Tubal ligation, more commonly known as getting your tubes tied, is thought to be a permanent form of birth control. It’s fairly common. In the US alone, 21% of women aged 30-39 have their tubes tied. For women over 40, that percentage nearly doubles at 39%.
What is A Tubal Ligation and How Does it Work?
Tying your tubes prevents the egg from traveling from the ovaries to the uterus through the fallopian tubes. As this procedure blocks your fallopian tubes it also prevents sperm from accessing the egg for fertilization.
Two common procedures prevent pregnancy by blocking your fallopian tubes. One is a method in which the cauterization of the tubes using an electric current forms a seal at a point along your fallopian tubes. Or your physician blocks your tubes by placing clamps or spring-loaded clips on your tubes.
How Does A Tubal Reversal Work?
Although a woman typically enters into such a permanent end to childbearing, life often takes a different turn. Of those who have their tubes tied, roughly 1-3% reconsider and seek to restore their fertility with a tubal reversal.
Tubal reversal surgery reverses your tubal ligation by reopening your fallopian tubes. A surgeon unties or reattaches your fallopian tubes so your egg may move through again. Sperm can now reach your egg, and fertilization becomes more probable.
Who is A Good Candidate for Tubal Reversal?
Before any of that can happen, your doctor must assess your situation and consider several factors before they determine if tubal reversal is the right procedure for you. Some of those factors include:
- Your age – the most important
- Your overall health
- The health of your reproductive system
- Your partner’s reproductive health
- The type of tubal ligation surgery you had – which will determine if you can have the procedure or not
- When you had your tubal ligation
- Previous pregnancies
The success of a tubal reversal procedure depends on the length of the remaining portion of your fallopian tubes or if the surgeon used clips. A successful tubal reversal is much easier if the patient is under 40 and has their tubes tied immediately postpartum.
The Tubal Reversal Procedure
The tubal reversal procedure for clipped tubes generally occurs as a laparoscopic surgery. The doctor makes an incision in your lower abdomen and inserts the laparoscopic tool. If your previous tubal ligation used clips, the doctor removes them and reverses the procedure.
Reversing a tubal ligation in which the surgeon cut your tubes involves using microscopic tools. Your doctor uses microsurgical techniques to reconnect the healthy ends of your fallopian tubes using micro-stitching.
Your doctor checks the success of the reversal by injecting dye. If the dye flows through, the tubal reversal is a success. You’re asleep for either procedure, thanks to general anesthesia. Typically, tubal reversal is a day surgery, meaning you’ll go home after recovery. Should your doctor require you to stay in the hospital, it won’t be for more than a day or two.
This is a surgical procedure, so plan on staying home and taking it easy for at least two weeks. No lifting, strenuous activity, or sex for the recovery period. Your doctor typically prescribes pain medicine for the first few days post-op.
Odds for Tubal Reversal Success and When It’s Time for IVF
A successful tubal reversal increases your odds of natural pregnancy. But there are times when a tubal reversal isn’t possible or simply does not work. That’s when it’s time to explore IVF, which offers the perfect solution.
IVF has many advantages over tubal reversal surgery. Of course, each case is unique, but IVF has a high success rate compared to tubal reversal. Also, IVF doesn’t carry the same risks as surgery under general anesthesia. And should your doctor uncover additional factors that may contribute to compromised fertility for you or your partner, IVF helps overcome those obstacles as well.
Of course, depending on your evaluation, together with your doctor, you will determine the right path for you and your partner. Advanced reproductive technology offers a few different solutions for every challenge.
Weigh Your Choices and Let Us Help
When you weigh your choices and consider both IVF and tubal reversal, keep in mind there are pros and cons for each one. There are no cookie-cutter solutions for everyone, and at LA IVF we understand you face a unique dilemma. Schedule a consultation and speak with the experienced, caring, compassionate, and knowledgeable team at LA IVF.
