My tubes are tied, but my period is late. What's going on?

Dear Anon,

Thank you for reaching out to us here at EmpowHER! I hope I can help!

Tubal Ligation is meant as a permanent form of birth control. Doctors suggest that you should use a back up method for 3 months after the procedure, however since you had the procedure over 2.5 years ago, I am confident that you are out of the woods.

There is a slight risk and studies show that 5 out of 1,000 women could possibly get pregnant within the first year of the procedure. The risk at 5 years post op claims that 13 out of 1,000 women could become pregnant. 

Sounds like you are about 10 days late. Women's bodies are very complex and our cycles aren't always regular even if they have always been that way in the past. Have you been taking the pill as a result of having regular periods?

Pregnancy may occur after a Tubal Ligation if your tubes grow back together or a new passage forms (recanalization). Or if the procedure was not done correctly.

It is very unlikely that you are pregnant. Separating from your husband may have caused a lot of stress both emotionally and physically which could throw your cycle off completely.

The only way to truly know is to take a pregnancy test. What is your body telling you? Are you feeling any early pregnancy symptoms?

Since it has been a few years since you had your son, I attached an article from the EmpowHER community about signs of early pregnancy. https://www.empowher.com/pregnancy/content/tender-breasts-morning-sickness-and-other-signs-early-pregnancy

Just know that you are not alone, many women feel nervous or worried when their period is late. Do you feel comfortable enough to take a pregnancy test?

Please let me know if you take one or let me know when you get your period.

Best,

Kristin