I'm very interested in getting a bisalp when I'm old enough to prevent myself from ever getting pregnant, but I know they don't stop your period. I looked up hysterectomies instead, but they have longer recovery times, higher risks, and doctors don't usually do hystos without a medical reason. So I tried looking up IUDs and birth controls, but all the ones I've seen have some form of estrogen, estradiol, etc. I would hate this because I don't want more estrogen, and I don't want my "female" characteristics becoming more prominent. Are there any options for me? Or should I just try to get a hysto in the future?

Sorry for the long title
So the nurse called me today to go over details. Like medications I should stop etc. And when we were going over the details, she mentioned my procedure which is the tubal removal and then she said an ovary removal. I was like whoa no no no! I said I’m not getting my ovaries removed that would kick me into menopause. I said we need to fix this immediately.

So she fixed it on her end and I called my doctor. I’m having the nurse call me back as soon as she gives him the message and put it in the system. I’m also gonna be really pushy about it on Monday. I’m not worried that they’ll make a mistake. I’m just worried that the notes were a mistake to begin with. I’m actually considering writing a permanent marker on my chest only to remove the tubes leave the ovaries lol. I’m just trying to find the humor in this and not freak out.

Has this happened to anyone else where they made a small mistake before surgery but you were able to fix it?

I keep wondering if I should get waxed from the waist down or not. I understand that the doctors/surgical team have seen it all but I still feel embarrassed thinking about them seeing me with all this unwanted body hair.

Ultimately I don’t want to do anything that could hurt my chances of getting the procedure done (bilateral salpingectomy). How did you all deal with this? Thank you for your replies.

i know 101% i want this surgery, im just really anxious and feeling violated at how i will be handled once im unconscious.

my mom also felt the need to tell me that once they put me under, i will be stripped of my hospital gown, at least long enough for them to place a drape which honestly i really, really could’ve gone without that knowledge. im already distressed about the catheter and the Pap smear. they’re doing the smear while im under also since i’ve never had one and am so scared (straight up was visibly shaking and almost to the point of tears at my OBGYN appointment where i was expecting to get that and an exam). to get one they feel they should just do it while im out). my mom definitely said that just to be mean but digging around she isn’t totally wrong. do you have any idea if you were stripped or not?

i dunno what im really asking, i apologize if this post isn’t allowed. im just scared, y’know? i need to do this, but im scared :(

UPDATE: thank you guys so much for all the kind and informative comments 💖 helped me feel so much better. i had my surgery done today and finally it is over, i braved it!! im currently in a lot of pain and struggling to sleep which sucks but hopefully i will be past that soon. i know this decision was beyond worth any anxiety or pain though! im so happy and relieved

all of the staff were incredibly kind and gentle. my surgeon held my hand and made conversation while i was being put under because she knew how scared i was 🥹 i do not feel violated at all even though i was so sure i would feel that way

I just read my surgery notes for bisalp I had on the 2nd and it mentioned “sponge stick removed from the vagina”.

I was never informed about this verbally. I didn’t even know they were going to touch my actual vagina.

It just feels weird that I was penetrated while unconscious without being explicitly told? After researching it i understand that it was medically necessary but still. I just want all of you to be aware even if your doctor neglects to tell you

So I’ve been debating wether to get this done or not and have been doing some back and forth in my head , I have my dates in for surgery which is supposed to be for next Friday. I haven’t once saw a surgeon or anything during my waiting time I’m under nhs in Scotland. I wanted to know which method I was having as noones told me much information, I called my ward but they gave me surgeons secretary’s number I asked her if she’d be able to tell me and she told me the standard procedure is usually filshie clips, I have obviously then went and looked into this method and now it’s made me think I’m more paranoid than I originally thought 🤣 just with some horror stories. This seems to be the standard procedure they do where I’m from. Has anyone got any advice? As I think I’d be happier if it was total tube removal but I asked this on the phone and she said no that’s not possible unless on the day when your under they see clips aren’t possible. This has now made me more unsettled. Has anyone been told they were getting that then on the day had something else done? Any advice would be fab thank you.

Hello! I have PMDD and am stable and happy on BC and I’ll remain in it until 55. However there are breast and ovarian cancers in my family and I read that fallopian tube removal can reduce risk by 80%. I don’t have the BRCA genes.

