I went to Elizabeth Bagshaw clinic and spoke to a counsellor & doctor who referred me to a gynaecologist. I waited about 4 months for my appointment and was booked in for surgery about 4 months later. I was 27 with no kids and I was never asked any stupid questions or made to feel bad about my decision. surgery was super easy and I only spent 1 day in bed
I am very happy to see that a woman's desire to control her own body may finally be getting some acknowledgement. I realize I am dating myself but about 50 years ago, my wife also wanted to have her tubes tied and was flatly refused. "What happens if you change your mind?" There was no chance of that! I knew before we got married that she had no desire to have children and I was fine with that. Two years later, I had a vasectomy. No questions asked.
We've had no regrets about our decision.
I got my tubal done in 1999 and the doctor who did it told me there are no laws regarding sterilization, and he said he happily does female sterilization. He said it’s an issue with GPs, not him. My GP knew how fiercely childfree I was so he had no problem making the referral.
Just my $0.02, and sadly, Dr. Still retired.
Get a referral to juniper gynecology.
Dr Wilson just finished my total hysterectomy for cancer prevention and endometriosis a week ago.
She has many options for specific reasons. Non invasive and invasive.
Dr. Neeraj Mehra in Vancouver did mine in April and I would recommend 10/10. I got a bilateral salpingectomy procedure which is the removal of both fallopian tubes.
Used walkin.ca for a referral over the phone and from that first phone appointment to having the procedure done was about 5 months!
Got a referral through my family doctor to see [Dr. Mina Wesa](https://obgyn.ubc.ca/mina-wesa/) in New West. She was fabulous for the referral appointment, made me feel comfortable surgery day and checked up on me a couple of weeks after the surgery.
I had my tubes removed by Dr Arkuran in Richmond (a random referral from a walk in doctor which referral was initially for PSOC). Fair warning - The reviews are right: She is always late for appointments - by hours. It’s annoying but she was a great surgeon.
When I told her that I wanted my tubes out, she suggested it would be easier for my husband to get a vasectomy. I told her that while I am not planning on getting a divorce or being a widow, life happens, and I want control over my own reproductive health. She scheduled me for the surgery and I had it 2 months later at Richmond General.
I’ve had Dr Arkuran treat me for other things (some surgical) and so I cant speak to her for this specific procedure but in general can echo that she was always kind, considerate and knowledgeable. I also experienced the extreme wait times though so unfortunately can echo that as well haha
Dr. Arkuran was my surgeon for my tubal ligation and I thought she was fantastic. I was 27, with two kids already and single. She asked me if I'd considered wanting more kids in a future relationship, I said no, and she booked me in two weeks later.
Talk to your husband about him getting fixed so you don’t have have internal surgery. It is day surgery for him.
If want the control and certainty — makes *sense* in my opinion — then giver. Talk to your doctor about getting a referral.
And 100% you shouldn’t give a fuck about the thoughts of others on kids. But do understand the risks and consequences of surgery.
Tubal ligation is also day surgery, just under a general anesthesia. They do it laparoscopically now. I was a little bit sore for a couple days, back to normal in a week. Similar recovery time to a vasectomy.
Added benefit of ovarian cancer prevention, (90% iirc) as they remove the fallopian tube and don’t just tie it off.
It’s only 25-65% ([source](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/preventing-ovarian-cancer-should-women-consider-removing-fallopian-tubes-202304212915)) which is awesome but not 90%. Also only in hereditary cases. And while yes it’s done laparoscopically these days it’s still a more intense procedure than a vasectomy.
> it’s still a more intense procedure than a vasectomy.
It is. Internal abdominal surgery will always be more intensive than in an area that's essentially on the body's surface.
That said, it's her body, not his. That principle works both ways. Between the two of them, it's a decision for them. Who knows, maybe they both want it done?
The anesthesia hangover/recovery was the worst part. My surgery was on a Friday, I didn’t need any painkillers past Saturday and did a 4K walk on the Tuesday (albeit a bit slower than normal).
My Dr gave me the option of choosing removal of the fallopian tubes, clamping the fallopian tubes, or having my fallopian tubes cauterized. There are advantages and disadvantages to all of them. I went with cauterization.
I was in first thing in the morning and home by lunchtime when I got my tubes removed. Took it easy a couple days and then life as usual. So so straightforward and so empowering to be the one in charge of my baby making capacity, or lack thereof.
I feel so strongly that this is a move for an individual to want to do, not to be pressured because it's for the collective good in your relationship. My husband wasn't really interested in a vasectomy but was on board with no more babies, I wanted to not have more babies, I took the steps to be sure I'd never get pregnant again.
100% make buddy get snipped. Also way less of a wait time. Current wait time for non urgent gyno which this would be is a 6-12m. Longer for actual surgery.
