Evaluation of Changes Over Time in Menstrual Pattern After Postpartum Tubal Ligation

Aim: A wide range of menstrual problems might be seen in women who had undergone bilateral tubal ligation (BTL). There are few studies examining the course of menstrual abnormalities subsequent to BTL with conflicting results. In this study, we aimed to investigate the over-time changes in the severity of menstrual abnormalities experienced by women after to BTL. Methods: Women who had undergone postpartum BTL at our clinic between January 2018 and October 2021 and had menses for at least 6 months were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the time since BTL; group 1 included women who had undergone BTL between 1 to 3 years and group 2 included women who had undergone BTL between 3 to 5 years. The severity of menstrual disturbances and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms were compared between the two groups Results: There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding menstrual regularity (p=0.476). The most commonly experienced menstrual abnormality was delayed menses in group 1 (42.9%) and frequent menses in group 2 (41.2%). There was no significant difference regarding the type of menstrual irregularity between groups (p=0.299). The amount of menstrual blood loss and the severity of dysmenorrhea were also similar between groups (p= 0.880 and, p= 0.473 respectively). Conclusions: There is not a significant change in menstrual disturbances, dysmenorrhea, and PMS symptoms over time among women who had undergone postpartum BTL. Women should not refrain from BTL because of the concern for the long-term occurrence of menstrual problems afterward.