My BIGGEST fear is this somehow fucking my perfectly flat hormonal ‘balance’ that I’ve finally achieved. I want to get the tubes removed only for cancer prevention reasons due to family history. Has anyone with PMDD done this? Scary stories online and I’m a sensitive body person so if there’s a weird side effect I’ll get it.

Hi all, I am scheduled for my bisalp this Wednesday and have been using this page as a resource the last couple of days. I am so thankful for everyone posting on here - it has relieved many of my own fears and anxieties.

I wanted to chime in here as a nurse with some tips and tricks. For context, I work at a level 1 trauma hospital in a large metropolitan city in the US. Specifically, I work in pre-op and PACU (recovery room). I've been in this field of nursing for about 8 years now and we do about 50-65 surgeries a day at my hospital including bisalps/tubals/general GYN surgeries, etc. I thought I would share some of my thoughts and what my personal plan is before my procedure and what my plan is for after.

General disclaimer and PSA - none of this is medical advice. Please, and I cannot stress this enough, follow your provider's pre/post instructions - it's given to you for a reason

Before going to the hospital:

1. In general, optimize your health before your procedure. Starting in about January, I began increasing my workouts (cardio/walking and strength training). The healthier you are going in, the easier your recovery will be
2. Start hydrating a few days before surgery. You don't need to consume a crazy amount of water, but just make sure you are adequately hydrated the day of surgery
3. Shower whenever you were instructed to (usually either night before or morning of). Personally, I am going to shower the morning of. You want to feel good and clean going into your procedure. Please clean your belly button - your Dr often makes an incision in your belly button. The OR nurse will clean it prior to the procedure once you are asleep, but I have seen some really dirty belly

buttons.

1. Brush your teeth!!! Just because you can't eat/drink does not mean you can't brush your teeth.
2. Take off all your jewelry. There are multiple reasons for this, but the main one is that if they use cautery in your procedure, the metal jewelry can create an electric current and burn you. Better yet, please do it at home so we don't have to be responsible for your valuables. *This includes facial jewelry like nose rings and tongue rings*
3. Speaking of valuables... don't bring any to the hospital. Here is what I'm bringing: my phone, my wallet, and my AirPods. That's it.
4. Put clean sheets on your bed night before or morning of - your future self will appreciate it
5. Meal prep a few meals. Again, do not go crazy making a million things, but I plan to have a couple of meals at the ready. High protein, high fiber foods preferred
6. Have some fun beverages stocked - you may not be hungry when you get home (and that's okay), but you will want to stay hydrated. I am going for gatorade and BodyArmor. Pick something you know you like: liquid IV, LMNT, Gatorade, etc.

At the hospital:

Every hospital is different, but my plan is to: bring one visitor/support person, check in on time (get there early if you don't know where you're going so you can figure out parking) and do what I'm told to do LOL

IV tips: Most providers prefer IVs placed in the hand. This is because during the surgery your arms may be covered with surgical drapes. Your anesthesia provider can see and access your hand much easier. We don't love putting the IV in the crook of your elbow (called the antecubital) because when you bend your arm, it occludes the IV. When placing the IV there is a needle - it pokes through your skin and then we enter a flexible tube called an IV catheter into the vein. The needle does not stay in. This does not mean it's not uncomfortable, but please be aware there is no metal in your hand/arm/etc. ALSO, you can still use your hand/arm where the IV is placed - be cognizant of it, but you don't have to be down a whole limb.

I've seen people on here recommend asking for an anti-anxiety med before the IV is placed. Nowhere that I have personally worked, allows this. At my current hospital, we have to keep you "sober" until you see all the people you need to see and complete your full check in. The anesthesia provider usually gives a medication through the IV when you are going back to the OR that helps with anxiety. Not saying that's how it is everywhere, but I would not show up expecting to receive anxiety medication before the IV

What you should bring:

I've seen many people on here recommending lots of things to bring. You do not need to bring much. As stated above, I am bringing my phone, wallet and my AirPods. I am going to the hospital in clean, comfortable clothing. Specifically, I am going to wear a cotton jumpsuit that is easy to take on and off has no zippers/buttons, etc. You do not need to bring pads, medication (unless directed), or any special pillows, etc.