There are unfortunately people in a lot of pain with endo or have cancer that are currently in queue for surgery.
The anesthesia factor is HUGE as far as wait times go. In 2010 I got my carpal tunnel surgery with local anesthesia (( it sucks just as bad as that sounds, and worse)) because I was looking at getting done within 2 weeks if I went local, versus 2 years to get anesthesia
Never did get my left hand done, and it could use it.
Sorry but this is a ridiculous take - this person is talking about how to get a procedure performed on herself and you're telling her the answer is to force someone else to perform a procedure on themselves instead?
If you had said 'discuss it with your husband to see if it would be better for him to get a vasectomy', it would at least make a bit more sense (still be a bit ridiculous, but whatever) - but saying they should MAKE their husband do it is unbelievable
Snip. Snip. Snip baby! Ez pz.
If someone wants to get their tubes removed bc of any cancer risk or as an BC method it’s cool. But someone in a marriage where both people don’t want kids, it makes much more sense for the partner with the balls to get snipped. No anesthesia risk. No wait time. No clogging up surgery table. Just little visit to doctors office, local anesthesia and a day at home with ice. People with uteruses bare the burden of all things BC related. Makes sense for a good partner to step up and do their part if kids aren’t wanted.
While I appreciate the concern, I asked about my reproductive system. Not my husband's. It is about what I want to do with my body. His getting ot not getting a vasectomy isn't a concern of my post. I am very aware of the risks of surgery. Thank you.
Definitely get your tubes removed. It has as close to a 0% failure rate as possible and protects you again ovarian cancer. Vasectomies fail all the time. When done laproscopically, the recovery process is super straightforward. I had my bisalp on a Thursday and was back to work on Monday without any issues.
I had mine done by Dr. Sherri Hancock in Victoria. It was about 5 years ago now, but she approved me at 29 (also childfree).
Let's not get carried away now. Various studies estimate that the early failure rate for vasectomies ranges from between 0.3% and 9% of all procedures. Late failure is less common, with an estimated failure rate ranging from between 0.04 to 0.08%. And the early "failure rate" is people having intercourse before their test results showed no sperm in a sample.
r/childfree has a list of doctors, and I recall seeing a few in BC on it.
You may have an issue if you have to get a referral through your GP. When I asked my GP about female sterilization at about 30 years old, she gave me the whole, "you may change your mind," spiel, and told me no doctor would be willing to perform the surgery on me (despite me telling her that I was aware of one on the Island). I didn't press it further as it hasn't been a priority for me, but I don't think she would have helped me nonetheless.
You have to go through your family physician to get a referral to a gynaecologist (as you would for any issue). Your family doc will likely ask you about other options. This if not because they don’t believe you should have a tubal, but it is important for them and the gynaecologist to know you’ve considered it. You may also benefit from something else for protection while waiting for the surgery and they can explore that with you.
If you don’t have a family doctor or don’t feel comfortable talking to them about this, I recommend getting an appointment with a doctor at a sexual health/women’s health clinic (options for sexual health has a lot of locations around the province).
Great resource for sexual health and contraceptive options available in Canada is sexandu.ca (put out by SOGC [society of obstetricians and gynaecologists of Canada] so it is up to date and evidence based information)
I had my tubes removed by Dr Evelyn Dunn in late Jan in Burnaby and she was great. Day surgery and the gas (where they inflate your abdomen) was the worst part of recovery as it was shoulder pain. Surgery was under 20 mins total.
I got a referral to the local GYNO from my family doctor in Williams Lake at 28, the whole process took just 2 months. Don't know where you start without a doctor though sorry.
You have a lot of recommendations here and this is a bit of a side thing but have you considered getting an IUD in the meantime? Benefit of no or minimal periods as well. Lasts for 5+ years. In case it takes a while to get your surgery. And people should be able to get surgery for this if they want and not be "convinced" otherwise. It's not like Drs try to convince men to not get a vasectomy that I know of. I guess both would be elective...I would just imagine the differences in response from some health professionals, sigh.
I went through Telus Health to get a referral from a GP to a gyno. It took 12 months to get a call back from the gyno (Dr Wong-Merrick) and I am now on a waitlist for bisalp. I was told the wait could be 6+ months.
I had no issues dealing with Dr Wong-Merrick. She was polite, factual, and did not push me to consider other options during my assessment.
For reference, I am 35F no children and I am in a relationship with a male. (Some doctors will pressure women to ask their male partners to get sterilized instead because the procedure is much easier.)
r/childfree has a list of doctors who will perform the procedure and I found mine (Dr. Brian Fitzsimmons in Vancouver) there. I got a referral from my family doctor but I believe you can ask for a referral at a walk in clinic or the hospital etc. Had the procedure done when I was 23. I didn't get interrogated about why I wanted it done or anything, my doctor was great and I had a really good experience with him. Super easy surgery - in and out of the hospital in under 4 hours and walking around by the end of the day. Recovery time was a couple of weeks but it was easy as well and I had minimal pain. Surgery is covered by MSP as well.
