www.Tubal.org (CPTwomen) is the first to educate women about post tubal ligation syndrome (PTLS), Post Sterilization Syndrome and to expose the politics of the female sterilization informed consent issue.
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On 9.24.15 the CPTwomen Wikipedia page, in an act of vandalism, was deleted just hours after Dr. Vikki Hufnagel, MD gave testimony to the FDA regarding the Essure birth control product.
The Coalition for Post Tubal Women (CPTwomen) advocates for women’s health rights. We work to educate women and the public of the "late sequelae" side effects of tubal ligation and of all types of female sterilizations which are collectively known as "Post Sterilization Syndrome" (PSS) aka "Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome" (PTS) or (PTLS). There are thousands of websites, doctors, and organizations that explain, promote, and provide sterilization and the tubal ligation procedure, but only here will you find what doctors don't tell you about tubal ligation (and female sterilization) and women working together to create change.
Tubal ligation, female sterilization, medical devices and treatments which affect the fallopian tubes for the purpose of birth control are conceived to be permanent non-reversible forms of birth control. Tubal Ligation (TL), sometimes called tubal sterilization, female sterilization or “tying the tubes”, is a surgical procedure in which a physician seals shut a woman’s fallopian tubes. This is done surgically using coagulation (burning the tubes) (pomeroy or modified pomeroy ligation, bipolar cauterization of the tubes, or monopolar cauterization of the tubes), or by using a medical devise such as a clip (Hulka or Filshie Clip), a ring, a band, or an Ovalastic, Ova Bloc, Adiana, or Essuretype product to seal shut or block (obstruct) the fallopian tube.
Other methods of sterilization includes bilateral salpingectomy (removal of both fallopian tubes), fimbriectomy (removal of fimbrial and infundibular portions of the fallopian tube), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), and using chemicals such as Atabrine or Mepacrine (also called quinacrine) which are placed into the uterus in pellet form then dissolve and scar the fallopian tubes causing the tubes to seal shut. Female sterilizations are performed during pelvic surgery, cesarean section (c-section), and by laparoscopy (aka minilaparotomy or “minilap”) while non-surgical (no cut) permanent birth control (PBC) sterilizations are performed using a hysteroscope (hysteroscopy).
All forms of female sterilization have known and potential negative side effects (late sequelae) which women need to be informed of prior to consenting to sterilization. For example, women need to be informed that female sterilization can cause hydrosalpinx (1) (2), fallopian tube torsion, and adnexal torsion causing pain. Female sterilization can also cause the condition of adenomyosis and pelvic congestion syndrome which manifests as pain and dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) which may require surgical remedies or complete hysterectomy to correct excessive bleeding. Also important to understand is female sterilization/tubal ligation procedures can affect the blood supply to the ovaries causing anovulation (ovaries failing to normally function or to ovulate), premature ovarian failure (POF), or surgical menopause (female castration).
Just because ovaries are present after tubal ligation, female sterilizations (Essure, filshie clips, etc.), salpingectomy, and in the case of hysterectomy with ovarian conservation/preservation does NOT mean they will continue to function as before.
After these surgeries it is important that women regularly monitor their hormone levels. If it is found that ovarian function is decreased or lost there are treatments which can help a woman’s overall short term and long term health. ~ Susan Bucher, BSN, RN
Systemic hypersensitivity reactions/delayed hypersensitivity reactions (DHR) and autoimmune syndromes aside, the fact that gynecological medical devices used for the purpose of birth control and female sterilization (Essure, Filshie clips, IUDs, etc.) are known to migrate and implant into non-targeted areas of the body causing pain and mayhem puts a whole new meaning to the term "Post Implant Syndrome".~ Susan Bucher, BSN
Negative physical side effects of female sterilization have been known by medical professionals since the 1930’s but publicly the information was withheld from women and the masses (possibly because of the social nature of the procedure). The photo above is from a medical text book from 1931.
For women who had a tubal ligation or have been sterilized, learning about post tubal ligation syndrome (PTLS) or post sterilization syndrome (PSS) after the fact can be harrowing and upsetting, but we believe that receiving information and support to be consoling and empowering. One thing that all women state when learning this information is they are happy to have received the information but “wished they had this information before their sterilization”.
The Coalition for Post Tubal Ligation Women is working to put in place informed consent laws that would make it mandatory for doctors to inform women of the known and potential side effects of sterilization before women consent to the surgery, procedure, or treatment.
The CPTwomen Tubal Ligation/Sterilization Outcome Health Research Study is a ground breaking research study that looks at health and other outcomes after female sterilization (tubal ligation, clips, Essure, etc…). It is the first and only research study of its kind which is independently supported by and examines first person reports by women who underwent sterilization.
Open enrollment: All women aged 18 years or older who have undergone any type of female sterilization (surgical procedure or placement of a medical device/product on or in the fallopian tubes) are invited to take part in this research study. All women are encouraged to reply. The type of sterilization does not matter. Women who have had a “tubal reversal” or Essure reversal are also invited to take the survey as health and outcome after reversals are also analyzed.
