Procedure prep
Fasting Before Tubal Ligation
A tubal ligation ("getting your tubes tied") is a keyhole operation that permanently prevents pregnancy by sealing, blocking, or removing the fallopian tubes. It is usually a day-case procedure, so most people go home the same day.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — see medications to stop.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — they need a plan. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take with a sip of water.
- Estrogen-containing pills, patches, or HRT raise clot risk — ask whether to pause them before surgery.
- Avoid extra ibuprofen or other NSAIDs in the days before, as they can increase bruising and bleeding, unless your team approves.
- Bring a full list of everything you take, including herbal and over-the-counter products.
When this surgery may be delayed
- A positive or unknown pregnancy test on the day
- Fever, a new cough or cold, or a chest infection
- Vomiting or diarrhea in the day or two before
- Not having fasted correctly (you ate or drank too close to surgery)
- A new active pelvic or urine infection
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and your insurance or hospital paperwork
- A written list of your medicines, doses, and allergies
- Any recent blood tests, scans, or pre-assessment notes
- A responsible adult to take you home, as you cannot drive after general anesthesia
- Loose, comfortable clothing and a sanitary pad for light spotting afterward
What to ask your anesthesia team
- What time should I stop eating and drinking for my arrival time?
- Which of my regular medicines should I take or hold, and with a sip of water?
- Will I definitely go home the same day, and do I need someone to drive me?
- Is this truly permanent, and what are my options if I might want children later?
- What should I expect for shoulder-tip pain and cramping, and what pain relief can I use?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Why might my shoulder hurt after the operation?
During keyhole surgery the surgeon puts a little carbon dioxide gas into your abdomen to create space to work. Some of that gas can irritate the nerve near your diaphragm, which is felt as an aching pain in the shoulder or its tip. It is very common, harmless, and usually settles within a day or two as your body absorbs the gas; gentle walking and the pain relief your team suggests both help.
Is a tubal ligation permanent, or can it be reversed?
It is intended to be permanent, so only choose it if you are sure you do not want future pregnancies. Reversal surgery is sometimes possible but is complex, not always successful, and often not covered by insurance. If there is any chance you may want children later, talk to your team about longer-acting but reversible options before the day of surgery.
Why do I need a pregnancy test before the surgery?
Your team needs to be certain you are not already pregnant before sealing the tubes, both for your safety under anesthesia and because the procedure cannot protect a pregnancy that has already started. A urine or blood test is standard on or before the day. If the result is positive or unclear, the surgery will usually be postponed.
When does the sterilization actually start working?
Tubal ligation is effective essentially straight away, but advice varies, so confirm with your own team. Many clinicians still suggest using contraception until your next period as a precaution, especially if you were sexually active in the cycle of your surgery. Your surgeon or nurse will give you the exact guidance that fits your situation.