Tubal ligation is a permanent form of birth control that makes a woman completely sterile. Her fallopian tubes will be cut, tied or clipped to ensure her eggs do not move into the uterus, where they can be fertilized by sperm. Pregnancy after a tubal ligation can be achieved, although medical intervention will be necessary. There are two main methods of getting pregnant after a tubal ligation: tubal ligation reversal and in vitro fertilization. However, factors, such as a woman's age, how her tubal ligation was performed, anatomical issues and her surgeon's experience, will all play a role in whether she will conceive after a tubal ligation.
Tubal Reversal
A doctor can reverse a tubal ligation with surgery. During the procedure, the doctor will reconnect the severed or clipped tubes to help the egg travel through the fallopian tubes again. Sometimes tubal reversals cannot be successfully completed if the tube has been cut too short or is too narrow to repair. Longer tubes are easier to connect. Women who have had Hulka clips or Falope rings attached to their tubes usually have the best chances of pregnancy success after a tubal reversal. After the reversal, women must wait one full menstrual cycle before trying to conceive. Once a tubal reversal is successful, a woman can get pregnant as many times as she likes.
In Vitro Fertilization
Some women choose not to reverse a tubal ligation and opt for IVF to help them conceive. If a woman is not producing healthy, fertile eggs or if her fallopian tubes have been permanently damaged by scar tissue or surgery, IVF will be her best option for conception. Women older than 38 may be encouraged to try IVF as opposed to tubal reversal, because tubal reversal is not as effective in helping women over 38 conceive. A drawback to choosing IVF is that the expense will be higher than with a tubal reversal. Also, a couple must go through IVF each menstrual cycle until pregnancy is achieved.
Success Rates
Within a year after reversing a tubal ligation, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine reports that 40 to 80 percent of women will become pregnant. About 77 percent of women younger than 30 will conceive, while 62 percent of women older than 35 will get pregnant. Women older than 40 have a 30 percent chance of conceiving after the reversal. Age plays a large role in pregnancy success rates after tubal ligation reversal, but fertility health is key too. It is important to talk with a fertility specialist before proceeding with IVF or a tubal reversal to make sure both you and your partner are in good health and will be able to get pregnant. It is difficult to compare whether IVF or tubal reversal leads to more pregnancies after tubal ligation. A consultation with a fertility specialist can help a couple decide which option is best for them.
Risks
After a tubal reversal, a woman faces an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. It is recommended that any pregnancy that occurs after the reversal be monitored to be sure it is not ectopic. Risks that can occur with IVF include an increased chance of having multiples, which can cause potential problems later in pregnancy, such as health problems requiring bed rest and/or preterm labor.
