How soon you get better or recover after tubal ligation surgery depends on the kind of surgery you had.
After laparoscopic surgery, it usually takes about a week to fully recover.
After a mini-laparotomy, it'll be more like 1 to 3 weeks.
And if you had the surgery after having a baby, it may take a little longer.
If you had laparoscopic surgery, you may have a swollen belly or a change in your bowels for a few days.
You may also have some shoulder or back pain.
This pain is caused by the gas your doctor used to help see your organs better.
Some women also have some slight vaginal bleeding.
To help with pain after any kind of tubal ligation surgery, your doctor will prescribe medicines.
Your doctor may also recommend medicines if you have trouble with constipation.
For a few weeks, it's a good idea to wear loose, comfortable clothing.
If you're having pain, it may feel good to use a heating pad set on low on your belly.
Listen to your body and try to find a balance between resting and moving around or walking because both rest and activity will help you get better.
But be sure to avoid lifting anything heavy for at least a week.
You can shower but don't swim or take a bath for 2 weeks or until your doctor tells you it's okay.
After you shower, pat any incisions dry.
If you have strips of tape on your incisions, leave them on for a week or until they fall off.
Use warm, soapy water and nothing else to keep the area clean.
If you want, you can cover the area with a bandage or gauze if it's oozing or rubbing against your clothes.
After the surgery, you'll be protected from pregnancy right away, but it's best to wait to have sex until it feels comfortable.
Ask your doctor when it's okay to have sex.
And call your doctor if you have any signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness red streaks leading from an incision or a fever.
And call if you're sick to your stomach and can't keep fluids down or if you have pain that does not get better when you take your pain medicine.
Now, this may seem like a lot to do, but all of these things are important because they can help you heal and stay out of the hospital.
