Roughly 1 in every 5 women over the age of 25 has had a tubal ligation. If you’re one of the women who had her “tubes tied” and are thinking about having children again, you’re probably wondering what your options are. The good news is that the reversal of this procedure is mildly invasive and in most cases is successful. Is it always the right step to battling infertility? Let’s find out.
Does a tubal ligation/tubal ligation reversal affect fertility?
Tubal litigation is a procedure where a doctor blocks your fallopian tubes, to prevent pregnancy. It is a permanent form of birth control, but can oftentimes be reversed! There are various ways to “tie your tubes” including cutting the fallopian tube and using clamp or rings to seal off the tunnel.
Tubal litigation reversal is the process in which your tubes are “rejoined” or unblocked so that the sperm can travel to your ovaries and fertilize the egg naturally.
The success rate for tubal litigation reversal-
Live birth rates following tubal ligation reversal range between 55-81%. The highest chance of success is with women under the age of 35, who have no other issues conceiving. For couples who are older, or who have infertility due to a different reason, the chances of pregnancy after your surgery will be lower. This means the procedure might not be what’s necessary for you to become pregnant. You could end up spending the money on the procedure, only to be told that you need a different type of fertility treatment.
Cost of surgery, recovery time, and risks involved in having a tubal ligation reversal procedure.
Every facility is different, but the average cost for tubal ligation reversal in the US is between $8,500 – $10,000. Insurance does not usually cover this procedure. This price could vary based on your specific situation and location.
The procedure itself is minimally invasive. The doctor will create a small incision on your stomach above your fallopian tubes, and either remove the blockage or suture your tubes back together. You will be under general anesthesia and are normally cleared to go home the same day.
The procedure has few risks involved, the biggest being an increased risk for an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that happens outside the womb). The recovery time for everyone is different and depends on your normal level of physical activity.
Who should have this surgery done?
To receive this procedure, you must first qualify. A physician will use an ultrasound to determine if you’re a good candidate for tubal reversal. If you received tubal ligation in the form of a “blockage,” then removing the blocks is usually a simple process. However if your fallopian tubes were cut, there may be too much scarring to properly rejoin.
If I am not a candidate, what are my options?
If you are not a good fit for tubal ligation reversal, there are other ways for you to become pregnant. IVF (in Vitro fertilization) would be an amazing choice for you, because the procedure completely bypasses the fallopian tubes, and inserts the embryo directly into the uterus.
Why New Hope?
If you’re looking to explore fertility treatment options outside of tubal ligation reversal, we’d love to help you! At New Hope Fertility Center we customize your fertility treatment to your body, to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Our specialists believe in putting the patient first and being with them through every step of the fertility journey. As the first facility to adopt the revolutionary Mini IVF protocol, our team is well versed in helping women of all ages reach their fertility goals. If you want compassionate fertility care, New Hope is the right place for you. Call us at (212) 517-7676 or visit our website to schedule your initial consultation today!