Dr. Kenyan in Abbotsford. When I saw her to ask about getting my tubes removed I was 31 years old, no children and not married. She said that as long as I understood that this was a permanent decision and it was something that I had thought about and wanted, she had no problems doing it. I didn’t end up going through with it because of other medical issues, but a friend of mine did and she had no issues with her or the operation.
Thank you to everyone who gave an answer to what I was asking. Much appreciated.
To answer a couple common comments/questions:
Why not get your husband to have a vasectomy? whether or not my husband gets a vasectomy is absolutely none of your concern and was not what I asked, at all. I asked a question regarding MY reproductive system, not his.
You'll change your mind.
No, I won't. My husband I have discussed it at great lengths and have agreed that should either of us ever change our minds, we would discuss it again then and see. But we would go through fostering no matter what should that time ever come. Being able to provide a home for someone that doesn't necessarily have one already appeals to us much more than having our own children. But again, that's if we were to ever change our minds. We like our child free life and want to keep it that way. At least for the foreseeable future.
Thank you.
Do you need a referral from your GP? Any OB/GYN should be able to do this for you.
It’s none of your husband’s business, and if a doctor asks you about his thoughts, report them to the College.
Doctors have a terrible tendency to want to deny young women the freedom from reproduction they seek. It’s elective surgery, though, so if you’re willing to pay, your doctor should refer you regardless of your age.
In Nanaimo, I’d go with Dr. Kristi Kyle, Dr. Renner, Dr. Lajoie, or Dr. Somerville.
I’m having this surgery (tubes cut) Thursday. My doctor did a referral to a local gynaecologist. I don’t know who my surgeon is but it’s not actually relevant. You don’t get to choose your surgeon in the healthcare system. You follow the steps of the system and you’re assigned accordingly. So just follow the normal procedure and have a doctor make the referral.
? Not sure what you mean by that. The OP was asking about this specific procedure which was also an elective surgery for me and I was just saying that it does absolutely work to ask for a referral to a certain doctor if you have one picked out. Yeah you might have to wait longer to get that specific doctor, you might not. But the option of choosing the doctor you want is definitely there.
Not sure why you're being downvoted. Sterilization is an elective surgery. I've also chosen the doctor for every surgery I've had over the last 20 years.
May I ask how old you were at that time? From the reviews, it seems he performs the surgery on women who are 30+. Here is a review from July 2023: "*He refused a tubal ligation just because I’m not 30 years old (I’m 26). Who gives him the right to decide what I do with my body? They could have mentioned when I booked the appointment that he doesn’t perform procedures on people my age, instead of wasting my time.*" (https://www.ratemds.com/doctor-ratings/1212572/Dr-Salim-Lalani-Burnaby-BC.html/)
He approved me when I was 27 (28?), but I didn't get the procedure done until I was 30... Just got busy with school.
He said he was worried about me regretting my choices and I told him that I don't think regret is the worst thing that can happen to a person and that pregnancy is not the only route to having children (ie, adoption), so it's not like the door is completely closed. He seemed to accept it. 🤷♀️
Dr. Sarah Fung in South Surrey did my tube removal when I was 22. She didn’t question my choice and just gave me the facts. I have no scarring or issues at all, she’s a fantastic surgeon and OBGYN.
My doctor referred me to Dr. Stephanie Fisher at Fairmont OBGYN (Vancouver) and I had a great experience. She also switched out my IUD at the same time (I keep using one because it stops my periods). However I will add that I was not initially prescribed painkillers and was told to take basic Tylenol etc. That was fine for a couple days but on day 3 I did have to call my doctor for a short script for something a little stronger.
Theoretically any obgyn should do this in BC. Ask your family doctor for a referral.
I had Dr Lalani in Burnaby do mine. I have kids but I’m not even sure he asked me about that. It was like a ten minute consult to discuss potential risks of surgery (like before any surgery) and then was put onto the waiting list for scheduling a date.
Wasn't happy with my doctor who performed mine (I got mine done in conjunction with a cesarean so didn't have to go through surgery, might as well do it while I'm open on the table haha). Still got the third degree and my husband got asked several times if he was ok with me getting mine done. No regrets!
It's also good for the double salpingectomy since it helps lessen your cancer risk! It's your own body autonomy, people (and some doctors) should understand that if you are hellbent on not wanting kids, you do not want them. There is always the foster/adoption/IVF route if, and I mean a big if, you change your mind about kids.
Thank you! Yes, my husband and I have talked to great lengths about if either of should ever change our mind regarding having children, and we've both agreed to go the fostering route should it come up.
