MENSTRUAL CHANGES AFTER TUBAL-STERILIZATION

Abstract

Data from a multicenter prospective study of female sterilization surgery were used to study changes in menstrual function following tubal sterilization. Duration of menstrual bleeding, menstrual cycle length, cycle regularity, amount of menstrual bleeding, menstrual pain, and intermenstrual bleeding were examined. The 2456 women were followed up for 2 yr after tubal sterilization surgery. Each woman served as her own control; her menstrual function at the 2 yr follow-up interview was compared with her menstrual function at the preoperative interview. Except for menstrual pain among women who underwent unipolar electrocoagulation procedures, there was no increase in the prevalence of adverse menstrual function after tubal sterilization. For all menstrual variables, .gtoreq. 50% of women with adverse function preoperatively had an improvement by 2 yr after tubal sterilization.