The research study looks at health before and outcomes after female sterilization or tubal ligation, satisfaction with the sterilization procedure (or product), and satisfaction with the consent process and medical claims which were made in advance of sterilization. First-person reports of sterilization outcomes can give valuable information about the iatrogenic effects and late sequel of sterilization, as well as changes potentially required to the public presentations and consent procedures presently offered by physicians and surgical centers.
ALL women are invited to participate in this study.
Essure Issues and Problems:
The Essure lawsuit states the manufacturer and seller of Essure hid evidence from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of various risks associated with the Essure birth control device in order to get government Premarket Approval, and has since failed to properly warn patients and physicians of the true risks with Essure.
This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration to withdraw approval for Essure, a medical device for permanent, non-surgical female sterilization.
The “Essure problem” is NOT just a Conceptus/Bayer/FDA issue…. but also an ACOG issue (American College/Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists). It isn’t Conceptus, Bayer or the FDA who physically inserts the Essure medical devise into women, but ACOG OBGYNs. It is they who were (are) directly involved in the consent / research / development / performing / reporting of procedures/studies. It is the ACOG and their members who promotes this product, profits from it’s sale (and profits from the sequel the device creates). The ACOG and their members are the primary perpetrators in this cycle of abuse and the batteries which are being committed.Read more...
The CPTwomen works on issues pertaining to women's civil and human rights for informed consent for tubal ligation, Essure, and all issues of women's reproductive health rights. As an official WomensMarch.com "Partner", we attended the march in Washington on January 21, 2017. We march for women's health rights, reproductive rights, equality and justice for all women on all matters. "Education is Key"!
Pertaining to female sterilization:
When information is withheld and omissions occur consent is NOT given.
Withholding information from women about negative side effects of female sterilization a misogynistic and barbaric practice. It’s as barbaric as female genital mutilation (FGM) as both relate directly to battery. ~ SJB
The CPTwomen is NOT anti-tubal. We believe that tubal ligations should be made a choice to all women as a form of birth control but with FULL consent. What we are is anti-doctor/ACOG/the medical community withholding informing from women in order to force consent.
Until laws are created to protect women and ensures women are fully informed and educated of ALL the known and possible risks of female sterilization (including the risk of loss of ovarian function), ALL women who are sterilized will be a victim of battery.
Currently women are at risk of losing civil rights and health rights accross the board.
This book was written and published in 2002. It is a collection of articles and information about tubal ligation. It contains information about side effects of tubal ligation known as post tubal ligation syndrome (PTLS or PTS), information about the history and politics of eugenics, birth control, tubal ligation, and population control.
While some women reading this book will turn directly to the sections outlining the causes and symptoms of post tubal ligation syndrome and its treatment and cures, it is important for women to understand how we came to this point in history where women and the public are not informed of the possible side effects of tubal ligation and female sterilization. We also must consider what can be done so that history does not repeat itself.
It is my hope that this book will not only help educate women and men about PTLS but to also move people to act to cause change. Providing a copy of this book to your doctor or to your state representative may cause them to change how they inform and treat their female patients or to understand that an informed consent law is urgently needed.
Join us at the new Private Facebook group hosted by Susan Bucher, BSN - Discussing Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS) and "Informed Consent" issues.
Why “Post Sterilized Women” should get their anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels checked
Anti Müllerian Hormone (AMH)is useful in evaluating ovarian function because levels decline as ovarian function declines. AMH levels are low to undetectable in female infancy and after menopause. Low levels of AMH in a woman of reproductive age (under the age of 40) indicate ovarian hypofunction or “early menopause”. AMH levels do not vary greatly throughout the menstrual cycle so they can be measured on any day of the cycle. AMH is not altered or influenced by birth control pills or pregnancy. A decrease in AMH can be caused by increasing age, obesity, chemotherapy/radiation, hysterectomy and by “tubal sterilization”.
2011 Hysterectomy study demonstrated that total abdominal hysterectomy causes 30% more loss of ovarian reserve in addition to the effects of aging… Read more...
Women under the age of 46 who had both ovaries removed (or lose function of both ovaries) experienced a marked increase in eight chronic health conditions, including coronary artery disease, depression, memory (dementia), arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and osteoporosis.Read more...
Just because ovaries are present after tubal ligation, female sterilizations, salpingectomy, and in the case of hysterectomy with ovarian conservation/preservation does NOT mean they will continue to function as before.
After these surgeries it is important that women regularly monitor their hormone levels. If it is found that ovarian function is decreased or lost there are treatments which can help a woman’s overall short term and long term health. ~ Susan Bucher, BSN, RN
Were yo put on the “Pill” AFTER your sterilization (or a *hormonal IUD)???
This is a RED FLAG!!!
There are risks associated with female sterilization (tubal ligation, Essure, Filshie clips) that women and the public are NOT informed of. Key information which is omitted and withheld by OBGYN physicians includes increased risk for hysterectomy and the risk of female castration (loss of ovarian function which can lead to “hormone shock”).
