Tubal Reversal

Approximately 1 million women in the United States undergo an elective tubal sterilization procedure each year. Some of them change their minds a few years down the road and have a procedure called tubal reversal, which allows a woman the ability to conceive naturally again.

Surgical reversal of a previous tubal ligation (also known as “untying the tubes”) is one of the most effective tubal reconstructive surgeries available. In these cases, the tubes remain open after surgery 70 to 80 percent of the time, with pregnancy rates slightly lower, in range of 50 to 75 percent. As with any type of tubal surgery, the reversal of a tubal ligation increases a woman’s risk of a tubal pregnancy. The surgery is less successful if the tubes were cut with a cautery or if other pelvic diseases such as scarring or endometriosis are present. Tubal reversal is performed by laparotomy (major surgery) using magnification techniques. It should only be performed by surgeons with expertise in this procedure.

Tubal Reversal Success Rates

  • If you are under 35 and in good fertile health, your tubal reversal success rate will likely be high.
  • Within a year of having a tubal reversal, success rates typically range from about 50 to 80 percent. This number represents the percentage of couples able to get pregnant.
  • With each month of trying to conceive after a tubal reversal, success rates become lower than typical pregnancy rates of women who have not undergone a tubal reversal.
  • Prior to considering tubal reversal, other factors—like semen parameters, female age, and egg quality—have to be considered.

We believe we can help guide you through the decision-making of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or tubal reversal and know that you have made the best choice possible for your situation.

Factors Determining Candidacy

  • Woman’s age
  • Day 2 or 3 FSH and Estradiol
  • Semen analysis
  • Tubal Ligation method

Possible Risks

All major surgery involves risk. Following Tubal Reversal surgery, these specific risks are known:

  • Procedure may be unsuccessful
  • Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy

Even Mother Nature needs a little help sometimes! Contact Fertility Specialists to get started today.

The doctors and staff of Fertility Specialists Medical Group are ready to listen. Contact us online or call us at 858-505-5500 to schedule your personal consultation.