National Women's Health Organization

Appointments

Call us in advance to make an appointment. The toll-free 800 number is answered Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 am until 8:00 pm EST, Fridays 8:30 am until 7:00 pm, and Saturdays 8:00 am to 2:00 pm EST. Please bring any special problems to the attention of the phone counselor. If you have medical insurance you would like to use, please have that information when you make your appoihtment. If the appointment has to be canceled for any reason, please let us know at least a day in advance.

Eligibility

Eligibility for our procedures is up to the physician performing the tubal ligation.

The Cost

To ensure confidentiality we do not send bills. Fees are all-inclusive and include pre- and post-tubal counseling, laboratory studies, general (asleep) anesthesia, physician's fee, and a post-op exam. Full payment must be made on the day of the tubal in the form of money orders, cashier's check, ATM Card, American Express, Mastercard, VISA, Discover, or cash. The credit card owner must be present to sign the sales receipt if a credit card is used. For collection reasons, we do not accept personal checks. We accept direct payment from many insurance companies. All other iinsurance must be verified in advance before you come for your appointment. Otherwise, full payment is due the day of your appointment. The fees below are all subject to change.

Low-cost permanent female sterilization by Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation.on an outpatient basis:

About Female Sterilization by Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation

Today an estimated 650,000-700,000 women are choosing the permanent birth control method of sterilization. RWHO and DWHO offer tubal ligation by laparoscope, (a telescope-like instrument with a light) on an outpatient basis, under general anesthesia. You'll check-in in the morning, and you'll be ready to go home in the early afternoon.

Questions and Answers about Laparoscopic Sterilization:

What is Tubal Ligation?

Laparoscopic tubal ligation is a simple procedure. It usually takes no more than 30 minutes. The doctor makes an incision around the edge of the navel area and inserts the laparoscope, a long thin instrument. This allows the doctor to see the fallopian tubes in order to block them. Once closed, sperm can't reach the eggs, and the woman cannot become pregnant.

Will there be a scar?

The incision is made around the navel area so that the scar is tiny and practically nonexistent.

Will my period be affected by the surgery?

You will continue to have your period. It may change as a result of age, but the change will have nothing to do with tubal ligation.

Will I be sterile right after surgery?

Sex usually may resume in a week after the operation. But artificial contraception should be used until the next menstrual period, just in case an egg had passed the point where the tubes were cut during surgery.

Does this procedure affect the sex drive?

No. Tubal ligation does not inhibit the sex drive. Because the operation simply seals off the tubes that transport eggs, all hormone production remains the same. You still produce eggs, but they cannot reach the uterus. Sterilization does not affect femininity in any way.

When should a woman consider sterilization?

A woman should consider sterilization when she is absolutely certain she doesn't want any more children. Although there has been an improvement in surgical technique, you cannot expect to have a successful reversal. If you are questioning the reversibility of the procedure, sterilization may not be right for you.

Patient Instructions

• Shower or bathe on the morning of your appointment.
• For General Anesthesia, DO NOT EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE anything after midnight the night before your appointment.
• Take no unnecessary medications. Bring all medications you are currently taking with you.
• Bring picture ID with birth date on it.
• Husband's consent is not required if married.
• You must have someone drive you home after the tubal as there may still be some effects from the medication.
• Patients may be accompanied by 1 adult.
• Children are not allowed in the Center.
• Payment in full is due at the time of the appointment unless prior insurance arrangements have been made.
• Please be on time for your appointment, otherwise it may be necessary to reschedule the visit.
• Please bring any necessary medical records with you.
• You will be at the Center 4-5 hours. Please bring a book or some other activity to help pass the time.