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Questions & Answers About Pregnancy & Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is a form of permanent birth control where the fallopian tubes are either tied, blocked or cut. It is most commonly referred to as having your "tubes tied." And while it is considered permanent birth control, it is not 100 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, and it also does not protect against any sexually transmitted infections.

  1. How does it work?

    • By tying or cutting the fallopian tubes, you are preventing an egg from traveling from the ovary to the fallopian tube where it would normally be fertilized.

    Are there any alternatives to surgery?

    • In another procedure, a doctor places a small metal spring into each fallopian tube, blocking any eggs from entering. Over time, scar tissue will develop around the implants, permanently preventing pregnancy.

    How effective is it?

    • Though it is called "permanent" birth control, there is still some risk of becoming pregnant after tubal ligation. The chances are five in every 1,000 during the first year after the procedure; after 10 years, 18 in every 1,000 will become pregnant.

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