Sometimes after a woman has undergone a tubal ligation in order to prevent pregnancy, her circumstances change in such a way that she wants to have another baby.
In this case, she is looking at two options:
- Tubal Ligation Reversal
- In Vitro Fertilization
Which is the Better Choice?
Technically, a tubal ligation reversal requires more skill than IVF. However, it is really the better option of the two simply because once the tubal ligation reversal is done, a woman can go on to have several babies if she so desires.
But, with IVF, her chances of getting pregnant are much less—20-35% success per try—and much more costly.
Tubal Ligation Reversal normally requires a very small incision and only one day in the hospital. Depending on how experienced and skilled the surgeon is who does the procedure, the success rate can be as high as 95%.
Most women experience very little pain, and can resume work within a week or so.
The fallopian tube is a tiny passageway that begins at the fimbrial end, which is where the egg is picked up from the ovary. It then leads through a microscopic opening into the uterus.
If the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube was not destroyed in the tubal ligation procedure, then in most cases an excellent reconnection can be done.
Even if a large portion of the fallopian tube was destroyed during the tubal ligation, there may still be a successful reconnection.
That being said, it should be noted that your chances of getting pregnant are directly related to the length of the fallopian tube.
In cases where over half of the fallopian tube is intact, chances of pregnancy are very high at around 90%. The chance of pregnancy diminishes in proportion to the length of the fallopian tube.
The fallopian tube itself varies in circumference along its length. But, with microsurgery, the two ends may be reconnected successfully even with a variation in size.
Pregnancy is not guaranteed with tubal ligation reversal, but if you have had your tubes tied and now want to have a baby, there is an excellent chance of success!
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