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I have dubbed 2019 the year of self-care. From spreading the word out on PReP- the HIV prevention pill, to finally scheduling my first mammogram. I’m making headway in checking items off my health “to do list.” One thing that’s tops my list is getting my tubes tied.
I’ve joked about this with my friends and family for the past couple of years, but I think it’s finally time. At my most recent primary care appointment, I mentioned this to my doc. As expected, she asked me a few questions, namely “how many children do you have?” and “are you sure?” After some brief discussion, she finally uttered the words I have been longing to hear “I’ll put in a referral” (but I think she’s trying to play me on the low- I still haven’t heard from the GYN office yet).
Getting My Tubes Tied with One Kid?
I know, I know… I can hear you now. Tying your tubes with one kid? Really? YES! So, here’s the thing. I’m forty years old, my diva-in-training is about to start kindergarten- for me, life is good. And please believe that this is a joint decision, I’ve asked my husband on a number of occasions if he would like to expand our family and he gives me the same answer every time:
“Hell Naw!”
So here we are, mulling over about when I should get my tubes tied. Even though I know that having a vasectomy is a much simpler procedure with less downtime, recovery, and cost, I can’t convince my husband that “team v-snip” the better alternative and to avoid becoming a 50-year-old woman with a newborn (not knocking those who want to be a mom later in life), I’ve taken matters into my own hands.
5-Year Preparation
Honestly, it’s taken me a while to finally get to this point. I’ve gone back and forth for the past 5 years about whether or not I was ready to do this; not because I wanted more kids (I entertained the idea of a millisecond and then my nephew came over-yeah, I’m good) but because, well, the procedure is permanent. No do-overs, no I’ve changed my mind. This is it, my friend.
The conversations that I’ve had with friends and family who have already undergone this procedure have helped to put my mind at ease. My girls have all mentioned how freeing it is not to have to worry about getting pregnant and how my husband will totally benefit from this (wink, wink).
One Child Rules
Even though I’m settled on my decision, I know my mom will have something to say about this ‘cause I’ve heard it before- having one child is a selfish act.
This may be true but I think what she may fail to realize is by the age of 40 she was practically an empty nester. My child is just entering kindergarten. Had I started my family in earlier, I probably would have had more than one child but I didn’t because I was too busy getting my Master’s Master plus the fact that I didn’t meet my prince charming until my late twenties.
I honestly wouldn’t change a thing about my situation. I’m completely satisfied as a family of three. So wish me luck and a speedy recovery.
Permanent birth control is right for me but you may be looking for other less permanent birth control options. Check out my post on hormone-free birth control options.