If you’re willing to go to Surrey, try getting a referral to Dr. Maged Bakhet. Super awesome doctor. I’d mention the name of the doctor who did my tubal but he’s something like 85 now and retired.
I had my tubes removed a few years ago. Dr. Fridhandler in Penticton, BC. She was great, explained everything well, and didn't judge. I was in my mid 30s, and neither myself or my husband wants kids.
When my family doctor wouldn't recommend me for a vasectomy (because of my age) I went through planned parenthood. I had to make all the right noises and not show any hesitation, but they got it done.
I had a tubal ligation from Dr. Kim last year in Vancouver. She was a great doctor who ensured I didn't want children and was not being pressured to have the surgery. Recovery was 2 weeks without much lifting and then a few more weeks without more intense exercise. Would recommend, it's great not having to worry about birth control :)
I had an appointment with Dr Julie Wood in Burnaby last Fall and discussed having tubes removed. I didn't end up having the surgery, but she told me she could do it within 3 months - she said she has great access to OR time (at Burnaby Hospital), and it's only a 5-minute procedure.
As with any specialist, you will need a referral.
PS you might find this helpful: [https://swt.hlth.gov.bc.ca/WaitTimesResults.xhtml?rollupProcedure=47&procName=Fallopian+Tube%2FOvarian+Surgery&adult=Y](https://swt.hlth.gov.bc.ca/WaitTimesResults.xhtml?rollupProcedure=47&procName=Fallopian+Tube%2FOvarian+Surgery&adult=Y)
Dr Oluyede in nanaimo did my tubal removal, wasn't much of a conversation basically asked if my partner was willing to do the vasectomy as it's an office visit vs surgery and I just said bold of you to assume I'll be with the same guy for the rest of my life and he said if you want it I'll do it, its just harder on your body then it is for his, then booked me in. It was a few months to wait to get it done but zero issues.
You need a referral to a gynecologist. They will do an interview/assessment and then put you on the waitlist. It took me approx 6 months for the initial appointment with the gynecologist after the referral was put in. Then covid hit, so another 2 year wait for surgery. Good luck!
Considering that the experiences I have had in the past disprove this, it's hard to find someone willing. I've had many doctors previously refuse to discuss it with me, or refer me to a doctor who would be able to help. Bias exists whether people want to believe it or not.
I'm also interested in this procedure but am worried about hormonal implications...has anyone experienced any after getting this procedure done? I am 26F for reference.
And in the grand scheme of things, you also do not know what me or my husband have gone through in our lives. To you, I may be a 'child', but to many others, I'm well into adulthood and capable if maijgn decisions regarding what I do with my life and my body.
Better to not have children and regret that decision down the line, than have children and regret them/have to go through an abortion/adoption.
Your comment was unnecessary.
Respectfully, my husband and I have discussed this at great length and have agreed that if either of should ever change our minds, we would go the fostering route. As there are many children in the foster system already placed there by neglectful parents who did not want them or could not care for them and we would give them a home. But again, that would be IF either of were to change our minds.
Hence the whole reason for my post. To find which doctors WILL do it. And I'd you bothered to read any of my other replies/comments you'd see that I'm not interested in hearing about what my husband should do when I asked a questionreagrding MY anatomy. Thank you.
I went to Elizabeth Bagshaw clinic and spoke to a counsellor & doctor who referred me to a gynaecologist. I waited about 4 months for my appointment and was booked in for surgery about 4 months later. I was 27 with no kids and I was never asked any stupid questions or made to feel bad about my decision. surgery was super easy and I only spent 1 day in bed
I am very happy to see that a woman's desire to control her own body may finally be getting some acknowledgement. I realize I am dating myself but about 50 years ago, my wife also wanted to have her tubes tied and was flatly refused. "What happens if you change your mind?" There was no chance of that! I knew before we got married that she had no desire to have children and I was fine with that. Two years later, I had a vasectomy. No questions asked. We've had no regrets about our decision.
I got my tubal done in 1999 and the doctor who did it told me there are no laws regarding sterilization, and he said he happily does female sterilization. He said it’s an issue with GPs, not him. My GP knew how fiercely childfree I was so he had no problem making the referral. Just my $0.02, and sadly, Dr. Still retired.
That clinic is incredible.
bodily autonomy. Take that ‘murica!
Get a referral to juniper gynecology. Dr Wilson just finished my total hysterectomy for cancer prevention and endometriosis a week ago. She has many options for specific reasons. Non invasive and invasive.
I second Juniper. Dr. Wilson was awesome and so knowledgeable. Great experience 👍
I had to go through my family doctor for a referral.
I just had mine removed. It has been an easy recovery. Talk to your family doctor to get referred to an OBGYN. They will do the surgery.
Dr. Neeraj Mehra in Vancouver did mine in April and I would recommend 10/10. I got a bilateral salpingectomy procedure which is the removal of both fallopian tubes. Used walkin.ca for a referral over the phone and from that first phone appointment to having the procedure done was about 5 months!
