it… and holy guacamole!
I am just STUNNED at yet another example of Western “get out the scalpel” medicine run amok. To not realize that body parts are connected and that something as “simple” as a tubal ligation could have global/hormonal and far reaching effects, especially when there seems to be so much evidence, is mind boggling. And it sounds like no one has taken this seriously and done a study on it, which makes it easy for doctors to dismiss all these issues as “anecdotal.” This seems nuts, when it seems to occur in percentages that are truly frightening. Damn!
I am so sorry you are going through this! I myself am starting to go through “normal” menopause at 51 and can tell you that’s no bed of roses either, but can’t imagine how mad I’d be if this was the result of a procedure I’d been told was a “nothing” and had no inkling this could occur. I’d be spitting nails right now.
Hugs to you, my friend.
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Oh, friend. I am so sorry you’re dealing with this. But of course, as you do so, you’re lightening everyone else’s load by sharing, working through it, and casting light on it in such an inclusive manner. As someone well-accquainted with anxiety, you have my empathy, even though I am not on the same (tubal) road. So glad you’re becoming an advocate for your body. We all need to do so (and all have fallen short at some point, in some doctor’s office somwhere).
I am curious whether there is any difference between the effects of ligation at the time of cesarean and laproscopic ligation/cauterization years after pregnancy? Did any respondents who had laproscopic ligation have the negative side effects? Like the other Susan who responded, I had the proceedure in the mid-1980s and although I had a post-op bleeding problem, I never had any post- ligation symptoms. But it was eight years after my last birth.
I send blessings and prayers for your healing. Remember to keep loving your body back to health.
After 2 c-sections I decided in 2008 (at the age of 28) to have my tubes tied, about 2 yrs after my second child was born. The contraceptive pills and shots screwed me up, so I figured this was safer. While I was warned about the heavier periods I thought okay, I can do that. HOLY CROW. But still, happy with my decision. Last fall I decided enough was enough and something needed to be done, and a relative told me about NovaSure, which (look away now if you’re squeamish) basically cauterises your uterus. Fine, sign me up. That or buy me stock in Tampax and painkillers. I was at the point where I’d cramp for a week and bleed another 2 and then feel weak the remainder of the month.
I’m not regretting either decision, but I’ve noticed in the last couple of months my depression worsened markedly. The anti depressants are helping, but I think I’ll now be asking my doctor about my hormone levels.
Sorry. That rambled a bit. My overall point was that you don’t have to be cursed with heavy periods, and that I think having it done laparoscopically is probably a better idea. But I live in the UK where there’s free health care, so another procedure doesn’t mean more bills.
susan, good question. I’m beginning to wonder the same thing. An OBGYN mentioned on Twitter that there are not the same issues with cauterization. Interesting. Something that needs more thorough research, indeed.
Thank you for your prayers!
Hello Ladies,
I had tubal ligation via laparascopy about 3 years ago and I did notice some changes in how I felt overall and when I had my periods. And like you, Heather, I had THE WORST itchy skin for what seemed like no reason. Of course, my GYN said there was no connection. I really found that hard to believe and still do. Think of the sudden change your high-producing, active ovaries have undergone. They’ve been that way your whole life. I am no medical professional but doesn’t it seem obvious that they’ll need to re-adjust and rewire themselves if they’ve been cut off from their transport route?
Sadly, there may be something to the notion that it puts you into a different hormonal state (I hesitate to say menopause because wow that is a scary thought if you are in your 20′s and 30′s). After taking a salvia test to determine my hormonal (im)balances, I was able to convince my reluctant GYN to write a script for bio-identical progesterone, which I took to a compounding pharmacist. I’ve been on that for about 9 months and it is working well. I’ve researched synthetic hormones and they seem too risky to me. We all have to make our own decisions, but I highly recommend trying bioidentical hormones if you choose hormone therapy as a solution. They are more more like your natural hormones than the synthetic ones are – which I think is another no-brainer that some doctors (no offense to those of you who are doctors) just do not get.
Don’t be afraid to tell your doctor you want to try them. She or he can always be a partner in monitoring your progress to be sure they are working effectively – and learn something about a non-pharmaceutical approach.
Take heart ladies, seek out good advice from women you trust, and be good to your bodies. You can get through this.
This post(and the prior) was surprising and much needed. I would like to ask if any have shared similar symptoms or symptoms (period) after the Essure procedure? I am six months post My “female sterilization” procedure and am struggling. Any info would be appreciated.
Hi Tiffany,
I’m not in the know about the Essure procedure but if it changes things hormonally I wouldn’t be surprised if it causes issues. It would be a good thing to go over with your doc. I hope someone with experience notices your comment here and can give you some feedback.
I’m so happy you changed doctors! I’m just horrified that she would suggest breastfeeding is the source of your depression because it is scientifically untrue. Breastfeeding produces oxytocin which is a happy hormone. She should know that!