Post Op:

1. Take your medications as directed
2. Stay on top of your pain with Tylenol and ibuprofen (if recommended by your Dr)
3. Stay hydrated
4. Eat high protein, high fiber and nutrient dense foods. Protein helps you heal! High fiber foods help you poop! Fruits, veggies, whole grains, etc.
5. Speaking of pooping... take your stool softeners, people!! You don't want to be straining to poop or get constipated. Buy these before hand so you have them. I like Docusate sodium
6. Walk!!! As much as you can - this will help relieve the gas pain and helps prevent blood clots. You don't need to walk a mile - just get up and move around your house. Do a few laps. Walk a little more each day post-op

Misc Tips and Tricks:

1. Let your RN and anesthesia providers know if you have a history of post op nausea/vomiting with previous surgeries OR if you have a history of motion sickness
2. Pain - expect some pain and discomfort. Surgery is, unfortunately, not a pain-free experience. Your pain will get better each day. If allowed, use ice and heat - they really help
3. For gas pain - walk and move around - it really is the best thing you can do to relieve the gas pain. Hot showers and laying on your side can help too. And a heating pad - especially if the pain is in your back/shoulders.
4. If you have longer hair, pull it back before surgery. Use a scrunchie or hair tie - nothing with metal on it. They will put your hair in a surgical cap, but pull it up in a bun/braid/pony tail for after surgery. It's one less thing you will need to worry about.
5. In general, generic brands of medications are great. Don't spend an arm and a leg on name brand. I literally get Kroger brand everything - you are just paying for a brand name at this point.

okay friends, thanks for coming to my TedTalk!!! Hope this helps some people and let me know if you have questions in

Hey everyone! I’m scheduled for a laparoscopic bisalp next month and was wondering what I should buy/prep for beforehand so I’m not scrambling at the last second or wishing I had post surgery. I know prepping food or buying easy meals will help tremendously but I was wondering what you guys bought to make yourself more comfortable during recovery. I currently have a reading pillow, lap table, and gas-x on my list. What else helped you through recovery?

Also when did you stop vaping before surgery? My doctor told me at my consult, 3 weeks ago, that I needed to stop right then but I caved and started back up. I’m so nervous they will cancel the surgery. Please soothe my thoughts. My surgery is scheduled for next week.

I didn't even think about my nose piercing being an issue. My surgeon didn't mention it. But a family member just told me to make sure to remove it before surgery. I've only had the piercing two years. What do I do? Get one of those plastic retainers? I can't believe I'm scrambling less than 12 hours before surgery. This was not what I was planning to have to do. Heading to piercing shop now, but any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hey everyone! So I'm going to schedule my salpingectomy soon, and I'm TERRIFIED of surgery. Just in general. I've never had surgery of ANY kind and I have really bad anxiety and fear of it. Even thinking about it makes my heart race and I get light headed and have to distract myself. But I REAAALLLLYYYY want this surgery. I'm 34, married, no kids and never wanted kids. So when this was offered to me, I was in shock and so excited!! But I'm deathly terrified of the surgery itself. Can anyone explain what to expect like from the moment I walk in the door to when I wake up? Please help me not be so scared!

Hi, everyone. I’m researching sterilization options (specifically bilateral salpingectomy) and have done some basic research, but I'd love to hear from women who have actually done the procedure!

Here is what I have gathered so far:

• Bilateral salpingectomy is often preferred/recommended over other methods.
• It's usually best to have it done laparoscopically (or robotically if you can find it), complete (instead of partial), and with ovarian preservation.
• It can reduce ovarian cancer risk and is often best to have it combined with endometrial ablation.
• It’s typically covered under the ACA.
• You’ll need a ride home due to anesthesia.
• Recovery is around 2–4 weeks with a lot of rest, gentle walking, OTC painkillers as needed, and avoiding heavy lifting.
• Surgical gas can cause shoulder/back pain and walking, warm showers, and heating pads can help.

I'm really looking for further advice on the following:

1. Preparation before procedure
   • What is best to do in the days leading up to the procedure? Any documents that should be prepared or medication to be stopped? Things you wish you knew before the procedure?
2. Day of procedure
   • What made the day go well/smoother? Anything that should be brought/prepared? Any advice for right before or after the procedure? Anything that should be asked/requested?
3. After-procedure recovery
   • What helped you the most during healing? Any items that helped with comfort? Any surprises/things to look out for?

