1. Determine if You Are a Good Candidate
Tubal ligation is meant to be a permanent form of preventing pregnancy. However, it's estimated about twenty percent of women change their mind. Tubal ligation reversal is a surgical procedure to reconnect the fallopian tubes. Not everyone is a good candidate for the reversal procedure. Factors which determine having a successful reattachment, include your age, what type of ligation you had and the amount of fallopian tube left. Your doctor will also look at the ends of the tubes to be reattached and determine if they are close in diameter.
2. Understand the Types of Reversal Surgeries
Various types of tubal reversal surgeries are available. Your doctor will decide with you what is your best option. It may depend on whether you had your tubes tied, blocked or cauterized. One option is laparoscopic surgery, which is less invasive than other types of procedures. Recovery tends to be quicker. Microsurgery is another option. This type of procedure usually reduces the chance of damage to the fallopian tubes and surrounding tissue.
3. Realize There Are Risks
As with most types of surgery, there are some risks involved. Reversal surgery is done under general anesthesia which can cause allergic reactions. There is a chance an infection will develop which can cause permanent damage to the reproductive organs. Excessive bleeding is a complication, although it is unlikely. Keep in mind most women do not have complications. However, it's still important to weigh the risks with the benefits when making the decision.
4. Success Rates May Vary
The chance of becoming pregnant after a tubal reversal varies. As with most reproductive procedures, the younger you are the better your chances of achieving pregnancy. The type of procedure you have may also play a role. Pregnancy rates tend to be highest if microsurgery was performed. Keep in mind women who have had a tubal reversal have a higher than normal chance of having an ectopic pregnancy.
5. Alternatives to Reverse Surgery
Not every woman will be a good candidate for surgery. Keep in mind there are other alternatives to become pregnant if you have had a tubal ligation. In-vitro fertilization is one alternative. Since the eggs are retrieved and fertilized outside the body and implanted directly into the uterus, the fallopian tubes are bypassed. Be aware this procedure tends to have a lower success rate than tubal reversal but is an option to consider.