"Withholding information is a crime of “omission” which invalidates consent. Women then become victims of “battery” at the time of their sterilization". ~Dr. V.G. Hufnagel
The primary focus here is women’s health, women’s rights, informed consent, and how the lack of consent equates to physical battery and medical battery.
Women have a right, “not to be alienated from her sexual and reproductive capacity (e.g., through coerced sex or marriage, prostitution, female ‘circumcision,’ denial of access to birth control, sterilization without informed consent, prohibitions on homo sexuality), and to her right tothe integrity of her physical person (e.g., freedom from sexual violence, from false imprisonment in the home, from unsafe contraceptive methods, from unwanted pregnancies or coerced childbearing, from unwanted medical interventions).”
Informed Consent or Forced Sterilization? Does anyone really give true “consent”???
Informed consent means the knowing consent of an individual (or their legally authorized representative), so situated as to be able to exercise free power of choice without undue inducement or any element of force, fraud, deceit, duress or any form of restraint or coercion.
How ACOG Members Profit from Battery,
Why Sterilized Women are put on the “Pill”, & How Being Prescribed the Birth Control Pill Relates to Battery
The ACOG and their OBGYN members know that when tubal ligation surgeries and ESSURE sterilizations are performed that many of the women will be returning for second and third surgeries such as ablations, D&C’s (dilation and curettage) and hysterectomies because of side effects from the sterilization. The very same organization/obgyn doctors that withheld the information and profited by doing so then go on to profit again from the original consumer fraud. Women are not informed at the time of their sterilization that the surgery or essure device could create such conditions that would necessitate such treatments. Women are told at the time of these second and third surgical procedures that their sterilization had in no way caused their health condition that necessitated such radical procedures. This creates a cycle of abuse. Read more...
OBGYNs often prescribe the “Pill” to women AFTER they are sterilized wthout first hormone testing. The only way to know if a woman has a hormonal imbalance is to be hormone tested. If hormones are needed, other hormone treatments are more appropriate and safer then the pill. The ACOG and all OBGYNs know this. The birth control pill is designed for young women with normal hormone production (and normal hormone levels) to prevent pregnancy…. NOT as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a woman depleted of hormones. Taking the birth control pill puts a woman at risk of stroking out. This risk increases with age, smoking, and high blood pressure. Post sterilized women are also sometimes given a hormonal IUD. Hormonal IUDs also carry risks such as heavy bleeding, severe cramping and vaginal inflammation.
Many post sterilized women who return to their OBYGNs complaining of symptoms of post sterilization syndrome (bleeding, irregular cycles, etc...) are prescribed the “Birth Control Pill” (and sometimes a *hormonal IUD) without first being hormone tested. This could be construed as a “omission” leading to battery as the doctor is prescribing the ”Pill” to treat a condition which is NOT diagnosed (without hormone testing it’s not known if hormones are needed).
The only way to know if a woman has a hormonal imbalance is to be hormone tested. If hormones are needed, other hormone treatments are more appropriate and safer then the pill. The ACOG and all OBGYNs know this. The birth control pill is designed for young women with normal hormone production (and normal hormone levels) to prevent pregnancy…. NOT as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a woman depleted of hormones. Taking the birth control pill puts a women at risk of stroking out. This risk increases with age, smoking, and high blood pressure. Hormonal IUDs also carry risks such as heavy bleeding, severe cramping and vaginal inflammation.
Women's March on Washington 2017 - We march for women's health rights, reproductive rights, equality, and justice for all women on all matters. "Education is Key"
Fun female anatomical t-shirt. The imprint is from a 1940’s vintage anatomical medical diagram showing the human female uterus, fallopian tube, and ovary reproductive tract and blood supply. A wonderful anatomy illustration. Summary text is in German but as they say, “a picture is worth a 1000 words”.
The Outcome Survey is Specifically for Women who have been Sterilized.
If you or someone you know has been sterilized please spread the word and participate in the survey!
All women are encouraged to reply. The type of sterilization does not matter.
Handmade lampwork glass focal bead by Susan Bucher, founder of the Coalition for Post Tubal Women (CPTwomen). The title of this e-Bead is "Perforation" Bead pays tribute and homage to the victims of Essure.
Inclusion in the glass bead is a spring wire, symbolic of the Essure permanent birth control device. The resilient yet fragile glass bead is symbolic of women. The inclusion of the wire into the bead causes the glass to react with bubbles which is symbolic of the inflammation that the device causes. The only way the wire could be removed from the bead would be to shatter and destroy the bead; symbolic of the hysterectomies, cycle of abuse, devastation and mayhem the Essure device has waged upon women.
For women who had a tubal ligation or have been sterilized, learning about post tubal ligation syndrome (PTLS) or post sterilization syndrome (PSS) after the fact can be harrowing and upsetting, but we believe that receiving information and support to be consoling and empowering. One thing that all women state when learning this information is they are happy to have received the information but “wished they had this information before their sterilization”.
Our goals are to:
