Pregnancy after Tubal Ligation
- Ryszard J. Chetkowski, M.D.
Question
What is the success rate for tubal ligation reversal? What options for getting pregnant does a woman have if she's had a tubal ligation?
Answer
If you want to have children after having your tubes "tied," there are two ways to do it. You can have in vitro fertilization (IVF) by getting the eggs from your ovaries, fertilizing them in the laboratory, and then placing the embryos in the uterus. No major surgery is required, but there are a lot of shots and visits.
The other option involves an operation, with an overnight stay at the hospital, and a three-to-five week period of recovery at home. To see if surgery is possible, it is best for you to obtain the operative notes and pathology report from your tubal ligation operation, and take it to your initial visit with a fertility specialist.
The total cost of IVF is about $13,000, while the current cost of the reversal operation is about $9,000.
Which approach is best for you depends on your age, the type of tubal ligation you had, the quality of the partner's sperm, and your own preference.
Explore related topics
Related questions
View all questionsI'm 38 and have been in a relationship for three years. I've been on the pill for 20 years and don't want more kids, but I don't like the melasma side effect of birth control pills. I've considered an IUD but know someone whose device migrated. Options?
How likely is it for a woman to get pregnant after having her tubes tied?
- Health Q&A
Conception Possible During Menstruation?
I've heard that you can't get pregnant during your period. Is this just an old wives tale? Should I be concerned about protection during this time?
- Health Q&A
Chronic Pelvic Pain From IUD?
I'm female (36) with a Mirena IUD. I have lower abdominal pains that feel like my uterus is being squeezed. It's worse after my period or intense orgasms. My IUD was checked and it's in the correct place.
- Health Q&A
Are Birth Control Pills Different?
My physician recently changed my brand of birth control pills. I read reviews that described bad side effects for the new brand. Do all birth control pills have the same ingredients? If so, why would some cause different side effects?