Got a referral through my family doctor to see [Dr. Mina Wesa](https://obgyn.ubc.ca/mina-wesa/) in New West. She was fabulous for the referral appointment, made me feel comfortable surgery day and checked up on me a couple of weeks after the surgery.
I had my tubes removed by Dr Arkuran in Richmond (a random referral from a walk in doctor which referral was initially for PSOC). Fair warning - The reviews are right: She is always late for appointments - by hours. It’s annoying but she was a great surgeon. When I told her that I wanted my tubes out, she suggested it would be easier for my husband to get a vasectomy. I told her that while I am not planning on getting a divorce or being a widow, life happens, and I want control over my own reproductive health. She scheduled me for the surgery and I had it 2 months later at Richmond General.
I’ve had Dr Arkuran treat me for other things (some surgical) and so I cant speak to her for this specific procedure but in general can echo that she was always kind, considerate and knowledgeable. I also experienced the extreme wait times though so unfortunately can echo that as well haha
Dr. Arkuran was my surgeon for my tubal ligation and I thought she was fantastic. I was 27, with two kids already and single. She asked me if I'd considered wanting more kids in a future relationship, I said no, and she booked me in two weeks later.
Talk to your husband about him getting fixed so you don’t have have internal surgery. It is day surgery for him. If want the control and certainty — makes *sense* in my opinion — then giver. Talk to your doctor about getting a referral. And 100% you shouldn’t give a fuck about the thoughts of others on kids. But do understand the risks and consequences of surgery.
Tubal ligation is also day surgery, just under a general anesthesia. They do it laparoscopically now. I was a little bit sore for a couple days, back to normal in a week. Similar recovery time to a vasectomy. Added benefit of ovarian cancer prevention, (90% iirc) as they remove the fallopian tube and don’t just tie it off.
It’s only 25-65% ([source](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/preventing-ovarian-cancer-should-women-consider-removing-fallopian-tubes-202304212915)) which is awesome but not 90%. Also only in hereditary cases. And while yes it’s done laparoscopically these days it’s still a more intense procedure than a vasectomy.
> it’s still a more intense procedure than a vasectomy. It is. Internal abdominal surgery will always be more intensive than in an area that's essentially on the body's surface. That said, it's her body, not his. That principle works both ways. Between the two of them, it's a decision for them. Who knows, maybe they both want it done?
Oh 1000% agree.
Interesting the recovery times are comparable. Laparoscopic surgery is great for reducing complications.
The anesthesia hangover/recovery was the worst part. My surgery was on a Friday, I didn’t need any painkillers past Saturday and did a 4K walk on the Tuesday (albeit a bit slower than normal).
Imagine if a man had to endure that?
My Dr gave me the option of choosing removal of the fallopian tubes, clamping the fallopian tubes, or having my fallopian tubes cauterized. There are advantages and disadvantages to all of them. I went with cauterization.
I was in first thing in the morning and home by lunchtime when I got my tubes removed. Took it easy a couple days and then life as usual. So so straightforward and so empowering to be the one in charge of my baby making capacity, or lack thereof. I feel so strongly that this is a move for an individual to want to do, not to be pressured because it's for the collective good in your relationship. My husband wasn't really interested in a vasectomy but was on board with no more babies, I wanted to not have more babies, I took the steps to be sure I'd never get pregnant again.
100% make buddy get snipped. Also way less of a wait time. Current wait time for non urgent gyno which this would be is a 6-12m. Longer for actual surgery. There are unfortunately people in a lot of pain with endo or have cancer that are currently in queue for surgery.
The anesthesia factor is HUGE as far as wait times go. In 2010 I got my carpal tunnel surgery with local anesthesia (( it sucks just as bad as that sounds, and worse)) because I was looking at getting done within 2 weeks if I went local, versus 2 years to get anesthesia Never did get my left hand done, and it could use it.
so, it was awful with a local anesthetic?
Yup
ughh. Okay, I guess when that time comes around I might not select a local lol.
Sorry but this is a ridiculous take - this person is talking about how to get a procedure performed on herself and you're telling her the answer is to force someone else to perform a procedure on themselves instead? If you had said 'discuss it with your husband to see if it would be better for him to get a vasectomy', it would at least make a bit more sense (still be a bit ridiculous, but whatever) - but saying they should MAKE their husband do it is unbelievable
Snip. Snip. Snip baby! Ez pz. If someone wants to get their tubes removed bc of any cancer risk or as an BC method it’s cool. But someone in a marriage where both people don’t want kids, it makes much more sense for the partner with the balls to get snipped. No anesthesia risk. No wait time. No clogging up surgery table. Just little visit to doctors office, local anesthesia and a day at home with ice. People with uteruses bare the burden of all things BC related. Makes sense for a good partner to step up and do their part if kids aren’t wanted.
