How painful is it to get your tube removed? Understanding your options and recovery

September 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, female sterilization is one of the most common forms of birth control in the United States. For those considering this procedure, a primary concern is, naturally, how painful is it to get your tube removed? The good news is that pain is typically well-managed during and after the procedure.

Quick Summary

The pain associated with tubal removal, or salpingectomy, is typically mild to moderate during recovery and well-controlled with medication. The actual procedure is performed under anesthesia, so no pain is felt. Common discomforts include cramping, soreness at incision sites, and shoulder pain from gas used during a laparoscopic procedure.

Key Points

Anesthesia eliminates pain during surgery: You will be under general or spinal anesthesia, so you won't feel anything during the actual procedure.
Expect mild to moderate discomfort during recovery: Post-operative pain is normal but is usually manageable with prescription or over-the-counter medication.
Gas pain is a common side effect of laparoscopy: The carbon dioxide gas used during surgery can cause referred pain in your shoulder, neck, or chest for a few days.
Laparoscopic surgery offers a quicker, less painful recovery: Minimally invasive procedures result in shorter recovery times and less pain compared to open surgery.
Serious complications are rare but require immediate attention: Be aware of warning signs like high fever, severe pain, or excessive bleeding and contact your doctor if they occur.

Your Surgical Options: Understanding the Procedure

Before diving into the pain aspect, it's helpful to understand the different types of surgical sterilization that can be performed. The two primary methods are tubal ligation (blocking or cutting the tubes) and salpingectomy (removing the tubes entirely). Both are most often performed using a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopy.

Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation or Salpingectomy

During a laparoscopic procedure, a surgeon makes one to three small incisions, usually near the belly button. A laparoscope, a narrow tube with a camera, is inserted through one incision, and surgical instruments are inserted through the others. Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the abdomen to inflate it, giving the surgeon a better view and more room to work. The surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can often go home the same day.

Laparotomy or “Mini-Lap”

This involves a slightly larger incision in the lower abdomen, typically just after childbirth. It's a more invasive procedure than a laparoscopy and requires a slightly longer recovery time.

Pain During the Procedure: Anesthesia is Key

For many, the most significant question is whether they will feel anything during the surgery itself. The answer is no. Whether you have a laparoscopic or open procedure, you will receive some form of anesthesia.

General Anesthesia: You will be asleep and feel no pain whatsoever.
Spinal Anesthesia: You will be awake but numbed from the waist down. You may also receive a sedative to help you feel relaxed and sleepy.

Post-Operative Pain: What to Expect

While you won't feel pain during the surgery, some discomfort during recovery is normal. The level and type of pain can vary depending on the procedure and individual pain tolerance. In general, recovery from a laparoscopic procedure is much quicker and less painful than open surgery.

Common Sources of Post-Operative Pain

Incision Site Pain: You'll likely have some soreness or tenderness around the small incisions on your abdomen. This is usually mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Gas Pain: This is a common and often surprising side effect of a laparoscopic procedure. The carbon dioxide gas used to inflate the abdomen can get trapped and cause referred pain in your shoulders, neck, or chest. This typically resolves within a few days. Walking can help relieve the pressure.
Abdominal Cramping: Mild to moderate cramping, similar to menstrual cramps, is also common. This should subside as your body heals.
Fatigue and Dizziness: These can occur as the anesthesia wears off. Taking it easy and resting is crucial during the first day or two of recovery.

Managing Your Pain

Your doctor will provide instructions on how to manage your pain. This may include a prescription for stronger pain medication for the first day or two, followed by over-the-counter options like ibuprofen.


Recovery Timeline Comparison	Feature	Laparoscopic (Tubal Ligation/Salpingectomy)	Open Surgery (Laparotomy)
Incision Size	1–3 small incisions (approx. 1cm)	1 larger incision (1–2 inches)
Hospital Stay	Outpatient (home same day)	May require a hospital stay, especially postpartum
Typical Recovery	3–7 days	1–2 weeks or longer, depending on situation
Primary Pain Source	Gas pain, minor incision pain	Larger incision pain, general abdominal soreness
Resumption of Normal Activity	Within a week for most activities	Gradually over several weeks

Potential Complications and When to Seek Medical Help

While serious complications are rare, it's important to be aware of signs that may indicate a problem. You should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:

A fever of 100.4°F or higher
Fainting spells or severe dizziness
Severe, persistent abdominal pain that doesn't improve with medication
Excessive or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Signs of infection at the incision site (increased redness, swelling, pus, or warmth)
Heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks through more than one pad per hour

Addressing Post-Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS)

In some cases, women report experiencing ongoing pelvic pain or menstrual irregularities after tubal removal, a condition some refer to as Post-Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS). While a direct link to hormonal changes is debated, some patients have reported pain relief after tubal ligation reversal procedures. This is a controversial topic and should be discussed with a healthcare professional to explore potential causes and solutions. You can find more information on reproductive health topics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at their website: https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/index.html.

Conclusion: Pain Management is Your Friend

Getting your tube removed is a surgical procedure, and some pain and discomfort during the recovery period are to be expected. However, advances in surgical techniques, especially laparoscopic methods, have significantly reduced recovery times and pain levels. By managing pain effectively with medication, understanding what to expect during recovery, and knowing the signs of potential complications, you can ensure a smoother healing process. Always follow your doctor's instructions and communicate openly about your pain levels and any concerns you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most laparoscopic procedures, significant pain usually subsides within a few days to a week. Full recovery and resolution of minor discomforts can take up to a few weeks, especially with more invasive procedures like a laparotomy.

Many women report that the abdominal cramping and soreness experienced after tubal removal are similar to severe menstrual cramps. This discomfort is common and can be managed with pain medication.

Shoulder pain is a common side effect caused by the carbon dioxide gas used to inflate your abdomen during surgery. The gas can irritate the diaphragm, causing referred pain in your shoulder. It typically resolves on its own within a few days.

Your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication for the first 24–48 hours, but over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are often sufficient for managing mild to moderate discomfort later in the recovery.

For a laparoscopic procedure, the pain and recovery are generally similar for both tubal ligation and salpingectomy (fallopian tube removal). The difference in the procedure's extent does not typically lead to a significant difference in post-operative pain.

You should call your doctor if you experience severe, persistent pain that doesn't improve with medication, a high fever, severe dizziness, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection at your incision sites.

While uncommon, some individuals report long-term pelvic pain after sterilization, sometimes called Post-Tubal Ligation Syndrome. The existence of this syndrome is debated, but any persistent pain should be discussed with a healthcare provider.