Welcome to the CPTwomen, Tubal.org, your source for information about the side effects of female sterilization, salpingectomy, tubal ligation, Essure, and clips.
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Welcome to the CPTwomen, Tubal.org, your source for information about the side effects of female sterilization, salpingectomy, tubal ligation, Essure, and clips.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive and reliable information to help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
We understand the importance of education and empowerment when it comes to such critical matters, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
We emphasize the importance of education, informed consent, hormone health, and the crucial need for hormone testing to protect and monitor your overall well-being.
“The better informed we are... the healthier we'll be!”
If after your sterilization (tubal ligation, salpingectomy, clips, etc.) you experienced a health change know that you are not alone. Many women report a change in their health afterwards.
Are You Suffering from
"Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome" (PTLS)?
Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS) are the side effects (physical, hormonal and psychological) which can occur after a woman undergoes a sterilization (tubal ligation, salpingectomy, clips, etc.). Physical symptoms include pain & heavy bleeding. Hormone imbalance symptoms are menopausal in nature and includes hot flashes/chills, weight gain, loss of sex drive, headaches, fatigue, brain fog, and more.
Here at Tubal.org we present details about PTLS, the need for better information at the time of consent and highlight the critical need for hormone lab testing.
Hormone lab testing is important for all women, but because of the serious risk of a sudden & substantial disruption in hormone levels to manifest afterwards it becomes even more crucial for those who have undergone sterilization. Long term a depleted hormonal state (complete loss of ovarian hormones as seen with Oophorectomy), if left untreated in a young woman can lead to accelerated bone loss, more severe cases of osteoporosis and earlier onset of heart disease.
Young women who lose their ovarian function early in life and don't receive treatment are seven times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than women who move into menopause naturally. This loss of ovarian hormones can be even more damaging long term then post tubal syndromes physical effects of dysfunctional uterine bleeding disorders (DUB) and pain.
Serious long-term consequences of complete loss of ovarian hormones include:
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premature death
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cardiovascular disease
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cognitive impairment or dementia
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parkinsonism
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osteoporosis and bone fractures
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decline in psychological well being
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decline in sexual function
Sterilized women are commonly given misinformation that their ovaries (and hormone health) will continue to function as normal afterwards. It is true that for some women one or both of their ovaries will continue to function as before, but for many one or both ovaries will fail due to the blood supply being affected and the ovaries becoming isolated from their blood supply. For a doctor to state to a woman with absolute authority that her health will remain the same and that her ovarian function will in no way be affected is making a false claim because it is impossible for anyone to predict what any one woman’s outcome will be after a sterilization.
A key step all women can take to manage their health though-out life is to regularly test and monitor her hormone, metabolic, and vitamin levels. This proactive approach allows for the early detection of potential imbalances and health issues, enabling timely treatment when it will be most effective and provides the highest benefit.
Do not ignore your symptoms.
If you think you might be experiencing a hormone imbalance
get tested for confirmation & peace of mind.
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Tubal Ligation & Sterilization has side effects commonly know as "Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome" (PTLS).
Which labs should I order
to determine if I'm experiencing an ovarian hormone deficiency?
Hormone lab testing plays a vital role in understanding & managing health. By regularly monitoring hormone, vitamin and other levels, women can gain important insights into their physical & emotional well-being. This proactive approach allows patients along with their healthcare providers to detect any deficiencies or imbalances early on, allowing for timely interventions when treatment is likely to be most effective & beneficial.
Order Hormone Labs Today!
Option #1 ~ Most Popular
Pick one test from below or order both. The AMH and FSH/LH tests indicate if ovarian function has slowed or decreased. The current cost is $130.90 if you order both.
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AMH (anti-Mullerian Hormone) $89.95
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FSH and LH $40.95
Option #2 ~ Pick a Panel
Order a "Hormone Panel" which includes the above tests plus additional biomarkers.
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Comprehensive Hormone Panel $245.95
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Reproductive Hormones - Comp $204.95
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Menstrual Irregularities Panel $182.95
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Perimenopause Panel $89.95
After completing your tests and receiving your results, followup with your healthcare provider
for further evaluation and advice.
Diagnosis of health/medical conditions are not made at this web site, by the Coalition for Post Tubal Ligation Women (CPTwomen), tubal.org, or by any of its associates. No treatment is offered or provided. Information contained on this website, or any website is not a substitute for a consultation and physical examination by a physician. Only discussion of your individual needs with a qualified physician will determine the best method of treatment for you. You are advised to obtain the services of a physician or health care professional if the need for medical treatment is indicated.
If you suspect you might have PTLS the information we present here may assist you with solutions to your quest to better health.
