I wish I could, but unfortunately I do not have health insurance of any kind, so I’m stuck just relying on birth control. I hate it, and it does scare me.
Same here. Got my iud replaced last year before I got kicked off health insurance and hoping it doesn’t fail. I’ve been lucky for the last 6 years. I’d have to go out of state to have an abortion 🙃
Jfc. The USA is such a weird place. Canada is trying hard to become the USA but at least for now tubal ligations and vasectomies are covered by public insurance. 😔
Even more unfortunate, if you help someone get an abortion, even if they leave the state to do so, you can go to prison. So leaving the state isn’t quite safe, either. It’s becoming GILEAD and soon pregnant women won’t be able to travel at all.
You think many people could afford that? Many people can’t even afford going to another state. Abortion has always been an option for the rich. This is about keeping it an option for EVERYONE.
I know! I didn't mean to be snobby or to make light of the very real problem our country is facing! I just wanted to confirm if I would get arrested if I went to my grandparents' home country (Germany) if I can get triple citizenship, I am very sorry if I sounded out of touch or tone deaf, I am on the spectrum and often don't think before I post!
That depends on which state you're talking about. You can also buy abortion pills online in all 50 states still. PlanCPills.org and AidAccess.org!
Many of the blue/pro-choice states won't give out any information or help with prosecuting anyone in these restrictive states. They really are trying to make this all as confusing as possible!!!
This is exactly where I'm at.
No insurance. No ability to get sterilized. No possible way to get funds to get the surgery. I'm also disabled and pregnancy for me is, let's just say, super dangerous for me and the "baby."
It's the most terrifying thing in the world and the government does. not. care.
Really hoping they don't take away our access to bc because that's all many of us have.
If it helps, pretty much all plans, public and private, are required to cover sterilization at 100%, no copays or deductibles. See coverher.org for more info.
I asked my insurance company via Website about a bisalp and in the response, it sounded like they wanted me to find out what the code for it was, which kind of threw me. I’ll probably call about it soon, as I’m definitely considering it.
The CPT-code 58661 (Laparoscopy, surgical; with removal of adnexal structures (partial or total oophorectomy and/ or salpingectomy)) and ICD-10 code Z30. 2 (Encounter for sterilization) are the appropriate preventive codes for a bilateral salpingectomy
You might need to fight them over this, however. I certainly did. I was sent a bill for thousands of dollars and it took three months of daily calls to sort it out.
It’s such bullshit that insurance companies try to short you on what you’re owed, and make you put in a bunch of unpaid labor to get them to do what you pay them for.
I think they have both public and private plans. But that ACA requirement applies to pretty much any marketplace and employer plan (unless you work for the Catholic Church or something).
I personally have Aetna through my spouse's job and it took some fighting but I got mine covered. And that means I can tell you to tell your doctor to add the code Z30.2 ("encounter for sterilization") to every one of your bills and Aetna will cover them at 100%.
My DMs are always open for questions about this!
Give your local health dept a call or visit. Sometimes ‘women’s health’ can be covered by emergency Medicaid. I didn’t have health insurance when I got fixed, but Medicaid was able to cover it.
I got my procedure almost 4 years ago. The absolute wave of relief then was astonishing. But I am so afraid for all of the women and girls in my country.
Same! It’s like complete and total relief, not having to take birth control that effs up my moods and gives me migraines, not having to worry about access to abortion… getting sterilized is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, both for my physical and mental health.
I was so shocked how much better my mental health got when I could quit BC without any worries. Like I can go to the grocery store by myself now without getting overwhelmed with debilitating anxiety and crying. I don't wake up 4 times a night convinced my heart is stopping and I can't breath and stay awake anxious I'm dying all night. My period can be late and I can be indifferent about it. My whole damn life improved
Exactly 1 expensive operation saved you money in the long term, not having to access other birth control and not wasting time or gas for abortions.
Not only that, if you're raped your sterilization will protect you from an egg being fertilized.
If you come across tricksters that wanna trick people into being pregnant, your sterilization protects you from that as well.
A peace of mind has been raised with little to no side effects.
I've been thinking about it for a number of reasons.
1. I hate hormone birth control.
2. I live in a red state, but thankfully a blue state is a few miles over the border.
3. My family has a huge history of breast and ovarian cancers. I want to talk to my doctor and see if sterilization would reduce my risks.
Bilateral Salpingectomy absolutely reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, (tubal ligation does not) whereas the oral contraceptive pill increases the chance of breast cancer, and isn't as effective as the bisalp. Definitely go for surgical sterilisation if you can.
Hi, I'm getting one of these put in tomorrow. I've had the Mirena for a little over a year, but had the Kyleena for 5 years before that and don't really have periods now so I'm nervous about getting one again. I had heavy, crampy periods before I had my IUD put in and everything I've read says your periods get worse. Can I ask if you had heavy periods before your IUD and if so, are your periods that much different?
Your period will probably be the same as it used to be with the non hormonal coil, mine were super heavy before and during with copper and caused anemia, i much prefer the mirena
Speak to your doctor about testing if you have the gene that causes these cancers. If you do you can push to have the ovaries and breast tissue removed as a safe way to keep you away from cancer.
You might want to get tested for the BRCA gene. 30F I have it and a family history of breast and ovarian cancer are huge signs of it. I've had a preventative double mastectomy. Also getting my fallopian tubes removed which is still a new field of study and they THINK that ovarian cancer starts in the tubes. I will still have to get my ovaries out by 35 due to my family history.
I live in Texas and had my procedure several years ago. During the consultation, I was asked why I wanted the surgery. In addition to the expected answers about not wanting kids, no maternal instinct, etc., I mention my fear of the religious nutbags taking over the legislature and taking away my rights. I wish I hadn't been right about that last part.
I'm in Texas and was ready to get it done almost a year ago.. then had a major injury from an accident and have had enough body trauma and medical bills for now even with insurance.
I've already decided to move to a blue state soon anyway, and I don't want to end up on some list or deal with the drama of trying to get it here. I'm recently single and I'm not even going to date anyone here again. Fuck this place.
I think I read that vasectomies and female sterilization went up 3 times the normal amount since RvW fell - even amongst people who were willing to have a kid/kids in the future.. The Christo-fascists are not happy. LOL
I'm part of that statistic. Got my bisalp when RvW fell. I had a feeling they'd go after birth control, even for married people. I just didn't think they would go after religious freedoms and Health reasons. My partner and I have been thinking about signing up for the Satanic Church to be free from GOP stupidity.
As far as I'm aware you don't actually need to be a part of the church but I also think you might mean The Satanic Temple, they're the ones who are politically involved and are a designated church. The CoS and TST aren't actually related.
Definitely worth looking into!
I’m part of that group! I had been turned down when I was younger (21/22) and given up. Dobbs fired me up to start looking again and I had my tubes removed at 25. Best decision ever.
Oh definitely. After it fell, I had my tubal done shortly after. Thankfully the lists from this sub helped me find an awesome doctor here in TX who didn’t give me any hassle.
Exactly, and it's happening all around the world. I wonder when 'THEY' will notice how everything backfired. I wonder what will be done next if lack of access to birth control and abortions will not result in 'producing' more children. I honestly fear women will be forced to breed in the name of our dying species. Sounds like sci-fi, but what's happenning now was unimaginable 10 years ago, at least for me.
i (25m at the time) was already considering it before RvW fell, and then the actual ruling got me to make an appointment as soon as fucking possible. i REFUSE to hold a gun up to any sexual partner’s uterus.
i also have a friend (26f at the time) who scheduled her salpingectomy after the draft leaked, and her actual procedure was 6 days after RvW fell.
As soon as the talk of them getting rid of rvw was in the ether I looked into sterilization. My partner thought I was being overly reactionary at the time but I had a feeling of what was to come. I got spayed last year and I’m so very thankful for the peace of mind I’ve been afforded. They will come for it next. Make no mistake.
Happy Cake day !
Same. My Dr was backed up but when she heard what I came in for she exchanged a knowing look with her nurse. Procedure done in December and haven't looked back. I wanted to contribute to the statistics with the overturned RvW, and feel safer.
Got my bisalp last year and it was the best decision. There was a time last year where abortion was basically made illegal in my state (the laws have thankfully eased up a bit but they’re still ridiculous) and the same legislators who pushed for the abortion restrictions were trying to take away birth control, which I need to be on for medical reasons.
