Post tubal ligation syndrome is a condition marked by abnormal symptoms and health issues after a tubal ligation.
While many women desiretubal reversal surgery because they want to have children again, others want to restore their fertility to help stop their PTLS symptoms.
Symptoms of PTLS
Symptoms of post tubal ligation syndrome vary from person to person. Some women report severely painful cramping and heavy bleeding, while others report symptoms similar to menopause, including hot flashes, trouble sleeping, anxiety, or depression. Brittle nails, decreased sexual libido, fatigue, migraines, and skin issues are also reported symptoms.
Cause of PTLS
The cause of PTLS is unknown. From a clinical perspective, tubal ligations shouldn’t lead to such painful or life-altering symptoms. However, some patients do report severe pain and other changes that they are unable to recover from.
There are conditions that can cause pain and irregular bleeding, such as endometriosis or scarring in the fallopian tubes. These can develop after a tubal ligation. Your doctor can evaluate you for these conditions.
Why is PTLS Controversial?
Post tubal ligation syndrome is a controversial topic in the clinical world. Some physicians believe that because there is not an identifiable cause, it is a contrived condition made up by women. Other physicians, however, understand that while the cause may not be clear, it is a valid condition that should be taken seriously and with care.
Physicians will often prescribe birth control to women reporting these symptoms after a tubal ligation. This is because women who have been on hormonal birth control for the majority of their lives may have become accustomed to mild, regular periods. After a tubal ligation, women often cease their use of birth control because it is unnecessary. Irregular bleeding and more severe cramping are common in natural cycles, so these symptoms may be unfairly attributed to the tubal ligation.
However, many women have never been on hormonal birth control before or know that their natural cycles did not cause such problems.
Physicians also often prescribe antidepressants, but this may not solve the problem, either.
How to treat PTLS
Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing painful or abnormal symptoms after a tubal ligation. Your doctor should examine you for anovulation, adenomyosis, endometriosis, and other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
If the cause for your symptoms cannot be determined and they started after your tubal ligation, you may consider having a tubal ligation reversal to resolve your problems.
Patients who have been suffering from PTLS often report large improvements in their cycles and overall well-being after a tubal ligation reversal. While it remains unclear as to how tubal reversal surgery helps, we are always happy to hear that our patients are feeling better than before.
To speak with one of our specially trained nurses about tubal reversal surgery at the Atchafalaya clinic or PTLS, please contact us at drmorice@mybabydoc.com or (985) 702-BABY.
