Tubal Ligation Cost

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

“Tubal ligation” is a form of permanent sterilization for women, used as a form of contraception. In this case, the fallopian tubes, which carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus once a month, are closed so that the woman loses her ability to become pregnant.

It is considered a permanent method of contraception but can be reversible through a complex surgery. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, through two incisions around the navel, or, in the case of laparoscopic surgery, a tube with a chamber at its end is inserted into the pelvic area.

How much does it cost a tubal ligation procedure?

In case you don’t have health insurance coverage, you should be prepared to spend anywhere between $1,600 and $7,500. In general, surgical sterilization is the most expensive, while getting tubal implants is the cheapest.

For instance, the total cost of surgical sterilization is $7,000 at Park Nicollet hospital in Minneapolis, while at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire the cost of surgical sterilization with an uninsured discount would be around $3,900.

According to Dr. Don Snyder, an Indiana gynecologist, the cost of tubal ligation is covered by the majority of the health insurance policies. The insurance companies that in general cover the costs of tubal ligation include Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna/Sagamore, United Healthcare, and Aetna.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a pelvic ultrasound, vasectomy, or vasectomy reversal.

If you have a health insurance policy, your cost would consist of an office visit copay which is anywhere between $15 and $60, plus a possible coinsurance of 10% to 30%, which translate to a total of around $2,300.

Tubal ligation overview

Binding of the fallopian tubes is a relatively simple surgical operation that can be performed both in a hospital environment and in a clinic, with local or general anesthesia. Laparotomy and laparoscopy are two of the most widely used techniques for female sterilization. Each procedure carries different risks and benefits. Before making a decision, make sure that you have found answers to all your questions and that the risks to which you are exposed have been clearly explained to you.

The laparoscopic procedure involves inserting carbon dioxide gas into the abdomen so that the abdominal walls swell and move away from the uterus and fallopian tubes. The surgeon will make a small incision just below the navel, where he will insert an instrument of a microscopic size similar to a telescope.

A second incision will be made just above the pubis, to allow the inserted instrument to cut and tie the fallopian tubes. The whole procedure takes about half an hour.

After the operation, 2-3 days of rest and extremely light activities for about a week are recommended. Intercourse activity can be resumed when the patient feels comfortable, usually after about a week.

What are the extra costs?

During the recovery, you will need pain medication.

Tubal ligation surgery is considered to be a permanent form of birth control. However, reversal is available and costs anywhere between $5,200 and $8,500. In general, this is not covered by normal health insurance plans and sometimes it is not even successful.

How can I save money?

Depending on your family income and the number of members, you may get a discount at the Planned Parenthood clinics for tubal ligation surgery. For instance, the cost of a tubal ligation procedure is anywhere between $900 and $1,300 at the Planned Parenthood in Central Oklahoma.

Benefits of tubal ligation

• Permanent contraceptive method
• Immediate efficiency
• Allows intercourse spontaneity
• It does not require daily attention to record the ovulation schedule
• Cost-effective in the long run

Disadvantages of tubal ligation

• It does not protect against STDs, including HIV
• Requires surgery
• There are risks associated with this surgery
• It is a more complicated procedure than male sterilization
• It may not be reversible

A lot of regrets can occur. Possibility of Post-Binding Syndrome of the fallopian tubes, which involves irregular and painful menstruation, bleeding in the middle of the menstrual cycle, or even lack of menstruation. However, there are no studies to prove the existence of this syndrome and its connection with tubal ligation.

Important things to consider

Before deciding to ligate your tubes talk with your gynecologist about whether you are a candidate for this procedure. You can find a doctor who is specialized in this field on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website on the Essure website. Also, the Planned Parenthood website has a clinic locator by state.

What are the risks of tying the fallopian tubes?

Like any other surgery, there are several risks of tubal ligation, including the possibility of infection or perforation of the uterus. In addition, the patient who underwent the surgery of reversal of the binding of the fallopian tubes may face an ectopic pregnancy. Other possible risks are menstrual disorders and gynecological problems.

While tubal ligation is an effective way to prevent pregnancy, this procedure does not provide any protection against STDs. Therefore, the use of a condom will be absolutely mandatory, especially if you are not in a relationship with the person you choose to spend the night with.