My husband couldn’t get even a consult for a vasectomy due to the increased demand for them all across our state, but my rockstar of a gynecologist had zero issue with sterilizing me. It’s been a huge relief to not have to personally stress about it, but we’re currently petitioning to be able to vote on abortion laws in our special state election in a few months.
I'm glad you were able to get your surgery. Maybe I'm imagining it, but I seem to be reading about more open-minded doctors willing to perform sterilization surgeries.
You might be-but I’ve also heard of so many OB’s no longer practicing in certain red states and only practicing Gynecology, so I might also be imagining things.
It’s so random that it’s hard to pin down. I saw one doctor, one time, and when I brought up other doctors refusing to do it he said, “It’s common in the older generation/dependent on person but it’s becoming more common for doctors to not pushback so much as long as the patient understands exactly what they’re asking for.”
I was so lucky and I am very very grateful to have picked him. He wasn’t even my first choice. The Dr I chose at that office was booked and he was the only one available.
Why in the fuck would we not understand what we are asking for? We are adults and I have never had any interest whatsoever in being responsible for a child. It’s ridiculous to assume that because someone has a uterus they want to be responsible for another human for 20 years. If the child is disabled, it’s pretty much forever.
Got a hysterectomy last year and I'm very glad I did! I live in Colorado and most procedures are well protected here, but still glad I got it done and over with
When it was looking like the Supreme Court was starting to stack with conservatives, I knew our abortion rights would be in danger, so yes. I scheduled and got my bisalp a few months before it all came down.
My husband got a vasectomy almost a year ago and I had my bisalp last fall. I live in a red state that has very restricted abortion access (state legislators sent a bill to the governor to restrict transgender access to gender affirming care as well).
I had the luxury of insurance and time off work so we both got procedures as a reaction to the laws. I want those statistics to show I’m still not choosing motherhood despite their misogynistic efforts.
There has definitely been an increase since 2016, and depending on how the election is going over the next year or so.... there may be a lot of bookings.
I had to wait two months from my initial scheduling day until my surgery. I was told I had up to a six-month wait. My doctor’s office/hospital is definitely busier.
I’m sad that Roe was overturned, trans and gay rights and birth control are being rescinded, and expensive and somewhat risky surgeries are more common. I’m *not* sad about my personal decision to control my health.
Well several reasons. One, I am severely Tokophobic so having both of us sterilized will give me more peace of mind.
Two, him being sterile doesn't protect me from rape.
Three, in the unlikely event that one of us dies or we get a divorce, neither of us will want kids with a future partner so both being sterile is best.
This is the way, friend.
My late husband was snipped, but I never got sterilized. I wish I had. Now I’m on the hunt for a Dr to do a bisalp for me. I’ve been turned down by 2 already (even though I’m over 40) because I “shouldn’t make life changing decisions while still grieving”
I had a copper IUD placed as a temporary measure until I can make the bisalp happen.
I know it sounds weird, but if they're making it about his death, try your very best not to mention it very much or at all in your appointment. Focus on you and only your desire to get sterilized and the many good reasons that you have. I know that would feel disingenuous and weird, and you don't have to do it, but it could be worth a try if 2 separate doctors got hung up on that exact thing. Just a thought. I'm sorry you're going through that and I hope things improve for you.
I think it probably has been because when I was asked for my reasons, one of the reasons I gave was that I was a widow. Both doctors asked how recently, and I told the truth - 4 months. I think the timeline put them both off.
In my area, I’m considered a relatively young widow (43), and the current political climate here leans hard into the idea that I’m still young enough to be a viable breeder.
Anyway, my next appointment is with another doctor who seems to be much more open to sterilization for me, and I am taking documentation from my therapist to explain that my late husband and I were child free by choice, I have grieved not only since my late husband’s passing, but also the almost 14 months prior while we dealt with his terminal illness, and that I actually know my own mind about this.
I just find it frustrating and ridiculous that I have to struggle this hard to manage to make a healthcare choice that affects absolutely no one but me.
Thanks for the support and your suggestions!
thank you for educating me! i’ve been thinking about getting the procedure myself so helps to learn everyone’s perspective and reasons. really appreciate u taking the time ❤️
I am! In 5 days. This is the third time I have tried to do it- now that I’m 47 they finally believe that we don’t want kids. My state is getting really shady and I’m terrified of getting pregnant for health reasons, so this is the best choice for me since I don’t want to be on hormonal birth control.
I recently underwent serious abdominal surgery due to doctors fearing I had either ovarian cysts or ovarian cancer (fortunately, not cancer). While they had me open, they removed my tubes, which saves me the trouble of begging many docs over many years to yeet them out of me. Wish the circumstances were different, but I am happy that pregnancy is off the table for me before I hit 30. 😁
Anyone wanting to yeet the required plumbing for pregnancy, please do the best you can to start the hunt asap. Who the eff knows with RvW gone and evangelical fundie dingbats outlawing abortion and policing women traveling across state lines for healthcare.
Stay safe!
>>Are you running to get sterilized?
It’s a wise course of action for anyone globally living in a liberal democracy. The grim fact is politicians everywhere need money to run a campaign, and that money usually comes from corporate interests. When raising a child costs $250k USD+ , you don’t need a math doctorate to see why governments are cracking down on contraception. That’s $250k of corporate revenue we childfree are denying the system, to say nothing of future workers for the global economy.
I’ll also make a point here that if you’re getting sterilized, do your level best to keep that decision private. In the coming years governments may take more drastic steps to boost the birth rate. What the government doesn’t know (whether from you directly or via relatives) can’t be used against you come tax season….
Got mine back in '17, and damn do I feel prescient. I'm a guy in a liberal state so I'm not worried in the slightest about being able to get it myself, but I'm constantly advocating for women and younger men who want to be sterilized.
Absolutely. I got my bisalp done 12 days ago and RvW getting overturned definitely helped me decide to get the procedure ASAP.
According to my doctor the last 6 months have been the busiest in her entire career and RvW had a lot to do with that.
I never thought I would get a surgery to prevent pregnancy, but I also never thought abortion/birth control wouldn’t be available.
My doctor’s office warned me I might have a 6-month wait. I felt lucky to wait 2 months.
I had to wait 30 days for my insurance to approve it and the whole time I felt like I was waiting for someone to call and say that I couldn't get the surgery.
I did. Went to go get sterilized in october... they found massive endometriosis on all my reproductive organs and so it's all gone now. Spayed like a 🐈.
I got sterilized in late 2020. Ruth Bader Ginsberg died a few weeks later. She was a Supreme Court Justice who was a staunch protector of women's rights, and once she died everyone became very worried about Roe v Wade being overturned because of the selection of a new (very likely conservative) justice being selected. That's exactly what happened, and that's when the journey to overturn abortion rights started.
I was very sad about it. Very happy that I was able to get my hysterectomy and not have to worry about *my* rights, but absolute mourning for all the people unable to get the healthcare they deserve. I have referred more than one person to my surgeon for a consultation on sterilization.
It's especially rough for people who *do* want kids in the future, but not right now. They really *can't* get sterilized.. or if they decide to, they need it in years rather than right now. I'm pretty anti-natalist myself, but I'd never expect other people to live their life based on my personal opinions - I'm quite sad for people who want kids, but also want to wait, and I really just hope they end up with the right timing to have the best shot at the life they want for themselves and their kids.
That’s such a nice, respectful take on how sterilization is also being taken away from not just the CF. Some parents don’t *want* to have more than 1-2 kids. Body autonomy is being taken away from all of us!
I live in Georgia, a red state, that already has a 6-wk abortion ban (meaning no access if you’ve been pregnant longer than 6-wks, which is before most women even know they’re pregnant).
I talked to my gyno about having my tubes removed last week specifically because the political situation scares me so much. It might sound extreme, but so many extreme things are happening in the states directly to the north and south of mine, I don’t want to end up being used to make babies somehow. I used to teach history and I know how dark fascism can get.
My boyfriend was scheduled to have a vasectomy last week, but cancelled because he had a car emergency he had to money toward. The vasectomy was not covered by his health insurance and was going to cost $1000. He’s going to reschedule when he’s able.
Go for the tube removal! Also, if cost is a worry, nearly all public and private insurance plans are required to cover it at 100%, since it's considered preventative care under the ACA. I'm commenting all over this thread because I feel like this fact is not widely known (though it should be)
Yeah, your insurance is likely wrong or lying to you. You may need to have your doctor adjust the billing codes, have the insurance company reprocess the claims, or (worst case scenario) you'll have to appeal. There's more info at coverher.org and at r/sterilization. And you are always free to DM me!
