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Tubal implants for permanent birth control

Fallopian tubes between uterus and ovaries, with detail of fallopian tube showing tubal implant and scar tissue.

A tubal implant is a small metal spring that is placed in each of the two fallopian tubes without using surgery. It is guided through the vagina, cervix, and uterus, and placed in a fallopian tube. Over time, scar tissue grows around the two implants and permanently blocks the tubes. This stops eggs from travelling from the ovaries and down the fallopian tubes, where eggs are normally fertilized by sperm.

Tubal implants are no longer done. If you have tubal implants and aren't having any problems, you may decide to keep using them as birth control.

Current as of: November 22, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
JoLynn Montgomery PA - Family Medicine