Tubal ligation has long been considered a permanent solution for birth control, but a recent study reveals that the risk of pregnancy after the procedure is higher than previously estimated.
The study, published in NEJM Evidence, found that 3% to 5% of women in the United States who underwent tubal ligation reported unplanned pregnancies. This is significantly higher than the less than 1% rate previously reported by medical experts.
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Early research indicates a rising interest in tubal ligation and vasectomies following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision on abortion access. Vasectomy is a surgical procedure that effectively prevents pregnancy with less than a 1% chance of conception.
Dr. Eleanor Bimla Schwarz, the lead researcher of the study, highlighted the distressing experience of unplanned pregnancies after tubal ligation. She suggested that contraceptive arm implants and intrauterine devices are more reliable forms of contraception.
The study, analyzing data from over 31,000 women, revealed that younger women who underwent tubal ligation had a higher risk of pregnancy. Surprisingly, the study also showed that there was no significant difference in pregnancy rates between women on Medicaid and those with private insurance.
Contraception use among women in the U.S. varies by age, with older women being more likely to use birth control methods. These findings emphasize the importance of choosing effective contraception methods tailored to individual needs.