Postpartum Tubal Ligation in Low- and Medium-Resource Settings A Review and Synthesis of Literature

While female sterilization is most commonly performed through bilateral tubal ligation, but can be performed by tubal occlusion, this paper deals only with tubal ligation (TL) in the postpartum period. For many women or couples who have completed their family, a tubal ligation in the immediate postpartum period may represent an ideal method of family planning. Having the baby and a postpartum tubal ligation (PPTL) during the same health care “contact” can save time and costs for the woman, her family and the health care system. No extra visits need be made to a center to initiate the method, and the service is easily implemented in a center that is already engaged in obstetrical care. In addition, unlike hormonal methods, PPTL has no impact on lactation and can safely and more easily be performed in the immediate postpartum period when the uterus and the tubes are easily accessible. Moreover, the progress and discomfort of recovery from this surgery is “masked” by recovery from the delivery itself, adding to the convenience of this approach for the woman.