WHAT IS POST STERILISATION SYNDROME?

SIDE EFFECTS

ACTION YOU CAN TAKE

    Post Sterilisation Syndrome (PSS) (also known as Post Tubal Syndrome or Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome) is a collection of symptoms, which are caused by sterilisation. The reasons for this are thought  to be:

There is plenty of research confirming that ovarian function is affected by sterilisation.[i]

The most commonly reported problems following sterilisation are:

Many of the problems associated with ‘Post Sterilisation Syndrome’(PSS) can be caused by hormone imbalance. They also match symptoms of ‘estrogen dominance’/ progesterone deficiency as described by Dr John R Lee (www.johnleemd.com/) in his books. Often they can take some time to manifest, (sometimes years) presumably because the body stores hormones in fat, and the adrenal glands are able to manufacture some progesterone and oestrogen, so total deficiency does not set in immediately ovarian function is affected.

Research in 1951 by Williams et al[ii] found increased menstruation and spotting (PMS was not acknowledged as existing then) and subsequent research also confirms that as many as 49% of women may experience heavy periods following sterilisation[iii]. Dr Katharina Dalton writes that PMS often worsens after sterilisation.[iv] PMS and heavy, irregular periods can be caused by low progesterone.[v]  

Pelvic pain can be caused by several of the side effects of tubal sterilisation. Endometriosis[vi] can be caused or aggravated by sterilisation, as can pelvic congestion[vii], which, according to Professor Richard Beard, formerly of St Mary’s Hospital in London is caused by ovarian dysfunction. Ovarian cysts can also be caused by sterilisation[viii].

Drs. Ahmed Al-Minawi MD, PhD and James Carter MD at the 1999 Obgyn.net Pelvic Pain Conference in Connecticut connected dyspareunia, post-coital ache, pelvic congestion and PSS.

 Female Sexual Dysfunction following sterilisation is often put down to psychological reasons, (e.g. Women feel less feminine, they want to have more children, or are depressed) but the physiological possibilities are largely ignored. Nerve damage during surgery is a possibility, as is altered blood supply to the genitals. Oestrogen [ix] and progesterone deficiency[x] have both been implicated in loss of libido and arousal.

Many women suffer from IBS following sterilisation[xi]. It is known that low oestrogen and progesterone levels adversely affect gastrointestinal function[xii].

Thyroid function and ovarian function are intricately linked.[xiii] Women with thyroid problems are known to experience menstrual problems. 

Many women with hormonal imbalances are wrongly diagnosed with a range of psychiatric illnesses from depression[xiv] to bipolar disorder[xv] to Alzheimer’s[xvi].

Earlier and more intense premenopause/menopause symptoms are also commonly noticed following sterilisation[xvii]. Some women also suffer ‘Premature Ovarian Failure’(POF) or instant menopause, like Susan Bucher whose experiences can be read at the Campaign to Inform site www.tubal.org/ .

Some of the other side effects that have been noticed by women are:

If you have anything you would like to add to this list please email me

Further information:

‘No More Hysterectomies’, Dr Vicki Hufnagel MD

‘What your Doctor may not tell you about Menopause’ Dr John R Lee MD and Virginia Hopkins

‘What your Doctor may not tell you about Premenopause’ Dr John R Lee MD, Dr Jesse Hanley MD, and Virginia Hopkins

‘What Doctors Don’t Tell You’ September 1998, Vol 9 No 6

 Thyroid UK  lots of information on thyroid disorders

www.tubalinfo.org/ another website on PTS

contact Mandy at:  mandysimsek@tiscali.co.uk 

This page is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace accurate medical advice from trained health professionals.