Does Tubal Reversal Work?

Your OB/GYN asked if you wanted your tubes tied following the birth of what you thought was your last baby. It felt right at the time, but now you’re having second thoughts. 

Does tubal ligation reversal work?

If you want to restore your fertility after a tubal ligation, a reversal is a possibility. Our fertility doctors at CARE Fertility in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas, offer tubal reversal as an affordable alternative to in vitro fertilization (IVF). We wouldn’t offer the procedure if it didn’t work — but we may not recommend it for everyone.

About tubal reversal

Tubal ligation is a sterilization procedure that blocks or cuts the fallopian tubes so the egg can’t pass through, preventing fertilization and pregnancy. More than 18% of women in the United States choose female sterilization over other forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy. 

Tubal ligation reversal reconnects or reopens the fallopian tubes, allowing the egg to pass through so it can join with sperm for fertilization. It’s a minor surgical procedure that may give you an opportunity to conceive naturally.

Pregnancy rates following tubal reversal range from 50% to 80%.

Criteria that increase success

We only perform tubal reversals if we think there’s a good chance of pregnancy after surgery. We consider many factors during a tubal reversal evaluation, including:

Age

Fertility naturally declines with age. Healthy pregnancy following tubal reversal is more likely in younger women. If we have any concerns that your age may affect your ability to have a healthy pregnancy, we may recommend other fertility treatments.

Tubal ligation procedure

The type of tubal ligation performed also affects success. It’s easier to reverse tubal ligation procedures that used clips or rings to block the tubes rather than cauterization.

The length of the remaining fallopian tube also matters. We can’t reopen or reattach if too much of the fallopian tube was removed. 

Gynecological health

Your gynecological health also affects your chances of pregnancy. Women with an irregular menstrual cycle from polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids, or scarring from endometriosis may have a harder time conceiving following tubal reversal. 

Partner’s fertility

We also take a look at your partner’s fertility when deciding whether to move forward with a tubal reversal. We do semen analysis and male fertility treatments to support couples struggling with infertility.

The only way to know for sure if a tubal reversal will work for you is to schedule a consultation. 

Other fertility options

If tubal reversal isn’t right for you, you should consider IVF. Thanks to advances in research and methods, IVF has a high rate of success. We can fertilize and incubate your embryo in our state-of-the-art lab. However, we also offer effortless IVF, placing the embryo in an INVOcell so it can incubate in the vagina instead of the lab.

Tubal reversal works, but success depends on many factors. If you had a change of heart and want to know more about tubal ligation reversal, our team can answer your questions. Call us today or request an appointment online.