The Late Sequelae of Female Sterilization

When discussing post sterilization syndrome, post tubal ligation syndrome (PTLS), and implant syndrome (caused by a medical device implanted for the purpose of female sterilization), what we are discussing in medical terms is the “late sequelae” (sequela) of female sterilization.

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Sequela (or sequelae [plural]) (noun) is defined as a morbid (not healthy or normal) pathological condition resulting from (a consequence of) a prior disease, injury, attack, trauma, therapy, or event. In the case of female sterilization the injury/therapy/event is the process of occluding, clamping, burning, or removal of the fallopian tubes. The late sequelae effects (known as post sterilization syndrome) can manifest months or even years after the event.  

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The most common late sequelae/outcomes of female sterilization are hormonal imbalance, loss of ovarian function, pelvic pain, and menorrhea (hypermenorrhea). Hypermenorrhea is defined as heavy bleeding, a menstrual period that lasts longer than 10 days, menstrual flow that includes large blood clots (and that is not your norm), and heavy periods that interfere with your regular lifestyle. Women experiencing pelvic pain and menorrhea are often suggested/undergo hysterectomy.  

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In the case of a medical device being implanted for the purpose of female sterilization (Essure, Adiana, Ovabloc, Filshie clips, Hulka clips, etc.), not only can there be a late sequelae to the sterilization as described above, but there can also be a sequela / late sequelae to the device being placed in the way of a Post Implant Syndrome (PIS) triggering systemic hypersensitivity reactions/delayed hypersensitivity reactions (DHR) and autoimmune syndromes. Gynecological devices can migrate and implant into non-targeted areas of the body causing pain and mayhem. This is another sequela / late sequelae of implanted medical devices and puts a second meaning to the term "Post Implant Syndrome".

 

Learn Why “Post Sterilized Women” should get their anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels checked!