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Heather, I’m just proud of you for sharing this, for being bold, for stepping up to the plate and taking action.
I’m certain that you will find peace and health, I’m just sorry that you have to go through the journey.
Hugs
I have to admit I opted not to have my tubes tied after my 2nd c-section. My husband and I had always agreed that it would be his turn then, so we hadn’t done any research or planned. When they offered, we declined.
Thank you for sharing this, though. I know a lot of women who have opted to have their tubes tied but have no idea if any have had problems. Women’s health is certainly contentious lately, with a lot of misconceptions out there, a lot of unknowns, and a lot of new information frequently emerging. I hope you find an answer that helps you.
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Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m considering tubal ligation with my c-section scheduled for late March. I was wondering if anyone having these problems also had hormonal or fertility issues prior to the procedure. I had secondary infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (pcos) and have had hormone imbalance, mood swings, facial hair growth, acne, and insulin resistance related to pcos. Has anyone with pcos has a tubal ligation and did this worsen the symptoms or alleviate them? Thanks!
I haven’t had a tubal ligation, but I am infertile, diagnosed in 2004 after a year of trying to make a baby with no success. There was endometriosis, multiple fibroids (that multiplied…) and a wildly fluctuating hormonal level. In ’06 I finally had to have a hysterectomy when the Dr discovered so many fibroids that he quit counting at 10. Yeah. Rough. Then barely 7 months later, due to scar tissue that formed from that surgery, an ovary became necrotic and had to be removed. So… no uterus, useless fallopians and one ovary since ’07.
One ovary was fine, really, until about two years ago when I started experiencing menopausal symptoms. Since I was a teen, my body clearly showed me the ups & downs of my hormones each month; and once the periods ended (SO glad about that- they were horrendous) and everything evened out, I felt fantastic. Until ’10, and the onset of menopause. All the up & down stuff ceased, hot flashes increased to a point where I experienced upwards of a dozen or more a day, and would drip in sweat from them and I felt AWFUL.
Then… in an entirely unrelated event, my husband and I gave up eating meat. In two days, the hot flashes dropped off to almost nothing. In two months, I began to feel the old up & down hormonal feelings again, my sex drive returned and I felt amazing. Truly amazing. We increased consumption of plant-based foods and have not returned to eating meat. My hormones all behave normally again.
I will turn 48 this week.
So… here’s the thing, and I am NOT saying this in any way to suggest ANYONE can achieve the same thing through their diet, but if one consumes a diet that includes conventionally raised meat, you are consuming hormones used to treats the animals. Add those to the wildly fluctuating hormones we already deal with, and it’s a land mine with a twitchy switch. I would have NEVER expected that giving up eating meat would bring me such sweet relief, but it did. And the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. I have no thoughts that it will take away the symptoms anyone is feeling after their tubal. But, if just ONE person finds the same sweet relief, then this long-winded response will have helped.
Menopause in our 40′s is NOT normal. Mine wasn’t questioned since I only had one ovary to work with, but to find that it wasn’t supposed to be happening to me yet, well that was an eye-opener. I have had ZERO hot flashes since last May when we cut out meat, and I feel the normal hormonal changes, once again, each month. For me, it truly is a miracle.
I hope and pray that everyone suffering through these issues will find some relief, somewhere. Thank you, Heather, for being brave and strong and using your beautiful voice to reach out and get women talking.
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I’m so glad you posted on this. After my first appearance on television promoting WellPostpartum.com a woman called me, begging me to look into Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS). There is a blog, http://posttuballigationsyndrome.blogspot.com/ and book on the subject that convinced me to advise against it.
As is the case for PPD, there are alternatives to medication for PTLS support that are safe and effective.
Best wishes,
Cheryl
I would like to suggest biodentical hormone replacement for women who prefer the natural route over man made medications. We have a brilliant nurse here in Hickory, N.C. who specializes in natural hormone replacement. I suffered from severe anxiety/depression after the birth of my daughter and had a difficult time finding an antidepressant I could tolerate. Because of this, I was forced to try many alternative therapies, from accupuncture to biofeedback therapy. All of these therapies were helpful in some way but I eventually ended up on Prozac(My fifth trial of antidepressants) and ativan which did eventually help the depression and anxiety. I was willing to take both meds as long as i needed them, but two years postpartum I decided it was time to wean off of the antianxiety and was having a tough time doing so. This is when i discovered biodentical hormones, a friend referred me and I ended up on Progesterone cream and testosterone also. Both of which were low. This does not always show up in bloodwork; however, it takes an educated medical professional to review your history and they will then go by your symptoms. Prozac may have helped with the depression but was destroying my sex life with my very patient husband. Testosterone helped with that considerably. Progesterone allowed me to wean off the ativan(antianxiety) within 2 weeks. I had been trying on my own for months. I feel like a new person on the natural hormones. I feel like this is an area that needs to be studied more with PPD. I am currently weaning off the Prozac, no matter how wonderful it works, not being able to enjoy my sex life with my husband fully is a big deal. I hope this helps someone. I had quite a long trial with this awful condition. But thank God for treatment. I cannot imagine going through those 2 years without it. I could have been suicidal–so basically, untreated,
severe PPD can be deadly. This is a serious condition that needs more study.
I think this is kinda a big deal and I’m glad you’ve brought it up here on your blog and that us women are discussing it. I’m amazed at the things I am reading. Just wow. Thanks Heather…
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There is so very much here, heather. About trusting ourselves and speaking up for ourselves and asking for help and answers and then more help.
But mostly I just want you to know that I’m thinking of you, a lot.
xo
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I am heartbroken for you and these complications. I was planning on having a tubal ligation during my 3rd c-section 3 years ago. It seemed like the easy, practical way to go. But I did some googling not long before my baby was due and found some similar discussions to this and I changed my mind at the last minute. I guess I was right to do so. I have no way of knowing if I would have had complications or not. I hope you find some answers and a doctor that will listen to you!! Thank you for your honesty and opening the discussion.
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I am so thankful so many came forward to share their information with you. I hope it will help you and many others. Sorry I haven’t replied to your email yet. Been sick with the flu. But the doctors confirmed my biopsy showed uterine polyps but no unhealthy cells. We are taking the wait and see approach. If I began bleeding again, I will need surgery to remove the polyps since I am “post menopausal” at the age of 46.
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Although I have not had a tubal ligation, I encourage you to keep exploring and seeking out answers to your symptoms. After my second child was born I began experiencing a wide variety of symptoms–fatigue, anemia, weight loss, digestive issues that increased in severity as the weeks went by. My ob/gyn tossed it up to post partum depression, exhasution from taking care of two children, hormonal fluctuations caused by birth and breast feeeding etc… but never looked for any other underlying cause. I accepted her explanations and ended up really really ill. I finally went to an internist for a full physical and ended up in the hosptial needing surgery–I had ulcerative colitis an autoimmune disease. I believe it is hard for some doctors to look past the pregnancy as a reason for symptoms. In fact you may want to get a full blood work up–not just hormones–to see if everything else is okay. While I was in the hospital my ob/gyn came by and asked me why I hadn’t told her how sick I was and all I could think was that I thought I had.
Hi! I am sorry you are going through such a hard time. I have had some trying times with my own reproductive health (partial hysterectomy at 38) nothing due to a tubal though and doctors. What prompted me to reply is to let you know about some ways I have found to deal with my own anxiety/depression. 11 years ago I started on medication. I tried many different kinds. I think I also gained weight with each different medication. So I went from a normal size of 6-8 to 20. I did not ever feel good on medication. I did discover that for me it starts with anxiety and blooms into the dark pit of depression. A few months ago I had had enough with feeling like I was wrapped in cotton. I was always just level and so much more that I did not like. I weaned myself off the way I was instructed to do so but was overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety. It can be so exhausting. I decided to seek out a more natural approach. Mary Gladstar has a book called “Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health”. She has a whole section devoted to stress and strengthening the nervous system. Part of what is really helping me are flower essences. I know it might seem a little weird but Bach’s has one called Rescue Remedy and it really works. Also make sure you are getting proper nutrition. I have a really awesome shake I make for myself (she tells you how) and when I go without it for a while my anxiety returns. Anyway us women do need to stick together. It isn’t always going to be hormonal. It could definitly be nutritional. That seems to trigger all sorts of different reactions. Anxiety is telling us something is wrong. Keep listening to your body. I do hope you find a resolution soon.
Very ironic that I found this website. I have always been very laid back, with minimal stress. After having complications with my last pregnancy in 2010, I decided she would be our last child ( we already had a son) and decided a tubal would be the best option. I did reseach it, but decided to take the chance since birth control was not an option and I was already scheduled for a C-section. Fast forward to summertime of 2011. While I did have some changes (new job, husband’s new work hours, sons stating school), I have always accepted these and prided myself on embracing challenges. Not this time! Major anxiety, nervousness, and lack of focus started interferring with my life. I would fly off the handle at the smallest things and cry over every thing ( I was never a crier). I finally got to speak with my doctor. I explained to him the severe montly ordeal that was new, my easy periods had turned into explosions (TMI), and I could not stand myself not knowing whether I was going to be nice or not so nice from day to day. While we are still in the talks about a possible hysterectomy or uterine ablasion, I have been on a antidepressant for a few months (generic Wellbutrin). Fast forward to now and the fact that the anxiety has gotten worse and I was thinking it might be the medicine. Something pointed me to tubal problems and I am thinking that is what caused the anxiety to begin with, but I have no idea whether it can be helped with another medication or something completely different.l UGGGHHH!!!! :)