Tubal Ligation Reversal

At one time, you felt your family was complete, but lives change. If you had your tubes tied and wish to have more children, you can still get pregnant with medical help.

What Are My Options for Tubal Ligation Reversal?

Women who have had their tubes tied in the past can still get pregnant either by undergoing IVF treatment, which bypasses the blocked fallopian tubes, or by surgically reconnecting the fallopian tubes. There are a number of factors to consider when deciding on the best treatment option.

Surgery to reverse tubal ligation requires recovery time before trying to get pregnant, which prompts some older patients to move directly to IVF. A young couple that wishes to have more than one child may opt for surgery so that they don’t have to undergo IVF for each child they wish to conceive.

Medical factors, such as how the tubal ligation surgery was performed and the condition of the male partner’s sperm, can also influence the decision. Once you and your partner have completed the medical evaluation, we can discuss with you the treatment that will maximize your chances of pregnancy.

What Does the Tubal Ligation Surgery Entail?

If you decide surgery is the best option, you will be put under general anesthesia at your local hospital. A small incision is made in the lower abdomen and the scarred segment of the fallopian tube is removed. The remaining healthy portions are connected with small sutures performed under microscopic guidance. You may be discharged later that day, or in some cases, admitted overnight for observation.

You can attempt to get pregnant after you’ve recovered from the surgery. If not pregnant three to six months following surgery, a repeat surgery may be performed to determine if the tube is open. Once you have a positive pregnancy test, we recommend early monitoring to rule out an ectopic or tubal pregnancy.

Whether you try IVF or undergo surgery to reverse a prior tubal ligation, we can guide you through appropriate evaluation and treatment options to maximize your ability to have a healthy baby.