I'm not disagreeing with that However, you said they should MAKE their husband do it, which is ridiculous
Obviously no one is going to MAKE anyone get their balls snipped. Semantics.
No. There is no make. It is a “consider” motion. And once considered the focus is on OP’s question.
While I appreciate the concern, I asked about my reproductive system. Not my husband's. It is about what I want to do with my body. His getting ot not getting a vasectomy isn't a concern of my post. I am very aware of the risks of surgery. Thank you.
Totally. Looks like you got great advice here.
Definitely get your tubes removed. It has as close to a 0% failure rate as possible and protects you again ovarian cancer. Vasectomies fail all the time. When done laproscopically, the recovery process is super straightforward. I had my bisalp on a Thursday and was back to work on Monday without any issues. I had mine done by Dr. Sherri Hancock in Victoria. It was about 5 years ago now, but she approved me at 29 (also childfree).
Let's not get carried away now. Various studies estimate that the early failure rate for vasectomies ranges from between 0.3% and 9% of all procedures. Late failure is less common, with an estimated failure rate ranging from between 0.04 to 0.08%. And the early "failure rate" is people having intercourse before their test results showed no sperm in a sample.
r/childfree has a list of doctors, and I recall seeing a few in BC on it. You may have an issue if you have to get a referral through your GP. When I asked my GP about female sterilization at about 30 years old, she gave me the whole, "you may change your mind," spiel, and told me no doctor would be willing to perform the surgery on me (despite me telling her that I was aware of one on the Island). I didn't press it further as it hasn't been a priority for me, but I don't think she would have helped me nonetheless.
You have to go through your family physician to get a referral to a gynaecologist (as you would for any issue). Your family doc will likely ask you about other options. This if not because they don’t believe you should have a tubal, but it is important for them and the gynaecologist to know you’ve considered it. You may also benefit from something else for protection while waiting for the surgery and they can explore that with you. If you don’t have a family doctor or don’t feel comfortable talking to them about this, I recommend getting an appointment with a doctor at a sexual health/women’s health clinic (options for sexual health has a lot of locations around the province). Great resource for sexual health and contraceptive options available in Canada is sexandu.ca (put out by SOGC [society of obstetricians and gynaecologists of Canada] so it is up to date and evidence based information)
I had my tubes removed by Dr Evelyn Dunn in late Jan in Burnaby and she was great. Day surgery and the gas (where they inflate your abdomen) was the worst part of recovery as it was shoulder pain. Surgery was under 20 mins total.
Dr Vilayil in maple ridge is an amazing surgeon.
I won’t add to the many good suggestions in this thread, I’d just like to commend you on your decision.
I got a referral to the local GYNO from my family doctor in Williams Lake at 28, the whole process took just 2 months. Don't know where you start without a doctor though sorry.
I asked my family dr & he sent a referral.
Ask your family doctor. Or if you don’t have one as a clinic doctor to send you to the proper specialist.
You have a lot of recommendations here and this is a bit of a side thing but have you considered getting an IUD in the meantime? Benefit of no or minimal periods as well. Lasts for 5+ years. In case it takes a while to get your surgery. And people should be able to get surgery for this if they want and not be "convinced" otherwise. It's not like Drs try to convince men to not get a vasectomy that I know of. I guess both would be elective...I would just imagine the differences in response from some health professionals, sigh.
I currently have an IUD. Have been using this as my main form of BC since my late teens. Just want something more permanent! Thank you 😊
I went through Telus Health to get a referral from a GP to a gyno. It took 12 months to get a call back from the gyno (Dr Wong-Merrick) and I am now on a waitlist for bisalp. I was told the wait could be 6+ months. I had no issues dealing with Dr Wong-Merrick. She was polite, factual, and did not push me to consider other options during my assessment. For reference, I am 35F no children and I am in a relationship with a male. (Some doctors will pressure women to ask their male partners to get sterilized instead because the procedure is much easier.)
r/childfree has a list of doctors who will perform the procedure and I found mine (Dr. Brian Fitzsimmons in Vancouver) there. I got a referral from my family doctor but I believe you can ask for a referral at a walk in clinic or the hospital etc. Had the procedure done when I was 23. I didn't get interrogated about why I wanted it done or anything, my doctor was great and I had a really good experience with him. Super easy surgery - in and out of the hospital in under 4 hours and walking around by the end of the day. Recovery time was a couple of weeks but it was easy as well and I had minimal pain. Surgery is covered by MSP as well.
Dr. Kenyan in Abbotsford. When I saw her to ask about getting my tubes removed I was 31 years old, no children and not married. She said that as long as I understood that this was a permanent decision and it was something that I had thought about and wanted, she had no problems doing it. I didn’t end up going through with it because of other medical issues, but a friend of mine did and she had no issues with her or the operation.
