My Bilateral Salpingectomy Experience

 Hi! Happy almost June! ☀️

Don't listen to me EVER when I say I'll be back soon, because that's proven to be very untrue. I come and go as I like lately.

But I am back because I wanted to make a post about my Bisalp experience last January.

A bisalp, short for bilateral salpingectomy, is a procedure where both of your fallopian tubes are removed. This is a permanent form of sterilization, and as someone who doesn't want kids, is a choice I am very happy with. :)

*NOTE: A bisalp is different from a tubal litigation. The procedure I got completely removes your fallopian tubes. A tubal just ties, cuts, or in some way interrupts the usual path for the egg to travel to the uterus. Bisalps are MUCH more effective and eliminate the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.*

I had known that I wanted to be childfree for many many years. So when I got a new gynecologist, I spoke up right away about how I was interested in this procedure. My doctor is AMAZING, so we began the process immediately with her full support.

Many people aren't this lucky, as their doctor insists they'll "change their mind" or are "too young" to make this choice or "should have children first," before making such a big decision. As a woman with bodily autonomy I say this is bullshit. NO, we don't want an IUD instead, NO we don't want to stay fertile for an imaginary future partner who "might want kids," and NO we don't want to wait!

Look, I wanted to get this done as soon as possible before the worst might happen. As a woman living in America, it doesn't take much imagination. Roe v Wade had already been repealed, and even though I live in a blue state and was using contraceptives, I wasn't leaving anything to chance.

We began this process with lots of information and lots of questions. "What's the healing process like? What does the actual procedure look like? How full proof is a bisalp?"

Then I got to schedule my appointment for my surgery. Early January, 2024, my partner drove me to the surgery center, me shaking with anxiety (because who likes being cut into?!), and we walked into the waiting room together.

When I got called back, I first changed in the bathroom. (Paper gown, grippy socks, and hair net) They took all the usual vitals (pee in a cup, blood pressure, temp etc), and I sat in prep with a very kind nurse by my side. Another very big anxiety inducing part of surgery for me is the IV. I am terrified of needles. I let them know ahead of time and do not look at it at all, during insertion or while it's in my arm because it freaks me the fuck out. After that I was lowkey chilling and chatting with the nurse. I also let him know I get nauseous easily and was given a patch to stick behind my ear.

When it was time for the surgery, my gynecologist (she did the surgery) walked me back along with multiple hospital personnel, and I got on the operating bed. My favorite part is the anesthesia because that shit knocks you out FAST and you don't feel a thing baby. They knew I was anxious too so I got an additional calming sedative. If they're GOOD DOCTORS they talk you through this process. I remember chatting with them then feeling slow and fuzzy and asking, "did you do the stuff?" Then they have you count backwards from 10 and I was out in seconds.

The surgery itself is not long. They did a laparoscopy, which is a minimally invasive procedure. Two small openings over where the tubes are, and one in the belly button for the camera so thy can see what they're doing. They get in those tiny holes in your lower abdomen and snip snip, then pull them out! The internal openings (where your tubes connected to your uterus) are then usually sealed shut, and your tiny incisions are covered with gauze and tape. These will stay on for several days until they start to fall off on their own.

When I woke up... I don't remember much. I was still in a big anesthesia haze. I know there was a nurse telling me to try and stay awake when all I wanted to do was take a faaaaat nap. Eventually I found myself in the post-surgery section behind a curtain. I was dizzy as hell which made me nauseous so they gave me extra meds via shot which helped a LOT. I also got water and crackers. You can NOT have water before a surgery because there is a risk to your life when you cannot swallow or have control of your body when you're under. My partner came back and helped me get dressed. I was moving super slow because I was still sleepy and unsteady. When I was ready they wheeled me out in a wheelchair and my partner drove me home.

I was not hungry but very very tired. I slept a lot after surgery, especially the first day or two. I recommend taking a pillow with you to leave in the car. I propped it up against the window and was dozing all the way home.

Healing the first few days is a bit tough, but not the hardest thing in the world. You will be sore. Your throat might hurt a little because of the breathing tube. It might also hurt to pee for a bit because of the catheter. (This is used during surgery because you don't have control over your bladder) It is very important to not strain or use your ab muscles too much. You will be told not to lift anything over 5 or 10 pounds for the first few weeks. It is NOT good for the baby!! (You) I did not eat much in those first few days to a week either. But it is important that you stay hydrated. When you shower, be super careful and try not to get your gauze and tape too wet. Eventually they will fall off and you'll want to be super gentle with your incision sites. Keep those bitches moisturized too. Personally after my gauze came off, I still wanted some extra protection, so I popped two bandaids over the incisions. Also, this one feels obvious, but don't wear tight pants or anything that's going to put pressure on your tiny cuts!

A week or two after surgery, my partner and I had our first outing. We went out to breakfast about 15 minutes away. I was moving a bit slow to get in and out of chairs, but otherwise I remember feeling pretty good. My appetite was back and I was way less sore and tired!

Now, about 16 months later, I am still so incredibly happy and relieved with my choice. The tiny scars from the incisions are invisible unless I'm looking for them, and I've had no negative side effects! I will add that I have continued to take birth control (Slynd, no estrogen) for my periods, so I can not speak on how or if the surgery will change your cycles. You will still have a period however, if you normally do. Getting your tubes removed does not stop your period, as you still have your ovaries and uterus.

If this is something that you've been thinking about or considering, I encourage you to move forward. Keep in mind that this is not an irreversable procedure, but if you do in fact change your mind, adoption, IVF, or surrogacy are options for you, :) Otherwise, the procedure itself is minimally invasive, not hard to heal from, and is 100% covered with some insurances! (USA) I for one, have never received a bill, so at this point I'm saying it was free. 🤷

And if your current doctor is hesitant or unwilling to support you and your choices about YOUR body, look into the Childfree Friendly Doctors list on Reddit. HERE is the link!

Good luck, and I hope this post was helping and informative.

Talk Later! xx