Post-partum tubal ligation at time of cesarean delivery or via laparoscopy as an interval sterilization has similar effects on ovarian reserve.

OBJECTIVE

To observe and compare the effect of postpartum tubal ligation (TL) procedures on ovarian reserve at women desiring TL as a contraceptive method at the end of pregnancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty-one women were included in the prospective study. TL was performed at the time of cesarean delivery (CD) (n=49) and as an interval procedure by laparoscopy (LS) in the postpartum period (n=32). Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) was used to determine ovarian reserve. Blood samples were taken twice from each subject; the first sample was taken before delivery from all subjects and the second sample was taken 4 months after sterilization. AMH level differences were compared in each group and between groups.

RESULTS

The preoperative AMH values of CD and LS groups were similar 2.30 (maximum: 5.20, minimum: 0.42) ng/mL and 1.80 (maximum: 3.50, minimum: 0.40) ng/mL, respectively (p=0.262). The postoperative AMH values of the CD and LS groups were 1.30 (maximum: 2.60, minimum: 0.30) ng/mL and 0.90 (maximum: 2.50, minimum: 0.20) ng/mL, respectively (p=0.284). When the preoperative and postoperative values of each group were compared the change was statistically significant for both groups p<0.001. The decrease in mean AMH values in the CD and LS groups were 37.83% and 44.15%, respectively. The percentage changes of AMH values were not statistically significant (p=0.286).

CONCLUSION

TL at the time of CD and interval sterilization with LS have similar effects on ovarian reserve.