Understanding Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS)

So you might have decided that your family is complete and you’ve had a sterilisation or your tubes tied. But then you’ve started not to feel yourself. You might be experiencing heavy periods, mood swings, reduced energy, regret, painful periods, itching or symptoms like this. If you’ve been googling these symptoms, you might have come across the term Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome or PTLS. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for women in this situation to come and see me in clinic.

Sterilisation Reversal

So what is Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome or PTLS?

PTLS is a term used to describe a cluster of symptoms which some women report after tubal sterilisation. It’s interesting to note that currently PTLS is not a medically recognised condition and its existence and association with tubal sterilisation procedures remain a subject of debate within the medical community. However, evidence is growing from both data collected within our clinic and the medical literature. Even though there is a lot more to learn, it does not mean that what you’re experiencing, the symptoms you’re getting after a sterilisation, are not real.

So why could these symptoms be happening after a tubal sterilisation?

There are a couple of theories about why this might happen.

• One is that by cutting or clipping the tubes, not only is menstrual blood passage prevented, but the blood and nerve supply to the ovaries are compromised, resulting in hormonal changes, altered luteal support and the symptoms experienced.
• Another is that some women may react to titanium, the metal commonly used in the clips.
• Alternatively,  in a woman who is now only using her tubal sterilisation procedure for contraception, and who therefore may have previously been on hormonal contraceptives (pills, coils, implants etc), it could be that her natural cycle has been uncovered. That is,  these are just the symptoms she would have experienced for years had she not have been on hormonal contraception.
• Or lastly, by virtue of having had another baby, could pregnancy and delivery have had a significant enough impact on the womb enough to cause a change in her cycle? As you can see, there is a lot still to understand.

So, what can you do if you think you have PTLS?

Firstly, consider other causes and simple treatments that might help. And secondly, if simple treatments are unhelpful, you might consider a sterilisation reversal. Research and experience in clinic suggests that having a sterilisation reversal leads to a 90% improvement in post-tubal ligation syndrome symptoms.

So finally, although not a huge amount is known about it yet, and we still have much to learn, tell someone if you’re feeling different after you’ve had your sterilisation procedure. Keep a log of your periods and your moods and let someone know.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch should you have any questions or concerns. You can also email us at femalereversals@gmail.com or phone us on 01159 662 111.