Is tubal ligation a risk factor for menstrual disorders and increased risk of hysterectomy?

Abstract AR

Objective: Menstrual disorders are a major health problem for women.

Estrogen deficiency is a major risk factor in the pathogenesis of menstrual disorders.

Recent evidence has indicated that tubal ligation may cause menstrual dysfunction and estrogen deficiency.

This study examined the association between tubal ligation and post ligation menstrual disorders.

Methods: 139 women who underwent tubal ligation between 1996-1998 in two Jordanian military hos¬pitals (Prince Ali Hospital and the Q.A.M.H.) were studied.

They were matched with a control group for parity and age distribution.

All ligations were performed using the Pomeroy method.

Results: There was a small but not significant increase in menstrual dysfunction after tubal ligation.

In the post ligation group, the incidence of disturbances was 38.8%.

In the control group the rate was 34.5%.

Only 6 patients (4.3%) of the post ligation group required hysterectomy.

This is the same inci¬dence found in the general population for this age group.

Conclusion: The majority of patients developed no change with regard to menstrual dysfunction or that need for hysterectomy.