Surgical menopause, also known as induced menopause, occurs when both ovaries are surgically removed or rendered nonfunctional. This results in a decline in circulating levels of estrogen, progesterone, and inhibins. Compared to natural menopause, a surgical or induced menopause can result in more severe & persistent symptoms.
Female sterilization (aka tubal ligation) today is done surgically using coagulation (burning the tubes) (pomeroy or modified pomeroy ligation, bipolar cauterization, or monopolar cauterization of the tubes), or by using a medical devise such as a clip (Filshie, Wolf, or Hulka clips), a silicone ring or band (Falope ring, Yoon ring, or Lay loop), or an Ova Bloc, Essure, or NovaSure Adiana type product to seal shut or block (obstruct) the fallopian tube. Other methods of sterilization performed today and historically includes bilateral salpingectomy (removal of both fallopian tubes), fimbriectomy (removing a portion of the fallopian tube closest to the ovary), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), and using chemicals such as Atabrine or Mepacrine (also called quinacrine) which are placed into the uterus in pellet form then dissolve and scar the fallopian tubes causing the tubes to seal shut.
Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS):
Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS) are the short and long term negative physical, hormonal and psychological effects that can manifest after a woman undergoes sterilization.
Experts theorize the cause of post tubal ligation syndrome is that surgical ligation (clamping/cutting) or removal (salpingectomy) of the fallopian tubes can affect the ovarian arteries resulting in ischemia (reduced or eliminated blood flow) to the ovaries and to sections of the uterus resulting in acute hormone imbalances, surgical menopause, hypo-libido (loss of sex drive), irregular periods, heavier bleeding and pelvic pain.
Another theory of the hormonal imbalance that can result after tubal ligation and salpingectomy is that target or receptor cells that are important in the relay of hormonal messages are damaged, destroyed or removed during surgery. These receptor cells act like a telephone, sending messages to the brain. These target receptor cells are located within the fallopian tube.
Symptoms of PTLS can include:
- Hot flashes/night sweats and/or cold flashes,clammy feeling, chills
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Chronic Fatigue, crashing fatigue
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Irregular or Heavier Periods
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Loss of Sex Drive (Libido)
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Increased depression/anxiety
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Weight gain
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Difficulty concentrating, disorientation, mental confusion, disturbing memory lapses
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Increased headaches
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Dry, itching, and/or color change in vagina area.
- Aching, sore joints, muscles and tendons
- Urinary incontinence
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Electric Shock Sensations (ESS): A "Zap" or jolt sensation akin to a rubber band snapping against the skin, a pinching feeling, or a static electricity sensation. Due to drastic hormonal changes the body.
Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS) is linked with:
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Castrative Menopause, Ovarian Isolation/Atrophic Ovaries
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Severe Hormone Imbalance/Hormone Shock
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Surgical menopause, AKA "Induced Menopause": Occurs when both ovaries are surgically removed or rendered nonfunctional. This results in a decline in circulating levels of estrogen, progesterone, and inhibins. Compared to natural menopause, a surgical or induced menopause can result in more severe and persistent symptoms.
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Increased Risk of Heart Disease
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Bone Loss and Osteoporosis
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Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) (irregular or heavier periods/clotting)
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Loss of Sex Drive (Libido)
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Pelvic Congestive Syndrome (pelvic pain)
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Adenomyosis, Ovarian/Tubal Cysts
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Misplacement of Female Organs/Pelvic Adhesions
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Decreased Lactating Ability
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Is Lab Testing Essential for Women who have Undergone a Sterilization?
Absolutely!
Let's get right to it. Tubal ligation can result in a hormone deficiency.
The only way to assess whether this is happening and the degree to which it affects you is through hormone testing. The avenues to obtain lab testing are to ask your private physician to order tests
for you or to self-order labs on your own.
Can Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome be Treated?
Yes, but in order for any medical condition to be treated it first needs to be diagnosed.
While there is no guaranteed solution for Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS), various treatment options are available to alleviate symptoms. These approaches may include hormone therapy (HRT, Bioidentical Hormones), supplements, pain relief strategies (medications or physical therapy), and, in certain instances, surgical procedures like tubal ligation reversal.
It's suggested to begin first with lab testing to check for hormone or vitamin deficiencies. Lab testing provides a wealth of information and is a good start to explore reasons for your symptoms with the understanding if a hormonal imbalance is found that does not mean other conditions such as pelvic congestive syndrome or a vitamin deficiency are not also occurring.
Treatment Options:
Note: You are advised to obtain the services of a physician or health care professional if the need for medical treatment is indicated.
~ Hormone Therapy:
Hormone therapy (HRT) can assist in balancing hormonal fluctuations that may arise after a tubal ligation. Lab testing plays a key role in determining if a hormone imbalance exists, and to monitor the effectiveness of HRT therapy. Hormone testing should be done before starting any type of HRT including bioidentical hormone supplements, estrogen creams, testosterone, etc.