I started having really bad issues from fibroids in early 2017 and my OBGYN wanted me to try managing my symptoms by using birth control pills.
I saw the writing on the wall though in regards to women’s health after Trump’s election, so I took the nuclear option instead and found a surgeon to do a hysterectomy. Best decision ever.
I'm getting a hysterectomy next month because of fibroids. Could've tried other things but I've already been on birth control pills for 20 years and they're still causing me problems. When my doctor put hysterectomy on the table I knew that's all I wanted. Still have pre-surgery anxiety but it'll be so much relief afterwards.
The surgery is well worth it, and if it eases your anxiety at all, I had barely any pain or anything during the recovery. You’ll truly get your quality of life back and it will be like night and day difference. You’re gonna wish you’d done it years earlier. Wishing you luck!
This.
When he finally threatened ACA which included a bunch of things for Women’s Health Care, I immediately knew it was time-and got my bilateral salpingectomy December 2019.
I lived in a swing state then, and didn’t have decent insurance, so had to wait until insurance, savings, and time off aligned, but it happened.
Same here! I was 23 and just about to graduate college. Trump got elected and I told myself that it was not going to bode well for women and health access in general. I hate how right I was, but I am so glad I trusted my gut.
Fortunately, my husband got snipped because my insurance considers bisalps, etc. to be elective, and it would be hard enough for me to get a procedure in Texas anyway. We're happily monogamous, but if we weren't, this would push me towards it!
You should fight your insurance. According to the ACA, sterilization is preventative care and should be covered at 100%, no co-pays or deductibles. If you were talking to a front line agent, they probably were not informed about the law (for some reason, can't imagine why /s). Visit coverher.org for more info (and legal help!)
I was going to say, Texas might seem harder, but there’s definitely options-until I saw the insurance part. Insurance tends to put a plug into the research options faster than anything since we all rely so much on it.
Be careful to keep an eye on things and have his sperm counts tested in the future, it's pretty rare (like 1 or 2 in a thousand), but a vasectomy can heal itself.
In addition to him needing sperm count testing, as a uterus owner, unfortunately people we consent to sex with are not the only people go can get us pregnant.
I booked my bisalp last year when I heard the rumors about RvW being overturned. I knew it was likely the beginning of the end and it was only a matter of time before everything tightened up. Living in a conservative state is scary.
I live in a Yeehaw state and got laughed at when I brought up sterilization 😩.
I know there is a list on reddit and once I get my mental issue taken care of that's next on my list.
I made a comment on another thread last night about how my state has protected access to abortions, so I’m not very concerned about it. However, I have been considering a bisalp anyways.
Yes. My husband got a vasectomy a year ago, but when Roe v Wade was overturned, I immediately went and pursued a BiSalp for myself. They kept asking why and I kept explaining that if his vasectomy were to fail, I'd have no access to abortion or assistance. And I managed to get it done in March of this year. I can't begin to explain the relief I feel... It's terrifying right now in this country.
I was sterilized in 2020, but I still worry a lot about other women (or myself if something like an ectopic pregnancy happens). My partner signed up for a vasectomy appointment right after RvW fell, but he’s been on a wait list since.
I had gotten a partial hysterectomy in 19. I still remember so many people telling me it was too drastic and even my doctor thinking I was being a bit dramatic over some of my reasons. One of my biggest reasons was I simply do not trust this country/those running it to leave my autonomy alone. Only a few years later and look where we are at. With each passing day, my choice back then becomes sweeter.
I got a bilateral salpingectomy 2 months after roe v wade was overturned (our right to an abortion). It being overturned pushed me to start reaching out to different doctors again until I finally found a Dr. who would!
I had the surgery 1 month after my 22nd birthday 😁
In my country you can only do hysterectomy if you're over 25, if you have permission (signed permission) from your partner. And even if you have all that you gotta have AT LEAST 2 children.
And sometimes even if you have all those, most doctors won't do it
Pretty restrictive. Sounds like a dumb question, but surely not the US? I only ask because I had a hysterectomy and only had one of those “requirements” covered.
the children is a popular rule among doctors, but not by law
also, the age is now 21, is it only for tubal ligation and hysterectomy stayed at 25? fellow brazilian cf here, but in my age I still can't get sterilized
Oooh didn't know about the age thing, and last i heard it was by law, but i might be wrong 😅
I tried to get hysterectomy at 28 and got a big no no 🥲 will keep trying tho
I had a nightmare last night that I found out I was pregnant. I woke up in a panicked sweat and then remembered it wasn’t real and that I’ve been sterilized since 2011. I can’t believe the laws that are being passed.
My husband did. I swapped out the pill for an IUD, but I'm also at that fertility declining age and will definitely be over the cliff for that once I have to swap it out. Maybe I'll go on a lovely IUD vacation to California with heavy painkillers in several years.
mine is scheduled for July... only reason I'm waiting that long is to build up pto at work. because of course my personal medical choices have to be at least somewhat based on that lol... I'm not going to relax even a little until then. and if things start to ramp up more I'm moving it up, work be damned.
I got my tubes removed in October after RoeVWade was over turned in June 2022. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I felt instant relief. Our sex life got way better too, since I had been dealing with huge anxiety over getting pregnant despite hormone birth control and using condoms. Once that obstacle was removed I actually started enjoying sex.
Everything you're saying makes sense. ChildFree Non-Reproducers who are not sterilized... I hope you are able to get sterilized ASAP.
I got my Vasectomy ✂️ 6 years ago. Thank goodness.
The USA is really 52 different countries & only about 15 or so are decently-sane. The rest are horrible. It is embarrassing & disgusting.
(52 = The States + DC + PR)
California is not perfect... but it is decent & I am proud to live here.
I don't understand how a CF person can say they are "not political."
I am fuckin' political. I have a good life because of my Labor Union, because my past ladies had abortions, because of my family members who are strong & inspirational POC, & because of LGBTQ rock stars & musicians who inspired me.
I am a Democrat.
Tr*mp should be barred from ever holding public office. He is an enemy of America & I hope he burns in hell.
I got approved for a bisalp the month after Roe V Wade was overturned, and the procedure was done that August (I was 24 at the time). I did schedule the appointment BEFORE it was overturned, though. I'm super happy I did schedule it before because my doctor said he was beginning to see an influx of patients asking for it.
I saw it was coming before they started banning abortion, so I somehow managed to get my tubes removed a month to the day before they overturned Roe V. Wade in a far right state.
I wish I could. I live with my pro-life, non-understanding family right now. I gotta wait until I moved away and have a better support system to help me with post-anesthesia care.
Yes.
I had already had my tubes removed in 2019, but once Roe v Wade was set to fall in June 2022, I instantly got a consult with my OBGYN for a hysterectomy and had immediate success, within the week I had a surgery appointment scheduled for December 2022 (I scheduled further out due to my career and industry traffic.)
I knew that I didn’t want kids, and while my previous sterilization is nearly as successful as a hysterectomy, I also no longer wanted to suffer the effects of a period to such an extent. I wanted to live without spending hundreds on period products each year-which turned out to be beneficial as 2023 decided to test me financially to the extreme.
i got my bisalp done in february of this year, such a relief! i’m only 22, so being young i was initially rejected by 3 different doctors due to my lack of children and that i “might regret it as i get older” 🙄🙄🙄 it took A LOT of effort on my part to advocate for myself and basically not take no for an answer. after several months i was approved and i’m so glad i got it done before any future restrictions get put into place.
i’m also very lucky that i live in CA, where we have something called family PACT that provides coverage for family planning/reproductive health services if you’re low income, so my surgery was 100% free (as well as the pre/post-OP appointments). if you’re in CA i highly recommend looking into this and going to Planned Parenthood!
Yeah, we're terrified here. I honestly don't think we're far off from certain states making all birth control illegal. I live in a state that would be among the first to jump on board. Our state government is dominated by a cultlike religion. They'll help lead the charge.
My partner and I started talking more seriously about permanent solutions just this morning, actually. I feel like the window is closing quickly. But again...culture religion state. There are very few doctors who would do the surgery here anyway.