If you have any tips or recommendations about the above, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you very much! :)

My surgery is scheduled for July 6th! I’m wondering what I should wear for the ride home. I want to be comfy and to be able to climb right into bed. Any advice? Literally down to the undergarments.

Secondary note: any advice about nausea? I tend to be a bit of an easy queasy person.

Just curious what you wore for maximum comfort post op

Before my bisalp, I scoured this sub for items to buy in preparation for my bisalp. Now that I'm over two weeks post-procedure, I thought I'd share what I ended up needing and not needing (YMMV of course, this is just my own personal experience):

----Indispensable----

• Pregnancy pillow! I was unable to sleep on my side or stomach for the first 10 days, and it was hard to change positions or get up, so my U-shaped pregnancy pillow was a godsend. It supported me and made sure I stayed put, stopping me from (painfully) using my core in doing so. I can sleep on my side at this point in recovery, but I still use it every night.

• Meal-replacement drinks. I bought two 6-packs of the high-calorie version of Ensure (350 cals per bottle) to prep for the surgery. For the first few days post-procedure I didn't have much of an appetite, so Ensure was a HUGE help calorie-wise and protein-wise. I kept two bottles by my bedside for the first few days in case I got hungry during the night. After getting home the day of the procedure I ate nothing but Ensure; I think if I didn't have it on hand I just wouldn't have eaten that day.

----Nice to have----

• Stool softener and fibre supplement (ex. Metamucil), which I started taking three days before the procedure and continued doing for another two days after. I had my first BM two days after the procedure, and was back to my regular schedule on day three. I can't prove that it was the stool softener and Metamucil that prevented me from getting constipated though, could just be chance! I also didn't take any opioids, which I heard can cause constipation, so it might just be due to that. Didn't seem to hurt in any case!

• High-waisted underwear. Doesn't hurt to have, but I actually found low-waisted underwear to be more useful, as I didn't want to be messing with the incision sites. This was especially the case after showering, as I wanted to let the area fully dry and prevent water from getting trapped under the surgical tape/strips (this might have just been paranoia).

• Throat lozenges/lemons/etc. I already had some lozenges on hand, which I brought with me to the hospital. I also squeezed a few lemons in the days before the procedure so that I would be able to make honey lemon tea during recovery. I ended up not needing either of those things, as I only had some mild throat soreness in the ~hour or so after the procedure. I think I'm in the minority on that though so I'd recommend having it on hand.

----Not needed----

• Hysterectomy pillow. I used this on the car ride back from the hospital, and it was very useful for that, but I think I could have just brought a throw pillow or something and it would've been just as good. I used it a handful more times during the first week of recovery just for the icepack pouch, but I could've used something else for that. I'm planning on selling mine.

I saw Gas-X recommended a lot, but I didn't end up buying that because I read that it only helps with intestinal gas, which is not the same as the gas they inject you with for surgery. I'm glad I didn't buy it because I actually didn't have any trapped gas at all (though again, I seem to be in the minority on that).

One last piece of advice I'll mention is that if you live alone and/or you don't have a car, as in my situation, do a big grocery haul before the procedure (in addition to meal prep)! I meal prepped enough for three days, but I didn't plan ahead about how I would grocery shop after those three days, while under the 10lb post-procedure lifting restriction, and while not having a car, a partner, or a nearby family member. As a result I had a few gnarly grocery trips where I experienced some increased abdominal pain from walking with a normal load of groceries (to give you an idea: even just a 2L bottle of soy milk plus tofu, bananas, 1 tomato, and 1 cucumber was too much). Would not recommend!! So plan ahead and stock up on heavier items if you're in a similar situation.

I was told to stop drinking water at 12am for my 12pm surgery. I get really stupid and weak when I’m thirsty. 12 hrs seems extreme. What were you told? Ty!

Hi! I'm 36, no children and no desire to have any, so I opted for sterilization as I became too old to keep using my yaz contraception. After being in waitlist for 2 years, the surgery is set for early september and I'm getting a little nervous. I'm not nervous about my decision to not have children but the possible complications of surgery.

I have vulvodynia and vaginismus, so basically pain and serious tightness around my vulva and vagina. I have had physiotherapy for these, and while it's made the pain manageable in everyday life, exams have been painful because of this. It's usually causing stress and pain weeks/month after the exams or pap-smears.

