Sex & fertility
Are changes in sex drive normal after tubal ligation?
Q: I’m 24 years old and have recently had a tubal ligation. I was wondering if having this operation takes away sexual desire, or am I just out of balance? My marriage isn’t going so well sexually since I had this operation! Do I need to take hormones or anything else?
A: Yes, it is fairly common for women to experience a shift in libido directly following a tubal ligation. Blood circulation within the pelvis is sometimes compromised as a result of this procedure, particularly affecting the ovaries, so it is quite possible that your ovaries are in a bit of shock from the surgery and need some time to rejuvenate to produce the hormones that support your sex drive.
There are many other factors that can affect sex drive in younger women. If you underwent your tubal ligation directly following a pregnancy, your motherhood instincts and breastfeeding may predominate your hormones, energy and resources, and sublimate your libido for a while. But again, this is normal. Relationship dynamics, sleep quality, and nutrition also play a role.
Even though you are not perimenopausal, our article on low sex drive might be helpful, as many of the concepts apply to the hormonal fluctuations women experience following pregnancy and childbirth.
Our Personal Program for Moderate–Severe symptoms can also be helpful for women in your situation. This program can provide support to help normalize your system and balance your hormone levels. If you are no longer breastfeeding, our Essential Nutrients can be used twice daily to successfully wake up your ovaries. Bioidentical Progesterone can be used to reestablish an optimal estrogen-to-progesterone ratio, and its calming effects are an added benefit. Acupuncture treatment has also been found to be extremely effective in conjunction with a support program such as ours.
If you have questions about getting started, feel free to call us at 1-800-798-7902. Nurse–Educator phone consultations are always available to our members.
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Our Personal Program is a great place to start
The Personal Program promotes natural hormonal balance with nutritional supplements, our exclusive endocrine support formula, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and optional phone consultations with our Nurse–Educators. It is a convenient, at-home version of what we recommend to all our patients at the clinic.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-800-798-7902. We're here to listen and help.
We’re always happy to welcome new patients to our medical clinic in Yarmouth, Maine, for those who can make the trip. Click here for information about making an appointment.
Original Publication Date: 11/01/2005
Last Modified: 08/17/2009
Principal Author: Marcy Holmes, NP, Certified Menopause Clinician