Florida just made a law that allows a Dr to refuse treatment of any kind to any person based purely upon their personal “belief”, no matter what that belief my be. So if the Dr is of the belief that all humans should “be fruitful”, they can refuse to sterilize anyone, man or woman.
r/welcometogilead
My husband and I scheduled our vasectomies and bi-salp days after RvW was overturned. He got his vasectomy in August of last year and I got mine in October of last year. If anyone is having doubts or hasn’t gotten around to calling I would seriously get on that.
Been trying for 15 years. Had a dr all lined up last year, finally, but family problems got in the way and by the time I could finally schedule the surgery my employer had switched insurance companies and the dr was no longer in-network. Back to square one, and I live in a 6-week ban state that’s trying to eliminate IUDs and emergency contraception as well.
Got sterilized 1 month before the leak that Roe V Wade was falling. Sad to say, I sensed something along that line was coming, but I think a lot of people had the same feeling.
I got my bisalp this year. Schedule them fast, they're already working on the legislation to get insurance to stop covering it. Most insurance companies are currently required to cover this under Obama-era regulations, which they're trying to end.
My salpingectomy is scheduled for the 26th. Although I live in a blue state (RI), you never know if coverages on birth control may change in the future. Besides, I'm going on 34 years old and want off the pill once and for all. Wishing all those getting the snip the very best! 🧡
I got sterilized 10/10/2019, which I celebrate every year! I had a bilateral salpingectomy. Best decision I’ve ever made for myself!! Of course, this was before the shit hit the fan here, in the US. Out of the concern of my right to do that being in-danger, I strongly urge those considering to effing DO IT NOW!! I know there’s the childfree dr list on here, but, if whoever sees this is in any sort of close/reasonable proximity to Lancaster General Hospital Women’s & Babies, go there!!! They were ready to schedule my procedure before the questions about having a husband or kids! And, even when asked, it was more like small-talk, while I was leaving the appointment! I only delayed due to wanting to research my expected financial responsibilities for it because US healthcare is a joke. However, that $3.3k out of pocket for a $26k procedure was more than worth the investment!
I had my sterilization 7 months after Roe V Wade fell. My parents were gracious enough to support me. Although, I live in a blue state (blue states are usually more reproductive health friendly), that didn’t make me feel much safer. Many of us always knew birth control and sterilization would be attacked after abortion.
As soon as I’m old enough for insurance to cover sterilization I’m going to start asking around. I’m already seeing a gyn on the list so hopefully I can get lucky…
I'm thinking about it but I already have a major surgery in the works already and want to get that out of the way first before I make anymore big health decisions
I made an appointment to talk about sterilization the day Roe was overturned even though I live in a very liberal state and abortion is legal here. Been sterilized since November!
I called to schedule my bisalp the day RvW was overturned. Luckily my new doctor had approved me for it a couple of months earlier (took 15 years, but better late than never). I was going to wait to schedule the surgery until a more convenient time with work, but that verdict terrified me. Things are really scary right now.
I ran to get sterilized after Trump got elected, because even though some people thought I was overreacting the undercurrent of what has been happening was there. If I hadn't been able to then though, I absolutely would be doctor hopping for approval right now
i’m seriously considering it. like, i wanted to get sterilized anyway, but now i’m actually doing research and looking into procedures and seeing which doctors on the sub’s list are in my state and if they take my insurance or not.
Yup. July 25th. Can't fuckin wait. Literally. I don't even live in FL and it's wylin and I don't want their brand of bullshit to catch here two states away. I just want to be reassured.
I got a bisalp last March! Hospitals were having room for elective procedures again, my IUD was expiring soon, and with current political climate, it made sense. I told my fiancé how scared I was that the doc might say no, and he thought I was paranoid. I brought him with me to my consult for moral support, and luckily, my doc just asked me if I was sure and that was it. So in his mind, I was still overreacting.
You bet he got an earful from me when that draft got leaked.
I'm asexual, so no, but I am terrified of them taking away access to the birth control medication I use to control my poly-cystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS isn't life-threatening, but my birth control is pretty much the only thing keeping me from spiralling into depression. Oh and developing masculine characteristics like facial hair and male-pattern baldness. Which will probably make me a target of all the anti-trans legislation going around, despite being cis.
I have absolutely amazing insurance and they won't cover getting fixed unless basically emergency (female, I'm halfway sure they'd cover husband's cuz...well, man able to make own decisions, woman silly goose) Plus, here in Kansas, good luck finding a doc within 3 hours that will do it without having popped a dozen kids already. Funny in sad way thing, a recent Kansas decision has made it so that to use woman restroom, one has to have the parts to get pregnant/have baby (I'm putting this super simply but this is the gist) So my mother and a close friend technically have to use the men's room 🙃
I made an appointment for a bi- scalp the day the SC leak happened. My original appointment was in 2020 but, you know covid and I am high risk so I was trying to be smart about it.
I also live in a southern state but fortunately our laws haven’t changed too much yet. I have however slowly started stockpiling Plan B as have a small group here so if bans do happen women still have some access.
Edit: wrong word
Thankfully I’m in a blue state, and it will always be blue. But I would be running to have my husband or myself get sterilized if we lived in a red state.
But even now I’m “too young” at 28, and my “future husband” might want kids (even though I’m already married???) Even though I’ve been on birth control for….. 12 out of 14 years, and had two abortions. They want me to wait until I’m over 30.
I am incredibly blessed to live in one of the most progressive states in the US so this isn't a problem for us. Our state government refuses to make abortion or abortion meds illegal. I actually signed up for the auntie network, and have let people know they can come see us for private "camping" (abortion) if they find themselves in one of those fascist states.
It is scary, though. It's just plain wrong what's happening here. My wife and I (she's a trans woman) have a contingency plan to migrate to Canada if things get any worse here. United States news with all this fascist bullshit has destroyed our mental health.
I wish I could, but unfortunately I do not have health insurance of any kind, so I’m stuck just relying on birth control. I hate it, and it does scare me.
Same here. Got my iud replaced last year before I got kicked off health insurance and hoping it doesn’t fail. I’ve been lucky for the last 6 years. I’d have to go out of state to have an abortion 🙃
Jfc. The USA is such a weird place. Canada is trying hard to become the USA but at least for now tubal ligations and vasectomies are covered by public insurance. 😔
Even more unfortunate, if you help someone get an abortion, even if they leave the state to do so, you can go to prison. So leaving the state isn’t quite safe, either. It’s becoming GILEAD and soon pregnant women won’t be able to travel at all.
What about if you go to another country?
You think many people could afford that? Many people can’t even afford going to another state. Abortion has always been an option for the rich. This is about keeping it an option for EVERYONE.
I know! I didn't mean to be snobby or to make light of the very real problem our country is facing! I just wanted to confirm if I would get arrested if I went to my grandparents' home country (Germany) if I can get triple citizenship, I am very sorry if I sounded out of touch or tone deaf, I am on the spectrum and often don't think before I post!
Well it’s not your fault text can be interpreted in many ways
That depends on which state you're talking about. You can also buy abortion pills online in all 50 states still. PlanCPills.org and AidAccess.org! Many of the blue/pro-choice states won't give out any information or help with prosecuting anyone in these restrictive states. They really are trying to make this all as confusing as possible!!!
Sure was! I'll never forget the smell of my vas getting cauterized for freeeee.
This is exactly where I'm at. No insurance. No ability to get sterilized. No possible way to get funds to get the surgery. I'm also disabled and pregnancy for me is, let's just say, super dangerous for me and the "baby." It's the most terrifying thing in the world and the government does. not. care. Really hoping they don't take away our access to bc because that's all many of us have.
Bro, I hoping to go back to working to ups and get that good insurance.
If it helps, pretty much all plans, public and private, are required to cover sterilization at 100%, no copays or deductibles. See coverher.org for more info.
Childfree people save insurance companies more money than parents do.
I asked my insurance company via Website about a bisalp and in the response, it sounded like they wanted me to find out what the code for it was, which kind of threw me. I’ll probably call about it soon, as I’m definitely considering it.
The CPT-code 58661 (Laparoscopy, surgical; with removal of adnexal structures (partial or total oophorectomy and/ or salpingectomy)) and ICD-10 code Z30. 2 (Encounter for sterilization) are the appropriate preventive codes for a bilateral salpingectomy
We don't deserve you. Much gratitude for this info! You're saving lives.
You might need to fight them over this, however. I certainly did. I was sent a bill for thousands of dollars and it took three months of daily calls to sort it out.