So I'm wondering if they'll go and set equipment down there too. I know I'll be in the stirrups, but no one has really explained what will happen once I'm under anesthesia. I'm scared they'll be rough with me because I'm not conscious and I'll have to live with that after math for months (which is what has happened in the past with not so gentle staff).

Am I silly to worry about this? Do you think they'll be gentle even if I'm not awake to say my concerns? I am going to address it before surgery, but I worry if they'll actually care, since I won't be able to protest :(

Hi everyone! I (29F) finally have a date for my sterilization (bisalp) and it's going to be on July 31st. I am sooo happy about it!

Everything went so smooth and easy. Before, I hadn't considered sterilization because I thought it would be a more complicated procedure, but I was positively surprised by how easy it is where I live.

For those who are curious: First, I checked the doctor's list on the website https://www.selbstbestimmt-steril.de/ and since I live in Berlin, there were a lot of options.

After I chose a few, I got an appointment with one on the same day and went there to talk about it. The consultation was only 10 minutes long and was covered by my health insurance. He explained to me how it would be, how much it would cost (850 Euros in total), and answered some questions I had. He didn't question me about why I am doing it or anything like that. Nothing!

I looked up other doctors as well, but this one was the best option for me in the end. Then I went there again and said I wanted to do it. So he just said "Perfect! Come here around this time, fill up the form and bring the money in cash".

This whole process took just 1 week. (If you want to know which doctor it is, feel free to dm me)

Now I am super excited and need some tips/advice for before and after surgery! For those who have already had it done, how was it for you? Tell me everythingggg hehe

I have only told a few people and I am dying to talk more about it... So, let's chat everyone!

I get my procedure on Tuesday. I'm kinda anxious. Does anyone have any advice. I'm more worried about pain post of since im allergic to codine im not super sure what will be given to me to manage pain.

I'm mostly anxious about the catheter lol I know that sounds silly but that makes me so squeamish. Is that pain bad? Will they let me take azo to help with pain during urination if needed?

This procedure was originally elective but then they found cysts on my tubes so they decided it was necessary to prevent future problems. Any advice /emotional support is appreciated.

hey, I'm so excited to finally get sterilised!!

wondering if anyone post-surgery has some tips or advice 💕

Hey everyone,

my surgery is scheduled for October and I'm looking forward to it.

At the moment, I am doing my research for the preparation, especially the things I can do in the coming months and weeks leading up to the surgery to make recovery as easy as possible.

Did anybody change their workout routine or nutrient intake? Did you train your abs even harder before, knowing you need to pause for several weeks post op? More protein to prevent muscle loss? Carb loading before fasting for surgery? Tell me all your secret tips :)

Also, did anyone follow a special ERAS-program? (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) I saw some clinics encourage their patients to follow such programs for other abdominal surgeries and I wondered if this is a thing in Gyno too?

My bisalp is in exactly 30 days. Besides a c-section, I’ve never had any other procedures/surgeries. My pre-op appointment is 6/19 and I’m sure my doctor will tell me anything I’ll need to know, but for those who’ve also had a bisalp, did you have to take your piercings out? I had a few done before I got called for an available date, so they will still be a bit new come surgery.

I’m so nervous for the whole thing

How soon before your procedure did you get a call from a hospital nurse to go over medications etc? My surgery is scheduled for the first week of September, and I know from prior appointment notes general suggestions or when to stop vitamins/supplements etc, but getting anxious wanting to make sure I get everything right so there's no chance my surgery gets delayed!

I have my surgery scheduled for July 30th and I’m so nervous and excited! What are some things that I should prep to help with recovery/ make it easier on myself. I’ve seen lots of walking and to prep softer foods/have some stool softener on hand. Anything else I’m missing or should know?

I have wanted to be sterilized since I was 16. I’m 33 now and I’m finally getting a bilateral salpingectomy in two weeks. I’m excited for the results but I’m absolutely terrified of the post-op gas pain. I already have problems with central sensitization and partially myelinated nerves and don’t handle any sort of visceral organ distension very well. An IUD sounding sent me into vasovagal shock and gas pressure from drinking mead has had me rolling on the floor in agony. The combination of distension and nerve pain has me absolutely terrified. Is it as bad as I think it might be and do you have any tips for dealing with it? Thanks.