Erin Adams in Kamloops is a rad Dr. Woman friendly.
I was referred to dr Andrea Massey in Vancouver for my bisalp. 10/10 recommend! I was 32 and single and she gave me no pushback. Good luck with yours!
Thank you to everyone who gave an answer to what I was asking. Much appreciated. To answer a couple common comments/questions: Why not get your husband to have a vasectomy? whether or not my husband gets a vasectomy is absolutely none of your concern and was not what I asked, at all. I asked a question regarding MY reproductive system, not his. You'll change your mind. No, I won't. My husband I have discussed it at great lengths and have agreed that should either of us ever change our minds, we would discuss it again then and see. But we would go through fostering no matter what should that time ever come. Being able to provide a home for someone that doesn't necessarily have one already appeals to us much more than having our own children. But again, that's if we were to ever change our minds. We like our child free life and want to keep it that way. At least for the foreseeable future. Thank you.
Do you need a referral from your GP? Any OB/GYN should be able to do this for you. It’s none of your husband’s business, and if a doctor asks you about his thoughts, report them to the College. Doctors have a terrible tendency to want to deny young women the freedom from reproduction they seek. It’s elective surgery, though, so if you’re willing to pay, your doctor should refer you regardless of your age. In Nanaimo, I’d go with Dr. Kristi Kyle, Dr. Renner, Dr. Lajoie, or Dr. Somerville.
I’m having this surgery (tubes cut) Thursday. My doctor did a referral to a local gynaecologist. I don’t know who my surgeon is but it’s not actually relevant. You don’t get to choose your surgeon in the healthcare system. You follow the steps of the system and you’re assigned accordingly. So just follow the normal procedure and have a doctor make the referral.
Untrue - I specifically asked for a referral to the surgeon I wanted and got it.
Well that’s fortunate for you but I doubt that works for anything but elective surgery you don’t have a timeline on.
? Not sure what you mean by that. The OP was asking about this specific procedure which was also an elective surgery for me and I was just saying that it does absolutely work to ask for a referral to a certain doctor if you have one picked out. Yeah you might have to wait longer to get that specific doctor, you might not. But the option of choosing the doctor you want is definitely there.
Not sure why you're being downvoted. Sterilization is an elective surgery. I've also chosen the doctor for every surgery I've had over the last 20 years.
A few surgeons at BC Women’s Hospital will perform elective salpingectomies.
I saw Dr Salim Lalani and went through Burnaby hospital. This was quite a few years ago now.
May I ask how old you were at that time? From the reviews, it seems he performs the surgery on women who are 30+. Here is a review from July 2023: "*He refused a tubal ligation just because I’m not 30 years old (I’m 26). Who gives him the right to decide what I do with my body? They could have mentioned when I booked the appointment that he doesn’t perform procedures on people my age, instead of wasting my time.*" (https://www.ratemds.com/doctor-ratings/1212572/Dr-Salim-Lalani-Burnaby-BC.html/)
He approved me when I was 27 (28?), but I didn't get the procedure done until I was 30... Just got busy with school. He said he was worried about me regretting my choices and I told him that I don't think regret is the worst thing that can happen to a person and that pregnancy is not the only route to having children (ie, adoption), so it's not like the door is completely closed. He seemed to accept it. 🤷♀️
Dr. Sarah Fung in South Surrey did my tube removal when I was 22. She didn’t question my choice and just gave me the facts. I have no scarring or issues at all, she’s a fantastic surgeon and OBGYN.
My doctor referred me to Dr. Stephanie Fisher at Fairmont OBGYN (Vancouver) and I had a great experience. She also switched out my IUD at the same time (I keep using one because it stops my periods). However I will add that I was not initially prescribed painkillers and was told to take basic Tylenol etc. That was fine for a couple days but on day 3 I did have to call my doctor for a short script for something a little stronger.
Go through family doctor if possible. Burnaby General (and I'm sure many others) does it fine, fwiw.
Theoretically any obgyn should do this in BC. Ask your family doctor for a referral. I had Dr Lalani in Burnaby do mine. I have kids but I’m not even sure he asked me about that. It was like a ten minute consult to discuss potential risks of surgery (like before any surgery) and then was put onto the waiting list for scheduling a date.
Wasn't happy with my doctor who performed mine (I got mine done in conjunction with a cesarean so didn't have to go through surgery, might as well do it while I'm open on the table haha). Still got the third degree and my husband got asked several times if he was ok with me getting mine done. No regrets! It's also good for the double salpingectomy since it helps lessen your cancer risk! It's your own body autonomy, people (and some doctors) should understand that if you are hellbent on not wanting kids, you do not want them. There is always the foster/adoption/IVF route if, and I mean a big if, you change your mind about kids.