~ Pain Management:
The use of medications or physical therapy may effectively address pain linked to PTLS.
~ Surgery:
Tubal ligation reversal (TR) is a surgical procedure that reconnects the fallopian tubes. The success rates of tubal ligation reversal can differ based on individual circumstances and the specific techniques employed. Generally, a TR is considered to be an elective surgery.
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Get tested and learn if you are experiencing a hormone or vitamin deficiency and
to what extent it may be affecting you.
Lets get real, "When was the last time you had your levels checked?"
While the physical symptoms of PTLS such as pain and heavy bleeding are obvious to women (symptoms that can’t be ignored or hidden), that of a hormone or vitamin imbalance causing hair loss, weight gain, insomnia, etc. may not be as obvious. Overtime, a severe untreated hormone imbalance (such one that can manifest after a tubal surgery) can have devastating effects on a woman's short and long term health. This includes serous health conditions beginning younger in life causing greater harm then that if the imbalance was treated. The only way to fully diagnose and monitor a hormone imbalance or vitamin deficiency is with lab testing.
We advocate for hormone testing for all women to monitor one’s health status when needed and to obtain key benchmark levels when appropriate for comparison, but it is particularly crucial for those who have had tubal ligation or sterilization to know and understand their hormone levels. This is due to the increased likelihood of experiencing significant hormone imbalances after sterilization which can increase the risk of developing serious health issues over time.
Untreated acute hormonal imbalances (sudden and substantial disruption in hormone levels), which can occur from the ovaries blood supply being affected at the time of a fallopian tube surgery, can lead to a range of health issues. This includes severe menopausal symptoms, mood swings, fatigue, weight changes, menstrual irregularities, loss of sex drive and increased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, cognitive decline and a higher likelihood of early mortality.
Hormone lab testing plays a vital role in understanding and managing health. By regularly monitoring hormone and other levels, individuals can gain important insights into their physical and emotional well-being. This proactive approach allows patients along with their healthcare providers to detect any deficiencies or imbalances early on, allowing for timely interventions when treatment is likely to be most effective and beneficial.
It’s important to note that not all women after tubal ligation or salpingectomy experiences the syndrome and not all who experience health changes afterwards has PTLS; some may have other underlying health issues such as thyroid disorder, high cortisol levels, low vitamin D levels, etc... which all have symptoms that could mimic low ovarian hormone levels. Still, the findings of hypothyroidism, high stress levels, or low vitamin levels do not rule out that acute hormone imbalance or surgical menopause is not also occurring. The findings of normal thyroid, cortisol, or vitamin D levels do not rule out that hormone imbalance or surgical menopause is not occurring. The findings of a hormonal imbalance do not rule out that other conditions (i.e., autoimmune, cancer, etc.) is not also occurring. For this reason, when obtaining lab testing for hormones other conditions should also be considered and investigated.
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Menstrual Irregularities Test Panel $182.95 Includes:
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DHEA Unconjugated (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
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FSH and LH
- Estradiol
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Testosterone Total
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TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone):
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Basic Menopause Panel $73.95
Includes:-
FSH/LH
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Estradiol
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TSH
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Popular
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Comprehensive Hormone Panel $245.95
Includes:-
Anti-Mullerian
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FSH/LH
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Estradiol, Estrogen
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Thyroid Panel, TSH, T4,
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CBC & CMP
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Lipid Panel
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Order labs ala carte: Choose your own labs
Most Popular
Includes:
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Cortisol, A.M. #4212
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DHEA Sulfate, Immunoassay #402
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Estradiol #4021
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FSH and LH #7137
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TSH #899
Welcome to the CPTwomen's “Campaign to Inform ~ PTLS”
The Coalition for Post Tubal Women (CPTwomen) advocates for women’s health rights. We work to educate women and the public of the "late sequelae" side effects of tubal ligation and of all types of female sterilizations which are collectively known as "Post Sterilization Syndrome" aka "Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome" (PTLS). There are thousands of websites, doctors, and organizations that explain, promote, and provide sterilization and the tubal ligation procedure, but only here will you find what doctors don't tell you about tubal ligation (and female sterilization) and women working together to create change.
Tubal ligation, female sterilization, medical devices and treatments which affect the fallopian tubes for the purpose of birth control are conceived to be permanent non-reversible forms of birth control. Tubal Ligation (TL), sometimes called tubal sterilization, female sterilization or “tying the tubes”, is a surgical procedure in which a physician seals shut a woman’s fallopian tubes. This is done surgically using coagulation (burning the tubes) (pomeroy or modified pomeroy ligation, bipolar cauterization of the tubes, or monopolar cauterization of the tubes), or by using a medical devise such as a clip (Hulka or Filshie Clip), a ring, a band, or an Ovalastic, Ova Bloc, Adiana, or Essure type product to seal shut or block (obstruct) the fallopian tube.
