Your Recovery
Tubal ligation is a surgery done to close your fallopian tubes and prevent pregnancy. Salpingectomy is a surgery to remove the fallopian tubes. It may be done to prevent pregnancy or treat an ectopic pregnancy or cancer. Your doctor blocked, tied, cut, or removed your fallopian tubes. This is usually done with either laparoscopic surgery or open surgery.
You may have pain in your belly for a few days after surgery. If you had a laparoscopy, you may also have a swollen belly or a change in your bowels for a few days. After a laparoscopy, you may also have some shoulder or back pain. This pain is caused by the gas your doctor put in your belly to help see your organs better. To help with pain, your doctor will prescribe medicines.
After either surgery, it's important not to lift anything heavy for 1 week. How long it takes you to fully recover depends on the kind of surgery you had. After a laparoscopy, it usually takes about 1 week. After open surgery, it usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. If you had open surgery after having a baby, your recovery may take longer.
You will be protected from pregnancy right away. But it's best to wait to have sex until it feels comfortable. Ask your doctor when it's okay to have sex.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter A308 in the search box to learn more about "Tubal Ligation or Salpingectomy: What to Expect at Home".