Study, 1985

Does tubal sterilization increase menstrual problems?

Women who had tubal sterilization had more menstrual problems than women whose partners had vasectomy, particularly after 2 years. They were more likely to have abnormal cycles, but not premenstrual symptoms.

Moderate study design 719 women with tubal sterilization and 1083 women whose partners had vasectomy

What they did

They compared 719 women who had tubal sterilization with 1083 women whose partners had undergone vasectomy. The women enrolled between 1968 and 1972 and were followed through 1976.

What they found

The tubal sterilization group had slightly increased risks of moderate to severe menstrual cramps and adverse menstrual bleeding. After follow-up intervals longer than 2 years, they had significantly increased risks of abnormal menstrual cycles and combinations of two or more adverse menstrual outcomes. Tubal sterilization was not associated with an increased risk of premenstrual symptoms.

What it means for you

The types of tubal sterilization procedures performed in the early 1970s may have increased the risk of menstrual problems, especially abnormal cycles, though it took more than 2 years for this effect to appear. The main limit is that this studied specific procedures from a particular time period, so results may not apply to sterilizations done differently or later.

719

Women who had tubal sterilization

1083

Women whose partners had vasectomy

2 years

Time until increased risk became apparent

About the study

Original title: Long-term risk of menstrual disturbances after tubal sterilization
Authors: DeStefano F, Perlman JA, Peterson HB et al.
Journal: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Year: 1985
Study design: Study
Participants: 1,083
What was tested: Tubal sterilization
Read the paper: doi.org/10.1016/s0002-9378(85)80073-9

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