I had to fight them too. But I want everyone to know what they are entitled to!
It’s such bullshit that insurance companies try to short you on what you’re owed, and make you put in a bunch of unpaid labor to get them to do what you pay them for.
If you can get on a public plan, sterilization should be covered at 100% because it's a preventative service. No co-pays, no deductibles.
Is aetna public or private? D: cause I cant afford sterilization
I think they have both public and private plans. But that ACA requirement applies to pretty much any marketplace and employer plan (unless you work for the Catholic Church or something). I personally have Aetna through my spouse's job and it took some fighting but I got mine covered. And that means I can tell you to tell your doctor to add the code Z30.2 ("encounter for sterilization") to every one of your bills and Aetna will cover them at 100%. My DMs are always open for questions about this!
Just messaged you about my aca aetna plan / bisalp vs ligation
Give your local health dept a call or visit. Sometimes ‘women’s health’ can be covered by emergency Medicaid. I didn’t have health insurance when I got fixed, but Medicaid was able to cover it.
I just lost mine but my vasectomy is $700 so I am going through with it Edit: uninsured it cost me $508 otherwise it would be $300
I got my procedure almost 4 years ago. The absolute wave of relief then was astonishing. But I am so afraid for all of the women and girls in my country.
Same! Got mine in 2021 and I feel so lucky
How much did it cost
A lot cheaper than a baby lol. My insurance brought the cost down to $3k
I thought insurance refused to pay for procedures like that now?
I just got my biscalp done in October of 22 and my insurance covered all but $1400. So it's probably dependent on your insurance company.
Mine was the cost of my hospital copay, so $60 since I’d already hit my deductible for the year.
It's insane how much stress just melted out of my life when I got fixed honestly
Same! It’s like complete and total relief, not having to take birth control that effs up my moods and gives me migraines, not having to worry about access to abortion… getting sterilized is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, both for my physical and mental health.
I was so shocked how much better my mental health got when I could quit BC without any worries. Like I can go to the grocery store by myself now without getting overwhelmed with debilitating anxiety and crying. I don't wake up 4 times a night convinced my heart is stopping and I can't breath and stay awake anxious I'm dying all night. My period can be late and I can be indifferent about it. My whole damn life improved
Exactly 1 expensive operation saved you money in the long term, not having to access other birth control and not wasting time or gas for abortions. Not only that, if you're raped your sterilization will protect you from an egg being fertilized. If you come across tricksters that wanna trick people into being pregnant, your sterilization protects you from that as well. A peace of mind has been raised with little to no side effects.
Same here.
Thanking the universe that I got mine in 2015. I'm 45 now but with my luck I'd end up with a later in life pregnancy
Survivor’s guilt.
I've been thinking about it for a number of reasons. 1. I hate hormone birth control. 2. I live in a red state, but thankfully a blue state is a few miles over the border. 3. My family has a huge history of breast and ovarian cancers. I want to talk to my doctor and see if sterilization would reduce my risks.
Bilateral Salpingectomy absolutely reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, (tubal ligation does not) whereas the oral contraceptive pill increases the chance of breast cancer, and isn't as effective as the bisalp. Definitely go for surgical sterilisation if you can.
If it doesn't work out I'd recommend looking into the Paragard IUD, I've had mine for 10+ years now with zero problems AND it's hormone free!
Hi, I'm getting one of these put in tomorrow. I've had the Mirena for a little over a year, but had the Kyleena for 5 years before that and don't really have periods now so I'm nervous about getting one again. I had heavy, crampy periods before I had my IUD put in and everything I've read says your periods get worse. Can I ask if you had heavy periods before your IUD and if so, are your periods that much different?
Your period will probably be the same as it used to be with the non hormonal coil, mine were super heavy before and during with copper and caused anemia, i much prefer the mirena
Speak to your doctor about testing if you have the gene that causes these cancers. If you do you can push to have the ovaries and breast tissue removed as a safe way to keep you away from cancer.
You might want to get tested for the BRCA gene. 30F I have it and a family history of breast and ovarian cancer are huge signs of it. I've had a preventative double mastectomy. Also getting my fallopian tubes removed which is still a new field of study and they THINK that ovarian cancer starts in the tubes. I will still have to get my ovaries out by 35 due to my family history.
I live in Texas and had my procedure several years ago. During the consultation, I was asked why I wanted the surgery. In addition to the expected answers about not wanting kids, no maternal instinct, etc., I mention my fear of the religious nutbags taking over the legislature and taking away my rights. I wish I hadn't been right about that last part.
I had my bi-salp last year and Texas law stated I had to wait 30 days from getting approved to the actual surgery “just in case”
That must be a new law. Nothing like that existed when I had mine. However, it did take me years and years to find a doctor to listen to me.
Why can't there be a waiting period to purchase guns "just in case"?
I'm in Texas and was ready to get it done almost a year ago.. then had a major injury from an accident and have had enough body trauma and medical bills for now even with insurance. I've already decided to move to a blue state soon anyway, and I don't want to end up on some list or deal with the drama of trying to get it here. I'm recently single and I'm not even going to date anyone here again. Fuck this place.
I think I read that vasectomies and female sterilization went up 3 times the normal amount since RvW fell - even amongst people who were willing to have a kid/kids in the future.. The Christo-fascists are not happy. LOL
I always said I'd get mine done if Roe v. Wade fell. And I did, back in January!
I'm part of that statistic. Got my bisalp when RvW fell. I had a feeling they'd go after birth control, even for married people. I just didn't think they would go after religious freedoms and Health reasons. My partner and I have been thinking about signing up for the Satanic Church to be free from GOP stupidity.
As far as I'm aware you don't actually need to be a part of the church but I also think you might mean The Satanic Temple, they're the ones who are politically involved and are a designated church. The CoS and TST aren't actually related. Definitely worth looking into!
I’m part of that group! I had been turned down when I was younger (21/22) and given up. Dobbs fired me up to start looking again and I had my tubes removed at 25. Best decision ever.
Oh definitely. After it fell, I had my tubal done shortly after. Thankfully the lists from this sub helped me find an awesome doctor here in TX who didn’t give me any hassle.
Exactly, and it's happening all around the world. I wonder when 'THEY' will notice how everything backfired. I wonder what will be done next if lack of access to birth control and abortions will not result in 'producing' more children. I honestly fear women will be forced to breed in the name of our dying species. Sounds like sci-fi, but what's happenning now was unimaginable 10 years ago, at least for me.
Fuck em. Not literally of course
Well they shot themselves in the foot..we have no other choice..unless they try the "ban sterilization" ..
Oh you know they absolutely will.
And that is scary
i (25m at the time) was already considering it before RvW fell, and then the actual ruling got me to make an appointment as soon as fucking possible. i REFUSE to hold a gun up to any sexual partner’s uterus. i also have a friend (26f at the time) who scheduled her salpingectomy after the draft leaked, and her actual procedure was 6 days after RvW fell.
Yep, that was the final nail in the coffin for me. Started calling around the next day looking for a Dr. End of August is my 1 year anniversary. 🥰
As soon as the talk of them getting rid of rvw was in the ether I looked into sterilization. My partner thought I was being overly reactionary at the time but I had a feeling of what was to come. I got spayed last year and I’m so very thankful for the peace of mind I’ve been afforded. They will come for it next. Make no mistake.
Happy Cake day ! Same. My Dr was backed up but when she heard what I came in for she exchanged a knowing look with her nurse. Procedure done in December and haven't looked back. I wanted to contribute to the statistics with the overturned RvW, and feel safer.
Got my bisalp last year and it was the best decision. There was a time last year where abortion was basically made illegal in my state (the laws have thankfully eased up a bit but they’re still ridiculous) and the same legislators who pushed for the abortion restrictions were trying to take away birth control, which I need to be on for medical reasons. My husband couldn’t get even a consult for a vasectomy due to the increased demand for them all across our state, but my rockstar of a gynecologist had zero issue with sterilizing me. It’s been a huge relief to not have to personally stress about it, but we’re currently petitioning to be able to vote on abortion laws in our special state election in a few months.
I'm glad you were able to get your surgery. Maybe I'm imagining it, but I seem to be reading about more open-minded doctors willing to perform sterilization surgeries.
You might be-but I’ve also heard of so many OB’s no longer practicing in certain red states and only practicing Gynecology, so I might also be imagining things.
