Reversing tubal ligation: what to expect from the procedure

Tubal ligation itself is usually met with an incredibly high success rate, such that women who undergo the process can only in the most astronomical circumstances become pregnant without a reversal process. It is one of the most thorough, most effective methods of female sterilization. Usually, it involves the placement of a tight clip, ring, or other object to tie off access from the uterus to the ovaries by way of the fallopian tubes. The tubes may sometimes also be cut or cauterized electrically. In either case, the tubes are closed in such a way that no sperm may pass, which requires a great deal of pressure in the case of clipping, as sperm cells are quite tiny. Because the procedure must be so thorough, it is quite difficult to reverse successfully. It can be done, but success is not guaranteed at a rate above about fifty percent, depending upon the case of the individual and the method of sterilization.

Tubal reanastomosis, or tubal reversal requires that the fallopian tubes be re-opened, meaning that the tissue which has been clamped or cut must be removed, and the 'fallopian stumps', or remaining segments of the fallopian tubes, must be rejoined. Because of this, your chances are greatly improved if you have a greater length of fallopian tissue remaining--most doctors tend to say about an inch or more is ideal. This is, in fact, the primary factor that determines your odds of a successful reversal, along with the type of sterilization. Even upon successful reversal, there is a significant chance that fertilization will be impossible or improbable, depending in part on the normal fertility of both partners. The type of sterilization matters, as well, in part because it can affect the length of the remaining tube sections (clamping or tying is preferable), and any peripheral damage to the tubes, including scarring or any unrelated uterine conditions can potentially affect the odds of a successful reversal. How long ago the sterilization procedure occurred is generally also a factor in the odds of success.

Generally, health insurance won't cover the cost of a tubal reversal, and it costs something in the realm of $10,000 USD. As such, you should seriously consider other alternatives before deciding upon tubal reversal, most notably in vitro fertilization (IVF). Tubal reversal may be just as successful as an IVF, but if you correspond to any risk factors for an unsuccessful reversal (in that you cannot become pregnant afterward, not that the surgery does not succeed) you may experience far better results with an IVF. For instance, if you are in your mid-to-late thirties or older, your chances of a successful tubal reversal over an IVF are significantly less. If the sperm of your partner are anything less than absolutely virile, your odds are decreased as well. If you underwent cutting, partial removal, or cauterization of your tubes you are also at an increased risk for post-surgery infertility. An IVF is generally more likely to succeed, less invasive, and comparable in expense to a tubal reversal, and may be your best option. Consult a fertility specialist and discuss your individual case for a better grasp on the details and benefits of each procedure for your individual anatomy.