Long-term effects of laparoscopic sterilization on menstruation.

The menstrual changes after laparoscopic sterilization were assessed in 200 women and compared with changes after conventional tubal ligation. About one third of the patients after laparoscopy had longer and heavier periods, but those women who were using oral contraception before operation fared worst. The reason for the menstrual changes may not be due to operation alone. There was no significant difference between laparoscopy and laparotomy in terms of increase in heavy bleeding or number of days of bleeding.