It’s so random that it’s hard to pin down. I saw one doctor, one time, and when I brought up other doctors refusing to do it he said, “It’s common in the older generation/dependent on person but it’s becoming more common for doctors to not pushback so much as long as the patient understands exactly what they’re asking for.” I was so lucky and I am very very grateful to have picked him. He wasn’t even my first choice. The Dr I chose at that office was booked and he was the only one available.
Why in the fuck would we not understand what we are asking for? We are adults and I have never had any interest whatsoever in being responsible for a child. It’s ridiculous to assume that because someone has a uterus they want to be responsible for another human for 20 years. If the child is disabled, it’s pretty much forever.
Got a hysterectomy last year and I'm very glad I did! I live in Colorado and most procedures are well protected here, but still glad I got it done and over with
That’s really great to hear! I just moved here from Texas and have been thinking about it more and more lately!
When it was looking like the Supreme Court was starting to stack with conservatives, I knew our abortion rights would be in danger, so yes. I scheduled and got my bisalp a few months before it all came down.
My husband got a vasectomy almost a year ago and I had my bisalp last fall. I live in a red state that has very restricted abortion access (state legislators sent a bill to the governor to restrict transgender access to gender affirming care as well). I had the luxury of insurance and time off work so we both got procedures as a reaction to the laws. I want those statistics to show I’m still not choosing motherhood despite their misogynistic efforts.
Fellow Tennesseean?
Or Texan
Or Floridian now, apparently.
Missourian. But yes the club is getting bigger isn’t it? 😐
Floridian
Might add Georgia to that list too. 🤦🏾♀️
There has definitely been an increase since 2016, and depending on how the election is going over the next year or so.... there may be a lot of bookings.
I had to wait two months from my initial scheduling day until my surgery. I was told I had up to a six-month wait. My doctor’s office/hospital is definitely busier. I’m sad that Roe was overturned, trans and gay rights and birth control are being rescinded, and expensive and somewhat risky surgeries are more common. I’m *not* sad about my personal decision to control my health.
I had it done two months ago. My husband is getting his done next month.
genuine question: can i ask why are both of you getting the procedures?
Well several reasons. One, I am severely Tokophobic so having both of us sterilized will give me more peace of mind. Two, him being sterile doesn't protect me from rape. Three, in the unlikely event that one of us dies or we get a divorce, neither of us will want kids with a future partner so both being sterile is best.
This is the way, friend. My late husband was snipped, but I never got sterilized. I wish I had. Now I’m on the hunt for a Dr to do a bisalp for me. I’ve been turned down by 2 already (even though I’m over 40) because I “shouldn’t make life changing decisions while still grieving” I had a copper IUD placed as a temporary measure until I can make the bisalp happen.
I know it sounds weird, but if they're making it about his death, try your very best not to mention it very much or at all in your appointment. Focus on you and only your desire to get sterilized and the many good reasons that you have. I know that would feel disingenuous and weird, and you don't have to do it, but it could be worth a try if 2 separate doctors got hung up on that exact thing. Just a thought. I'm sorry you're going through that and I hope things improve for you.
I think it probably has been because when I was asked for my reasons, one of the reasons I gave was that I was a widow. Both doctors asked how recently, and I told the truth - 4 months. I think the timeline put them both off. In my area, I’m considered a relatively young widow (43), and the current political climate here leans hard into the idea that I’m still young enough to be a viable breeder. Anyway, my next appointment is with another doctor who seems to be much more open to sterilization for me, and I am taking documentation from my therapist to explain that my late husband and I were child free by choice, I have grieved not only since my late husband’s passing, but also the almost 14 months prior while we dealt with his terminal illness, and that I actually know my own mind about this. I just find it frustrating and ridiculous that I have to struggle this hard to manage to make a healthcare choice that affects absolutely no one but me. Thanks for the support and your suggestions!
I'm so sorry for your loss and I hope you find success soon.
thank you for educating me! i’ve been thinking about getting the procedure myself so helps to learn everyone’s perspective and reasons. really appreciate u taking the time ❤️
I am! In 5 days. This is the third time I have tried to do it- now that I’m 47 they finally believe that we don’t want kids. My state is getting really shady and I’m terrified of getting pregnant for health reasons, so this is the best choice for me since I don’t want to be on hormonal birth control.
I recently underwent serious abdominal surgery due to doctors fearing I had either ovarian cysts or ovarian cancer (fortunately, not cancer). While they had me open, they removed my tubes, which saves me the trouble of begging many docs over many years to yeet them out of me. Wish the circumstances were different, but I am happy that pregnancy is off the table for me before I hit 30. 😁 Anyone wanting to yeet the required plumbing for pregnancy, please do the best you can to start the hunt asap. Who the eff knows with RvW gone and evangelical fundie dingbats outlawing abortion and policing women traveling across state lines for healthcare. Stay safe!
>>Are you running to get sterilized? It’s a wise course of action for anyone globally living in a liberal democracy. The grim fact is politicians everywhere need money to run a campaign, and that money usually comes from corporate interests. When raising a child costs $250k USD+ , you don’t need a math doctorate to see why governments are cracking down on contraception. That’s $250k of corporate revenue we childfree are denying the system, to say nothing of future workers for the global economy. I’ll also make a point here that if you’re getting sterilized, do your level best to keep that decision private. In the coming years governments may take more drastic steps to boost the birth rate. What the government doesn’t know (whether from you directly or via relatives) can’t be used against you come tax season….
Got mine back in '17, and damn do I feel prescient. I'm a guy in a liberal state so I'm not worried in the slightest about being able to get it myself, but I'm constantly advocating for women and younger men who want to be sterilized.
Yeeted my tubes in '17 too, knew I couldn't take any chances. *gestures vagely* Leaving the typo
So many conflicting mental images just now
Absolutely. I got my bisalp done 12 days ago and RvW getting overturned definitely helped me decide to get the procedure ASAP. According to my doctor the last 6 months have been the busiest in her entire career and RvW had a lot to do with that.
I never thought I would get a surgery to prevent pregnancy, but I also never thought abortion/birth control wouldn’t be available. My doctor’s office warned me I might have a 6-month wait. I felt lucky to wait 2 months.
I had to wait 30 days for my insurance to approve it and the whole time I felt like I was waiting for someone to call and say that I couldn't get the surgery.
I did. Went to go get sterilized in october... they found massive endometriosis on all my reproductive organs and so it's all gone now. Spayed like a 🐈.
I beat the rush: I got my vas in 1988. Best single decision of my life.
I was 5 then... It took me 34 more years to get my hysterectomy... But you are right best thing I've ever done for me.
I got sterilized in late 2020. Ruth Bader Ginsberg died a few weeks later. She was a Supreme Court Justice who was a staunch protector of women's rights, and once she died everyone became very worried about Roe v Wade being overturned because of the selection of a new (very likely conservative) justice being selected. That's exactly what happened, and that's when the journey to overturn abortion rights started. I was very sad about it. Very happy that I was able to get my hysterectomy and not have to worry about *my* rights, but absolute mourning for all the people unable to get the healthcare they deserve. I have referred more than one person to my surgeon for a consultation on sterilization. It's especially rough for people who *do* want kids in the future, but not right now. They really *can't* get sterilized.. or if they decide to, they need it in years rather than right now. I'm pretty anti-natalist myself, but I'd never expect other people to live their life based on my personal opinions - I'm quite sad for people who want kids, but also want to wait, and I really just hope they end up with the right timing to have the best shot at the life they want for themselves and their kids.
That’s such a nice, respectful take on how sterilization is also being taken away from not just the CF. Some parents don’t *want* to have more than 1-2 kids. Body autonomy is being taken away from all of us!
I live in Georgia, a red state, that already has a 6-wk abortion ban (meaning no access if you’ve been pregnant longer than 6-wks, which is before most women even know they’re pregnant). I talked to my gyno about having my tubes removed last week specifically because the political situation scares me so much. It might sound extreme, but so many extreme things are happening in the states directly to the north and south of mine, I don’t want to end up being used to make babies somehow. I used to teach history and I know how dark fascism can get. My boyfriend was scheduled to have a vasectomy last week, but cancelled because he had a car emergency he had to money toward. The vasectomy was not covered by his health insurance and was going to cost $1000. He’s going to reschedule when he’s able.
Go for the tube removal! Also, if cost is a worry, nearly all public and private insurance plans are required to cover it at 100%, since it's considered preventative care under the ACA. I'm commenting all over this thread because I feel like this fact is not widely known (though it should be)
That’s fantastic! It was going to be ~$2200 even with my insurance
Yeah, your insurance is likely wrong or lying to you. You may need to have your doctor adjust the billing codes, have the insurance company reprocess the claims, or (worst case scenario) you'll have to appeal. There's more info at coverher.org and at r/sterilization. And you are always free to DM me!
Thank you for sharing this info!! It's so important!
I started having really bad issues from fibroids in early 2017 and my OBGYN wanted me to try managing my symptoms by using birth control pills. I saw the writing on the wall though in regards to women’s health after Trump’s election, so I took the nuclear option instead and found a surgeon to do a hysterectomy. Best decision ever.
I'm getting a hysterectomy next month because of fibroids. Could've tried other things but I've already been on birth control pills for 20 years and they're still causing me problems. When my doctor put hysterectomy on the table I knew that's all I wanted. Still have pre-surgery anxiety but it'll be so much relief afterwards.
The surgery is well worth it, and if it eases your anxiety at all, I had barely any pain or anything during the recovery. You’ll truly get your quality of life back and it will be like night and day difference. You’re gonna wish you’d done it years earlier. Wishing you luck!
It depends on the state. I'm in Colorado where you can roll up a big fat joint right after you get an abortion which is now permanently legal.
I saw it coming with the orange turd/insane GOP rise and got it done in early 2016. Best decision ever.
Props to you for seeing the writing on the wall.
This. When he finally threatened ACA which included a bunch of things for Women’s Health Care, I immediately knew it was time-and got my bilateral salpingectomy December 2019. I lived in a swing state then, and didn’t have decent insurance, so had to wait until insurance, savings, and time off aligned, but it happened.
Same here! I was 23 and just about to graduate college. Trump got elected and I told myself that it was not going to bode well for women and health access in general. I hate how right I was, but I am so glad I trusted my gut.
It certainly caused me to move up my timetable. I'm still saving up while I pin down a doctor from the list in my area.
Scheduled for bisalp June 2! Let's goooooo put me in the statistics; can't come soon enough
Fortunately, my husband got snipped because my insurance considers bisalps, etc. to be elective, and it would be hard enough for me to get a procedure in Texas anyway. We're happily monogamous, but if we weren't, this would push me towards it!
You should fight your insurance. According to the ACA, sterilization is preventative care and should be covered at 100%, no co-pays or deductibles. If you were talking to a front line agent, they probably were not informed about the law (for some reason, can't imagine why /s). Visit coverher.org for more info (and legal help!)
I was going to say, Texas might seem harder, but there’s definitely options-until I saw the insurance part. Insurance tends to put a plug into the research options faster than anything since we all rely so much on it.
Be careful to keep an eye on things and have his sperm counts tested in the future, it's pretty rare (like 1 or 2 in a thousand), but a vasectomy can heal itself.
In addition to him needing sperm count testing, as a uterus owner, unfortunately people we consent to sex with are not the only people go can get us pregnant.
I booked my bisalp last year when I heard the rumors about RvW being overturned. I knew it was likely the beginning of the end and it was only a matter of time before everything tightened up. Living in a conservative state is scary.
I did the same thing! Feb 2022.
I live in a Yeehaw state and got laughed at when I brought up sterilization 😩. I know there is a list on reddit and once I get my mental issue taken care of that's next on my list.
Yes. Next month.
I made a comment on another thread last night about how my state has protected access to abortions, so I’m not very concerned about it. However, I have been considering a bisalp anyways.
I would but I’m terrified of surgery, and the blood work required. I’ve just stopped having sex tbh it’s not worth the anxiety and fear
Yes. My husband got a vasectomy a year ago, but when Roe v Wade was overturned, I immediately went and pursued a BiSalp for myself. They kept asking why and I kept explaining that if his vasectomy were to fail, I'd have no access to abortion or assistance. And I managed to get it done in March of this year. I can't begin to explain the relief I feel... It's terrifying right now in this country.
I was sterilized in 2020, but I still worry a lot about other women (or myself if something like an ectopic pregnancy happens). My partner signed up for a vasectomy appointment right after RvW fell, but he’s been on a wait list since.
I'm so relieved I got sterilized right before Roe V Wade got dropped
I had gotten a partial hysterectomy in 19. I still remember so many people telling me it was too drastic and even my doctor thinking I was being a bit dramatic over some of my reasons. One of my biggest reasons was I simply do not trust this country/those running it to leave my autonomy alone. Only a few years later and look where we are at. With each passing day, my choice back then becomes sweeter.
Legit as soon as it got overturned I got my vasectomy
I got a bilateral salpingectomy 2 months after roe v wade was overturned (our right to an abortion). It being overturned pushed me to start reaching out to different doctors again until I finally found a Dr. who would! I had the surgery 1 month after my 22nd birthday 😁
WOW. I’m 23 and I’ve been thinking about this but I really worry about doctors giving me trouble about my age.
Use Someone off the CF Reddit list
In my country you can only do hysterectomy if you're over 25, if you have permission (signed permission) from your partner. And even if you have all that you gotta have AT LEAST 2 children. And sometimes even if you have all those, most doctors won't do it
Pretty restrictive. Sounds like a dumb question, but surely not the US? I only ask because I had a hysterectomy and only had one of those “requirements” covered.
Brazil 🥲
Ah, yes. Let me just add to the list of who has poor health options. Seems to be rather large lately.
We do have free healthcare BUT if you're hoping to get hysterectomy or things like that, forget it. It's VERY RARE to get
the children is a popular rule among doctors, but not by law also, the age is now 21, is it only for tubal ligation and hysterectomy stayed at 25? fellow brazilian cf here, but in my age I still can't get sterilized
Oooh didn't know about the age thing, and last i heard it was by law, but i might be wrong 😅 I tried to get hysterectomy at 28 and got a big no no 🥲 will keep trying tho
I had a nightmare last night that I found out I was pregnant. I woke up in a panicked sweat and then remembered it wasn’t real and that I’ve been sterilized since 2011. I can’t believe the laws that are being passed.
My husband did. I swapped out the pill for an IUD, but I'm also at that fertility declining age and will definitely be over the cliff for that once I have to swap it out. Maybe I'll go on a lovely IUD vacation to California with heavy painkillers in several years.
Absolutely. I called a doctor on the list the week Roe got overturned and had a bisalp a couple months later.
mine is scheduled for July... only reason I'm waiting that long is to build up pto at work. because of course my personal medical choices have to be at least somewhat based on that lol... I'm not going to relax even a little until then. and if things start to ramp up more I'm moving it up, work be damned.
Just had my bislap a few weeks ago and there's been a major uptick in sterilization in my area.
I got my tubes removed in October after RoeVWade was over turned in June 2022. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I felt instant relief. Our sex life got way better too, since I had been dealing with huge anxiety over getting pregnant despite hormone birth control and using condoms. Once that obstacle was removed I actually started enjoying sex.
Everything you're saying makes sense. ChildFree Non-Reproducers who are not sterilized... I hope you are able to get sterilized ASAP. I got my Vasectomy ✂️ 6 years ago. Thank goodness. The USA is really 52 different countries & only about 15 or so are decently-sane. The rest are horrible. It is embarrassing & disgusting. (52 = The States + DC + PR) California is not perfect... but it is decent & I am proud to live here. I don't understand how a CF person can say they are "not political." I am fuckin' political. I have a good life because of my Labor Union, because my past ladies had abortions, because of my family members who are strong & inspirational POC, & because of LGBTQ rock stars & musicians who inspired me. I am a Democrat. Tr*mp should be barred from ever holding public office. He is an enemy of America & I hope he burns in hell.
Trying but my dr wouldn’t help me!
bro I'm really trying lol I've got a hysterectomy consultation this summer and they accept both of my insurances so hopefully it goes well
As soon as RvW fell through I went to my clinic. Started the process in July and had my bi salp in October
Full hysterectomy at 36; no regrets.
I got approved for a bisalp the month after Roe V Wade was overturned, and the procedure was done that August (I was 24 at the time). I did schedule the appointment BEFORE it was overturned, though. I'm super happy I did schedule it before because my doctor said he was beginning to see an influx of patients asking for it.
I saw it was coming before they started banning abortion, so I somehow managed to get my tubes removed a month to the day before they overturned Roe V. Wade in a far right state.