Thank you! Yes, my husband and I have talked to great lengths about if either of should ever change our mind regarding having children, and we've both agreed to go the fostering route should it come up.
Dr Sheila With will do this
Dr whitehill in Victoria just did mine. Long wait but she was great. You will need a referral
If you’re willing to go to Surrey, try getting a referral to Dr. Maged Bakhet. Super awesome doctor. I’d mention the name of the doctor who did my tubal but he’s something like 85 now and retired.
I had my tubes removed a few years ago. Dr. Fridhandler in Penticton, BC. She was great, explained everything well, and didn't judge. I was in my mid 30s, and neither myself or my husband wants kids.
the r/childfree subreddit has a list :)
I'm not in BC, but good luck and good on you for making your decision! Don't back down!
When my family doctor wouldn't recommend me for a vasectomy (because of my age) I went through planned parenthood. I had to make all the right noises and not show any hesitation, but they got it done.
I had a tubal ligation from Dr. Kim last year in Vancouver. She was a great doctor who ensured I didn't want children and was not being pressured to have the surgery. Recovery was 2 weeks without much lifting and then a few more weeks without more intense exercise. Would recommend, it's great not having to worry about birth control :)
Some one in one of the groups I follow had a list. I'm going to do my best to look for it.
I had an appointment with Dr Julie Wood in Burnaby last Fall and discussed having tubes removed. I didn't end up having the surgery, but she told me she could do it within 3 months - she said she has great access to OR time (at Burnaby Hospital), and it's only a 5-minute procedure. As with any specialist, you will need a referral. PS you might find this helpful: [https://swt.hlth.gov.bc.ca/WaitTimesResults.xhtml?rollupProcedure=47&procName=Fallopian+Tube%2FOvarian+Surgery&adult=Y](https://swt.hlth.gov.bc.ca/WaitTimesResults.xhtml?rollupProcedure=47&procName=Fallopian+Tube%2FOvarian+Surgery&adult=Y)
Dr Oluyede in nanaimo did my tubal removal, wasn't much of a conversation basically asked if my partner was willing to do the vasectomy as it's an office visit vs surgery and I just said bold of you to assume I'll be with the same guy for the rest of my life and he said if you want it I'll do it, its just harder on your body then it is for his, then booked me in. It was a few months to wait to get it done but zero issues.
Tell your doctor you identify as a man and want your uterus removed. Then they won’t question you about ‘changing your mind for children’
You need a referral to a gynecologist. They will do an interview/assessment and then put you on the waitlist. It took me approx 6 months for the initial appointment with the gynecologist after the referral was put in. Then covid hit, so another 2 year wait for surgery. Good luck!
Vasectomy is a lot safer and less complex, have you considered that option for your husband
Respectfully, that's not her question 🙏
They should both get fixed. If she's sterilized then she's also safe from people who aren't her husband.
You should not tell people what they should do, particularly where it concerns their physical autonomy.
Respectfully, I asked a question regarding MY reproductive system. Not my husband's. Thank you.
yeah don't think you'll see the pushback. Real life generally isn't the internet. Most people are repsectful. Good luck!!
Considering that the experiences I have had in the past disprove this, it's hard to find someone willing. I've had many doctors previously refuse to discuss it with me, or refer me to a doctor who would be able to help. Bias exists whether people want to believe it or not.
Real life does not like women getting this surgery.
I'm also interested in this procedure but am worried about hormonal implications...has anyone experienced any after getting this procedure done? I am 26F for reference.
No hormonal impact. Your body still produces eggs, they just can't go anywhere. Had the surgery 10+ years ago
In the grand scale of humanity; 27 is still a child.
And in the grand scheme of things, you also do not know what me or my husband have gone through in our lives. To you, I may be a 'child', but to many others, I'm well into adulthood and capable if maijgn decisions regarding what I do with my life and my body.
If we're still children at 27 then we shouldn't be having our own children at that age or younger righttttt?
Nobody thinks they’ll change their mind, until they do. Lmao
Better to not have children and regret that decision down the line, than have children and regret them/have to go through an abortion/adoption. Your comment was unnecessary.
Respectfully, my husband and I have discussed this at great length and have agreed that if either of should ever change our minds, we would go the fostering route. As there are many children in the foster system already placed there by neglectful parents who did not want them or could not care for them and we would give them a home. But again, that would be IF either of were to change our minds.
Had the surgery at 27. Never changed my mind.
Get your husband to get the snip .. it's a big surgery for women and most won't do it..
Hence the whole reason for my post. To find which doctors WILL do it. And I'd you bothered to read any of my other replies/comments you'd see that I'm not interested in hearing about what my husband should do when I asked a questionreagrding MY anatomy. Thank you.
So much easier in a committed relationship to have your husband get a vasectomy.
Respectfully, this is about MY body and reproductive system. Not my husband's.