Progesterone levels before and after laparoscopic tubal sterilization using endotherm coagulation

Abstract

Tubal sterilization can be performed by several surgical methods. It has often been reported that menstrual disorders appear after the operations, probably caused by hormonal disturbance. However, there is no published systematic study of the ovarian hormonal status after sterilization. In the present prospective study therefore, the plasma progesterone level has been determined during one menstrual cycle before and one after endotherm tubal laparoscopic coagulation. Plasma progesterone was chosen as normal levels of this hormone during the luteal phase reflect ovulation and an adequate corpus luteum. The endotherm coagulation method does not appear to cause any progesterone malfunction in the ovary.

PIP: 12 regularly menstruating women aged 26-46 who did not use hormonal contraceptives participated in a prospective study of sex hormone disturbance following laparoscopic tubal sterilization by endotherm coagulation. The plasma concentration of progesterone during the luteal phase was chosen as an indicator since normal levels of progesterone reflect ovulation and adequate corpus luteum. Venous blood was drawn from each woman 2-3 times/week during 1 menstrual cycle before sterilization and again in the 2nd or 3rd menstrual cycle after sterilization. Blood was also drawn daily from 3 normally menstruating women during a menstrual cycle to evaluate the statistical method used. Individual computer-fitted 2nd degree equation curves constructed for progesterone values before and after the operation for each woman were compared. No significant difference between pre- and postoperative values could be distinguished. Results of this prospective study, in which each woman served as her own control, indicate that the progesterone function in the ovary continues to be normal following endotherm coagulation.