Tubal ligation is an effective birth control method for women. Research shows less than one among 100 women may get pregnant after this procedure.
But what happens if you have a tubal ligation and then decide that you want to get pregnant? Well, this method is reversible. A qualified professional reverses this by reconnecting the blocked tubes.
This detailed guide will teach you all you need about the procedure.
Table of Contents
Candidacy for Tubal Ligation Reversal
During the initial consultation, your physician performs a thorough medical exam to determine if you qualify for tubal ligation reversal. They check whether your health is okay to withstand the procedure.
Multiple factors apply, including:
- Tubal Ligation Type: Some techniques aren’t reversible
- Age: The younger you’re, the higher the success chances
- General Fertility: If you have fertility issues, this impacts the tubal ligation reversal results. Before the procedure, your physician examines you and your partner to uncover egg and sperm health. They may take uterus images to determine if it’s fit for pregnancy.
- Your Undamaged Fallopian Tube: A tubal ligation reversal surgery is best when you have more fallopian tube parts left undamaged.
- Body Mass Index: Success chances are higher when you aren’t overweight or obese.
- Other Health Conditions: Health issues like autoimmune diseases impact pregnancy. Your physician may not recommend this surgery, depending on your unique situation.
What to Expect During Tubal Ligation Reversal
Your surgeon uses a laparoscopic camera to check your fallopian tubes. They insert the device into your abdomen via a tiny incision. The technician proceeds if they find your fallopian tube is strong enough to support the surgery.
Your physician removes the damaged parts of your fallopian tubes and devices, such as rings and clips. They reconnect your fallopian tubes’ damaged ends, using small stitches, and insert a dye into the tubes’ ends. If there’s no leak, it means successful reattachment.
The procedure requires general anesthesia and takes up to three hours.
Recovery After Tubal Ligation Reversal
Most patients are okay to go home immediately after the surgery. Expect some tenderness and pain on the surgical site for a few hours after the procedure. Your service provider offers prescription medication to cope with discomfort. Recovery takes a week or more, depending on your health.
After tubal ligation reversal, you should wait 48 hours to shower. When bathing, avoid rubbing the incision to prevent possible damage. Your surgeon may advise you against intense sexual and physical activities until you recover. Follow the post-surgery instruction for faster recovery.
Tubal Ligation Reversal Costs
The average tubal ligation reversal cost in the U.S. is $8,685. However, the actual price depends on multiple factors, such as the necessary tests and your geographical location.
During the consultation, ask your service provider about expected costs beforehand. While health insurance premiums don’t cover tubal ligation reversal payments, your professional may offer a payment plan.
Essential FAQs
Does Tubal Ligation Reversal Have Complications?
While surgeries can lead to infections, bleeding, and anesthesia complications, this is rare for most tubal ligation reversal patients. Your medical professional will explain the possible risks beforehand and the appropriate actions to take if they occur.
When choosing a surgeon, find a qualified provider to avoid potential complications.
Is there an Alternative for Tubal Ligation Reversal?
If you don’t qualify for a tubal ligation reversal surgery, your other alternative is in vitro fertilization (IVF). This laboratory procedure involves mixing your eggs and your partner’s sperm. After fertilization, the eggs get implanted into your uterus, and pregnancy begins.
The choice between IVF and tubal ligation reversal is unique for different patients. Talk to your service provider for recommendations on the appropriate procedure for your situation.
Do I Qualify for Tubal Ligation Reversal?
Your qualification for this surgery depends on your previous pregnancies, body mass index, and age. During the consultation, your surgeon checks your health to determine if you’re fit for the surgery.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Tubal ligation reversal takes up to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. Most patients go home immediately. You may experience pain on the surgical incision following the procedure, but your service provider offers medication to cope with discomfort. Get someone to drive you home as you leave to begin the recovery.
