Tubal ligation is a permanent voluntary form of birth control (contraception) in which a woman's Fallopian tubes are surgically cut or blocked off to prevent pregnancy. Tubal ligation is performed in women who definitely want to prevent future pregnancies. It is frequently chosen by women who do not want more children, but who are still sexually active and potentially fertile, and want to be free of the limitations of other types of birth control. Women who should not become pregnant for health concerns or other reasons may also choose this birth control method. Tubal ligation is one of the leading methods of contraception, having been chosen by over 10 million women in the United States-- about 15% of women of reproductive age. The typical tubal ligation patient is over age 30, is married, and has had 2-3 children.

Tubal ligation should be postponed if the woman is unsure about...