Postpartum Tubal Ligation

Postpartum Tubal Ligation

Picture of postpartum tubal ligation

A postpartum tubal ligation is done to permanently prevent a woman from getting pregnant. During this procedure, the doctor makes a cut (incision) near the belly button (navel) rather than in the pubic area. This is because the uterus is enlarged from the pregnancy, and the fallopian tubes are located higher in the abdomen. The dotted line on the figure shows where the cut is made below the belly button. The dotted lines on the fallopian tubes show where they are closed.

Current as of: August 2, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Femi Olatunbosun MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Rebecca Sue Uranga MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology