Tubal ligation cuts or blocks the fallopian tubes, which carry a woman’s eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. The operative procedure is often performed with a small camera and light called a laparoscope. First, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen. They may inflate the area with gas for a better view. Then, they’ll insert the laparoscope and instruments to block the fallopian tubes, which are either tied off, clamped, or burned. The incisions are stitched up at the end. Tubal ligation usually involves general anesthesia, though some surgeons use local or spinal anesthesia. After the surgical procedure, the woman will spend a few hours in the recovery room, but she may be sent home the same day. She may have some discomfort from the gas and will need to rest at home for several days. She may also need to return to have her stitches removed. Like a vasectomy, tubal ligation should not affect a woman’s sex drive. It also should not affect her period. Tubal ligation is sometimes successfully reversed.