Getting tubes tied vs the big V.

[Anonymous]

My husband and I have two great kids that we love very much. Both kids were conceived through IVF, and I have never gotten pregnant without fertility treatments. Even though it seems highly unlikely that I would ever get pregnant on my own, we are happy with our family and are ready to take steps to insure that it doesn't happen. We are going back and forth on the best option. I won't do birth control pills because of a bad experience that I had years ago, and since we know that we are done having babies, we want something more final anyway. My husband said that he would get the big V, but I also wanted to look into the tubal procedure to see which was better.

Thoughts? Is one better than the other? Any reason to do both? I have PCOS, and I am curious if getting your tubes tied would affect that at all? What sort of recovery is involved in both options? Any problems afterward to be aware of?

Obviously I will cover all of this with my GYN when I go in for my annual appointment in January, but I just wanted to get some info on other experiences.

[Anonymous]

He should get the vasectomy. It's much less invasive than a tubal ligation. My husband is an absolute wimp when it comes to medical situations, and he did fine. You gave birth to two kids--now it's his turn to take care of your reproduction needs.

[Anonymous]

You can also look into essure. Same concept as a tubal ligation - i.e. ensuring the tubes are closed - but MUCH less invasive.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for the vasectomy here. It's SO much less invasive than a tubal.

A tubal involves having your abdominal cavity inflated with carbon dioxide gas, which, in my experience, feels awful when you are recovering. It's not unlike a case of the bends.

[Anonymous]

Just got the V. The procedure itself was covered under our standard health insurance plan. Doctor gave the option of local or general. I chose local, and it was unpleasant, but by no means the worst thing ever. Some minor swelling, bruising and tenderness peaking the day after the procedure, but after day two, I didn't need any pain management at all.

Just went back for the one-week post-op checkup, and I rode my bike across town, so that should tell you how quickly the recovery time is.

[Anonymous]

I had a tubal (DH was on the fence and I wanted it done now). The V sounds like a much easier recovery, although mine wasn't too bad. You will need a general for the tubal though and that comes with its own set of risks. As well as the risk of infection just being in a hospital setting. I believe most docs can do the V in the office, someone else can correct me if I'm wrong. The day after the procedure I was extremely sore and every day after was a little better. I'd say it took a full seven days to get back to 100%.