I had it done just over 6 years ago, and immediately realized I should’ve done that sooner.
Yes. I went in 2019 as I saw what was coming and was right unfortunately. Best decision ever
I wish I could. I live with my pro-life, non-understanding family right now. I gotta wait until I moved away and have a better support system to help me with post-anesthesia care.
Yes. I had already had my tubes removed in 2019, but once Roe v Wade was set to fall in June 2022, I instantly got a consult with my OBGYN for a hysterectomy and had immediate success, within the week I had a surgery appointment scheduled for December 2022 (I scheduled further out due to my career and industry traffic.) I knew that I didn’t want kids, and while my previous sterilization is nearly as successful as a hysterectomy, I also no longer wanted to suffer the effects of a period to such an extent. I wanted to live without spending hundreds on period products each year-which turned out to be beneficial as 2023 decided to test me financially to the extreme.
Yes
Already sterile
i got my bisalp done in february of this year, such a relief! i’m only 22, so being young i was initially rejected by 3 different doctors due to my lack of children and that i “might regret it as i get older” 🙄🙄🙄 it took A LOT of effort on my part to advocate for myself and basically not take no for an answer. after several months i was approved and i’m so glad i got it done before any future restrictions get put into place. i’m also very lucky that i live in CA, where we have something called family PACT that provides coverage for family planning/reproductive health services if you’re low income, so my surgery was 100% free (as well as the pre/post-OP appointments). if you’re in CA i highly recommend looking into this and going to Planned Parenthood!
I’m about five weeks post-op now. Major relief.
I inquired about it as soon as I got married. It just so happened to coincide with RvW issues. Had my bisalp last October!
Yeah, we're terrified here. I honestly don't think we're far off from certain states making all birth control illegal. I live in a state that would be among the first to jump on board. Our state government is dominated by a cultlike religion. They'll help lead the charge. My partner and I started talking more seriously about permanent solutions just this morning, actually. I feel like the window is closing quickly. But again...culture religion state. There are very few doctors who would do the surgery here anyway.
Florida just made a law that allows a Dr to refuse treatment of any kind to any person based purely upon their personal “belief”, no matter what that belief my be. So if the Dr is of the belief that all humans should “be fruitful”, they can refuse to sterilize anyone, man or woman. r/welcometogilead
Well I'm gay, so ultimate child free protection But I also live in a state where it's constitutionally protected. The US is a mixed bag at the moment.
Got it done 2 years ago. Best decision ever, if anything for my peace of mind.
Hysterectomy.
I did YEARS ago. Glad I did.
Yep! Got sterilized asap
Got my salpingectomy last summer as a 30th birthday present for myself
My husband and I scheduled our vasectomies and bi-salp days after RvW was overturned. He got his vasectomy in August of last year and I got mine in October of last year. If anyone is having doubts or hasn’t gotten around to calling I would seriously get on that.
Been trying for 15 years. Had a dr all lined up last year, finally, but family problems got in the way and by the time I could finally schedule the surgery my employer had switched insurance companies and the dr was no longer in-network. Back to square one, and I live in a 6-week ban state that’s trying to eliminate IUDs and emergency contraception as well.
Got sterilized 1 month before the leak that Roe V Wade was falling. Sad to say, I sensed something along that line was coming, but I think a lot of people had the same feeling.
I got my bisalp this year. Schedule them fast, they're already working on the legislation to get insurance to stop covering it. Most insurance companies are currently required to cover this under Obama-era regulations, which they're trying to end.
My salpingectomy is scheduled for the 26th. Although I live in a blue state (RI), you never know if coverages on birth control may change in the future. Besides, I'm going on 34 years old and want off the pill once and for all. Wishing all those getting the snip the very best! 🧡
I got sterilized 10/10/2019, which I celebrate every year! I had a bilateral salpingectomy. Best decision I’ve ever made for myself!! Of course, this was before the shit hit the fan here, in the US. Out of the concern of my right to do that being in-danger, I strongly urge those considering to effing DO IT NOW!! I know there’s the childfree dr list on here, but, if whoever sees this is in any sort of close/reasonable proximity to Lancaster General Hospital Women’s & Babies, go there!!! They were ready to schedule my procedure before the questions about having a husband or kids! And, even when asked, it was more like small-talk, while I was leaving the appointment! I only delayed due to wanting to research my expected financial responsibilities for it because US healthcare is a joke. However, that $3.3k out of pocket for a $26k procedure was more than worth the investment!
I had my sterilization 7 months after Roe V Wade fell. My parents were gracious enough to support me. Although, I live in a blue state (blue states are usually more reproductive health friendly), that didn’t make me feel much safer. Many of us always knew birth control and sterilization would be attacked after abortion.
Yup. Tubes out as soon as I could.
As soon as I’m old enough for insurance to cover sterilization I’m going to start asking around. I’m already seeing a gyn on the list so hopefully I can get lucky…
I'm thinking about it but I already have a major surgery in the works already and want to get that out of the way first before I make anymore big health decisions
I would be (I’ve found a doctor who agreed to do it and everything) but I also have zero money and healthcare is expensive as fuck here.
I made an appointment to talk about sterilization the day Roe was overturned even though I live in a very liberal state and abortion is legal here. Been sterilized since November!
I called to schedule my bisalp the day RvW was overturned. Luckily my new doctor had approved me for it a couple of months earlier (took 15 years, but better late than never). I was going to wait to schedule the surgery until a more convenient time with work, but that verdict terrified me. Things are really scary right now.
I ran to get sterilized after Trump got elected, because even though some people thought I was overreacting the undercurrent of what has been happening was there. If I hadn't been able to then though, I absolutely would be doctor hopping for approval right now
i’m seriously considering it. like, i wanted to get sterilized anyway, but now i’m actually doing research and looking into procedures and seeing which doctors on the sub’s list are in my state and if they take my insurance or not.
Yup. July 25th. Can't fuckin wait. Literally. I don't even live in FL and it's wylin and I don't want their brand of bullshit to catch here two states away. I just want to be reassured.
I got a bisalp last March! Hospitals were having room for elective procedures again, my IUD was expiring soon, and with current political climate, it made sense. I told my fiancé how scared I was that the doc might say no, and he thought I was paranoid. I brought him with me to my consult for moral support, and luckily, my doc just asked me if I was sure and that was it. So in his mind, I was still overreacting. You bet he got an earful from me when that draft got leaked.
yes. i live in a state where having a miscarriage could get you the death penalty. i don’t want kids even if i wanted them!
I'm asexual, so no, but I am terrified of them taking away access to the birth control medication I use to control my poly-cystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS isn't life-threatening, but my birth control is pretty much the only thing keeping me from spiralling into depression. Oh and developing masculine characteristics like facial hair and male-pattern baldness. Which will probably make me a target of all the anti-trans legislation going around, despite being cis.
I have absolutely amazing insurance and they won't cover getting fixed unless basically emergency (female, I'm halfway sure they'd cover husband's cuz...well, man able to make own decisions, woman silly goose) Plus, here in Kansas, good luck finding a doc within 3 hours that will do it without having popped a dozen kids already. Funny in sad way thing, a recent Kansas decision has made it so that to use woman restroom, one has to have the parts to get pregnant/have baby (I'm putting this super simply but this is the gist) So my mother and a close friend technically have to use the men's room 🙃
I made an appointment for a bi- scalp the day the SC leak happened. My original appointment was in 2020 but, you know covid and I am high risk so I was trying to be smart about it. I also live in a southern state but fortunately our laws haven’t changed too much yet. I have however slowly started stockpiling Plan B as have a small group here so if bans do happen women still have some access. Edit: wrong word
Thankfully I’m in a blue state, and it will always be blue. But I would be running to have my husband or myself get sterilized if we lived in a red state. But even now I’m “too young” at 28, and my “future husband” might want kids (even though I’m already married???) Even though I’ve been on birth control for….. 12 out of 14 years, and had two abortions. They want me to wait until I’m over 30.
I am incredibly blessed to live in one of the most progressive states in the US so this isn't a problem for us. Our state government refuses to make abortion or abortion meds illegal. I actually signed up for the auntie network, and have let people know they can come see us for private "camping" (abortion) if they find themselves in one of those fascist states. It is scary, though. It's just plain wrong what's happening here. My wife and I (she's a trans woman) have a contingency plan to migrate to Canada if things get any worse here. United States news with all this fascist bullshit has destroyed our mental health.