Simply put, tubal ligation is female sterilization. It is a procedure whereby the fallopian tubes are severed, sealed, closed, or clamped to prevent the fertilization of an egg. The procedure is commonly known as having one's tubes tied, or, in the United States, band aid therapy.

Tubal ligation can be carried out in several ways:

• Partial Salpingectomy. This is the most common type of tubal ligation. The fallopian tubes are cut and remoulded in a position that does not allow the free passage of sperm to meet and fertilize the egg.

• Clips and clamps. Clips or clamps can be used to seal the fallopian tubes. When removed, they will have caused some scarring, which prevents the free passage of sperm.

• Electrocoagulation or cauterization. This is when, using a certain type of heat treatment, the tubes are burnt closed. Keyhole surgery can be used with this procedure, so it is relatively non-invasive.

• Silicone loops. The silicone loops are bound around the fallopian tubes, which eventually block off the blood supply to the area. This create scar tissue, which blocks the tubes.

Tubal ligation alters an area of the reproductive organs, and is a common and often successful method of female sterilization. However, it doesn’t always work. Two percent of women who have had a tubal ligation fall pregnant within ten years of the procedure. Women who can still get pregnant are subject to an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Other problems that can afflict a woman who has opted for tubal ligation include bleeding and bladder infections (caused by the operation), a lack of menstruation, or an irregular menstrual cycle. Even so, tubal ligation is a fairly quick and simple procedure and requires little convalescing.

One important consideration is that the women who want to have the procedure must be sure of their decision, as it is difficult to reverse. Six percent of women who have opted for tubal ligation will want a reversal within five years.

The success of reversing a tubal ligation depends very much upon several factors:

• The age of the woman. The younger the woman is during the reversal, the higher chance of success.

• The method of the operation. Those who had clips or silicone hoops, or those who had small sections of their tubes removed, are more likely to have a successful reversal.

• The amount of damage caused by the initial procedure. Obviously the more scarring on the tubes, the less likely it is that the procedure can be reversed.

The reversal procedure uses microsurgery to join the tubes together. It works better when the diameter of the women's cut tubes are of similar size, as this makes conjoining them more successful. Fallopian tubes are about eight inches long, and will be about six inches following reversal. But conception can still be possible.

Women who have reversed tubal ligation generally have IVF to help them conceive, and there is an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy once the tubes are rejoined.