Long-term side effects of bilateral salpingectomy

Bilateral salpingectomy means both fallopian tubes have been removed. Eggs can still be released by the ovaries, but the usual route for an egg and sperm to meet has been removed. The operation is intended to prevent natural pregnancy; assisted conception may still be possible for some people because the uterus and ovaries can remain. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

The tubes are different from the ovaries, so removal of the tubes alone does not usually cause an immediate menopause or stop ovarian hormone production. Individual fertility and hormone outcomes depend on the operation, ovarian health, age, and other conditions. Read more about [Salpingectomy](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/salpingectomy/) and the [Laparoscopic Surgery System](/technology/laparoscopic-surgery-system/).

Keep the operation report and ask whether both tubes were fully removed, whether the ovaries and uterus were left in place, and why the procedure was recommended. Discuss contraception until your clinician confirms the operation has achieved its intended effect, especially if the surgery was recent or performed during another procedure. If you may want a future pregnancy, ask a fertility specialist about options before making plans. Attend follow-up for wound review, pain, bleeding, and recovery concerns.

Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing abdominal pain, fever, repeated vomiting, worsening redness or discharge from an incision, heavy vaginal bleeding, difficulty passing urine, or a new painful swelling. Seek emergency help for severe pain with dizziness, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, breathing difficulty, or collapse. Pregnancy after bilateral salpingectomy is uncommon but can rarely occur; a positive pregnancy test with one-sided pain or bleeding needs urgent assessment because of [Ectopic Pregnancy](/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/).

Ask whether the ovaries were preserved, what fertility options apply to you, when contraception can stop, which symptoms suggest a complication, and when your postoperative review should occur.