Other methods of sterilization includes bilateral salpingectomy (removal of both fallopian tubes), fimbriectomy (removal of fimbrial and infundibular portions of the fallopian tube), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), and using chemicals such as Atabrine or Mepacrine (also called quinacrine) which are placed into the uterus in pellet form then dissolve and scar the fallopian tubes causing the tubes to seal shut. Female sterilizations are performed during pelvic surgery, cesarean section (c-section), and by laparoscopy (aka minilaparotomy or “minilap”) while non-surgical (no cut) permanent birth control (PBC) sterilizations are performed using a hysteroscope (hysteroscopy).
Tubal ligation and female sterilization (Essure, clips, etc.) can cause a sequela (late sequelae) (negative health condition) outcome called "Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome" (PTS) or (PTLS) aka "Post Sterilization Syndrome" (PSS). When a medical device is used to perform the sterilization (clips, Essure) the device can cause a “Post Implant Syndrome (PIS)”.
All forms of female sterilization have known and potential negative side effects (late sequelae) which women need to be informed of prior to consenting to sterilization. For example, women need to be informed that female sterilization can cause hydrosalpinx (1) (2), fallopian tube torsion, and adnexal torsion causing pain. Female sterilization can also cause the condition of adenomyosis and pelvic congestion syndrome which manifests as pain and dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) which may require surgical remedies or complete hysterectomy to correct excessive bleeding. Also important to understand is female sterilization/tubal ligation procedures can affect the blood supply to the ovaries causing anovulation (ovaries failing to normally function or to ovulate), premature ovarian failure (POF), or surgical menopause (female castration).
Just because ovaries are present after tubal ligation, female sterilizations (Essure, filshie clips, etc.), salpingectomy, and in the case of hysterectomy with ovarian conservation/preservation does NOT mean they will continue to function as before.
After these surgeries it is important that women regularly monitor their hormone levels. If it is found that ovarian function is decreased or lost there are treatments which can help a woman’s overall short term and long term health. ~ Susan Bucher, BSN, RN
Negative physical side effects of female sterilization have been known by medical professionals since the 1930’s but publicly the information was withheld from women and the masses (possibly because of the social nature of the procedure). The photo above is from a medical text book from 1931.
The CPTwomen is not anti-tubal. We are against the withholding of information by the ACOG/doctors/medical community in order to force consent. We believe that tubal ligations should be presented as a choice to women as a form of birth control but with full consent which would disclose the risk of sterilization syndrome.
For women who had a tubal ligation or have been sterilized, learning about post tubal ligation syndrome (PTLS) or post sterilization syndrome (PSS) after the fact can be harrowing and upsetting, but we believe that receiving information and support to be consoling and empowering. One thing that all women state when learning this information is they are happy to have received the information but “wished they had this information before their sterilization”.
The Coalition for Post Tubal Ligation Women is working to put in place informed consent laws that would make it mandatory for doctors to inform women of the known and potential side effects of sterilization before women consent to the surgery, procedure, or treatment.
Note: As of 12/31/2018 all sales of Essure in the United States has been halted. Learn More
For more information see: The Bleeding Edge
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Why “Post Sterilized Women” should get their anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels checked
Anti Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is useful in evaluating ovarian function because levels decline as ovarian function declines. AMH levels are low to undetectable in female infancy and after menopause. Low levels of AMH in a woman of reproductive age (under the age of 40) indicate ovarian hypofunction or “early menopause”. AMH levels do not vary greatly throughout the menstrual cycle so they can be measured on any day of the cycle. AMH is not altered or influenced by birth control pills or pregnancy. A decrease in AMH can be caused by increasing age, obesity, chemotherapy/radiation, hysterectomy and by “tubal sterilization”.
2011 Tubal Sterilization study demonstrates an association between tubal sterilization and reduced ovarian reserve...
2011 Hysterectomy study demonstrated that total abdominal hysterectomy causes 30% more loss of ovarian reserve in addition to the effects of aging…
Women under the age of 46 who had both ovaries removed (or lose function of both ovaries) experienced a marked increase in eight chronic health conditions, including coronary artery disease, depression, memory (dementia), arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and osteoporosis. Read more...
Just because ovaries are present after tubal ligation, female sterilizations, salpingectomy, and in the case of hysterectomy with ovarian conservation/preservation does NOT mean they will continue to function as before.
After these surgeries it is important that women regularly monitor their hormone levels. If it is found that ovarian function is decreased or lost there are treatments which can help a woman’s overall short term and long term health. ~ Susan Bucher, BSN, RN