Many factors go into a person’s decision to become pregnant or not. For a myriad of reasons, sometimes the factors that led to your reproductive decisions may change. If you have already taken steps to prevent pregnancy from occurring, changing your mind may be more complicated, but not impossible.
Is tubal reversal possible?
A tubal ligation surgery disconnects the fallopian tubes to prevent conception from taking place permanently. Women use it as a permanent birth control method. This procedure is often referred to as “getting your tubes tied.” However, the tubes are disconnected to prevent eggs from traveling down from the ovaries and sperm from traveling up to meet the eggs.
However, in many cases, it is reversible with tubal reversal surgery. Tubal reversal surgery is possible as long as there is enough of the tube remaining to be reconnected and allow for contraception to occur. There are some cases when a tubal reversal surgery will not be an option. For example, if the fallopian tubes were sealed or scarred during the original procedure, a reversal surgery will not be effective for conception. In addition to the type of tubal ligation performed and the extent of the damage to your fallopian tubes, doctors will also need to look at your age, body mass index, and other fertility factors, including the quantity and quality of your remaining eggs.
What should I expect from this surgery?
Tubal reversal is an outpatient surgery and typically lasts two hours to complete. Surgeons use either an operating microscope or magnification glasses to repair the tubes carefully. It is a delicate surgery because the suture needs to be strong enough to hold the tube, but not so strong that it causes scar tissue, which can interfere with conception. The incision in your abdomen is closed with dissolving sutures, so they do not need to be removed later, and recuperation takes approximately two weeks.
As with any surgery, there are risks. The risks of tubal reversal include continued infertility, infection, bleeding, scarring, ectopic pregnancy, and anesthesia complications. It is important to understand going into the surgery that it will not guarantee conception. Even after the operation is determined successful, it does not guarantee conception because there are so many other factors that come into play when trying to get pregnant. Despite the lack of guarantee, doctors have found that if you are still having difficulty conceiving after a successful tubal reversal surgery, IVF has been found helpful.
Where can I find support?
Trying to get pregnant can be a long and difficult road for many couples. Pacific Fertility Center of Los Angeles (PFCLA) has worked closely with thousands of couples to make their dreams of parenthood a reality. If you’ve had a tubal ligation surgery, you can get a tubal reversal under 3000. Getting pregnant doesn’t have to be a dream beyond your budget. You call the PFCLA office to set up a consultation that will allow you to sit down with a doctor that specializes in fertility needs to explore your viability for the procedure, as well as address your concerns and questions.
If you are ready to move forward, they can schedule your surgery at the end of your consultation. There will be a pre-op exam one week and one day before the surgery. In addition to pre-op tests, this will give you more opportunities to ask questions or review potential risks with your doctor.
Most pregnancies occur within six to 12 months following the surgery. If you have been unable to conceive during that time, your doctor will recommend a special X-ray called an HSG that will determine if your tubes remained open. At that time, your doctor will explore all of your options with you. At the end of the day, remember that many individuals go through this process every year, and you are not alone in your questioning. Reach out to loved ones and other resources for support.
