Reversal of Tubal Ligation By Clips and Rings
Posted On: Wednesday, November 28th, 2007
Tubal Ligation by Falope Ring and Hulka Clip
The Falope ring and Hulka clip are occlusive methods of tubal ligation. They block the fallopian tubes, but no tubal segments are clamped, removed, or burned. The Falope ring is also referred to as the tubal ring or tubal band. It constricts a segment of the fallopian tube very tightly, like an extra strong rubber band.
The Hulka clip is a miniature clamp placed across a very small (2-3 mm) segment of the fallopian tube. Another clip method besides the Hulka clip is the Filshie clip. The clips are similar except that the Hulka clip is made out of silastic and the Filshie clip is made out of metal. Occlusive methods of tubal ligation are predictably the best in terms of reversal since they damage such a tiny segment of the fallopian tube.
In contrast to the Pomeroy method, these occlusive devices are applied through a laparoscope. (Laparoscopy involves making a small incision below the belly button.) Many doctors prefer to apply tubal rings or clips when performing a tubal ligation on young women in recognition of the greater likelihood that a tubal reversal may be wanted in the future. Studies have shown that tubal ligation regret and the desire for tubal ligation reversal is more common when a tubal sterilization is performed among women in the twenties than among older women.
Tubal Clip and Ring Reversal Success
Each year Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center publishes current statistics about pregnancy rates and pregnancy outcomes among all of the women who have had tubal reversal procedures performed by Dr. Berger. The data for women who had tubal rings or clips shown in the table below is from our Tubal Reversal Pregnancy Study Report 2007.
Pregnancy Rates of Our Tubal Reversal Patients
The overall pregnancy rate after tubal reversal for women with clips or rings is 76% for patients at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. In the table below, the first column shows ages groups. The second column shows the number of women in each age group who had a tubal reversal. The third column shows the number of women in that group who became pregnant and the last column shows the percentage of women who became pregnant (the pregnancy rate) after their reversal procedures.
Pregnancy Rates After Tubal Reversal of Clips/Rings
|
|
|
|
|
|
<30 |
160 |
139 |
87% |
|
30-34 |
318 |
265 |
83% |
|
35-39 |
327 |
238 |
73% |
|
40+ |
116 |
55 |
47% |
Highest Pregnancy Rates After Tubal Reversal
The highest tubal reversal pregnancy rates are seen among women who have reversal of tubal clips or tubal rings. For women in their twenties, the pregnancy rate was 87%. The pregnancy rate ranged from 83% to 73% for women in their thirties. Among women age 40 or older, the pregnancy rate was significantly lower (47%), reflecting the decline in natural fertility with age. These pregnancy rates among our tubal reversal patients are similar to the pregnancy rates for women who have never had a tubal ligation to begin with.
June 11th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I was just wondering was the chance of my getting pregnant after the ring removal? Will my insurance cover it, or how much will I have to pay? I had the ring tubal ligation about 3or 4 years ago after having an abortion then a miscarriage about 6 months later. Now I finally settled down and I’ve been wanting another baby for a long time. Will it ever happen????
June 15th, 2009 at 6:53 am
TIONA – Take a look at our pregnancy statistics after tubal reversal. This will give you an idea about your chances of becoming pregnant after removal of tubal rings. You will have to check with your own insurance company since they vary about coverage for tubal reversal depending upon your specific insurance policy. If you would like further assistance, you can call a tubal reversal nurse at (919) 968-4656.
August 6th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
When removing the tubal ring, do the tubes have to be cut and reconnected? If the scar tissue build up is significant is it possible to not have enough usable tube causing reconnection to be impossible?
I had a tubal ligation via tubal ring a little over 6yrs ago. I’m now 26 and am wanting a third child.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.
August 6th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Nikki
When reversing the tubal ring the tubes do have to be cut and reconnected. It would be rare to have significant scar tissue develop after a tubal ring tubal ligation.
Tubal ring reversal yields one of the highest pregnancy success rates. You can see our pregnancy success rates based on age and type of tubal ligation by looking at our Tubal Reversal 2007 Pregnancy Study Report.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I had a tubal ring tubal ligation as well as a endometrial ablation done in April 2008. I have not had a period since the procedure. Is there a chance for me to reverse this and be able to carry another child especially since I haven’t had a period?
August 22nd, 2009 at 6:16 am
Catisha
We do perform tubal ligation reversal on patients who have had their tubes tied and who have had an endometrial ablation. Unfortunately, if you are not having periods then the ablation likely destroyed all of your uterine lining. If you do not have any uterine lining then pregnancy is either not possible or very unlikely to succeed. If your periods return over the next several years then it may be possible to have a tubal reversal and a normal pregnancy.
August 24th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Thank you so much for answering my last question. Since there may be hope for a normal pregnancy after a tubal ligation and endometrial ablation if my period returns after a few years, I now would like to know is there any hormones I can take to restart my period sooner?
August 24th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Catisha
No medicines will help. The real question is did the endometrial ablation destroy all of your uterine lining.
If it did then pregnancy will be very unlikely. If it did not then your lining will regenerate and you will start having periods again. There will always be some risk in having a pregnancy after an uterine ablation procedure.
September 20th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
i just want to know if you can get pregnant if you have your tubes clamped and ligated.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:20 am
MICHELLE – This video shows the Hulka clip (or clamp). If the clamp is not all the way across the tube, it is possible to become pregnant. If it is all the way across the tube, then it has to be removed in order to get pregnant.
December 27th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
I had a my tubes tied 16 months ago i am now having swollen breasts, nausea, and my cycle was only one day spotting. What to do ?
March 15th, 2010 at 3:27 am
I had the clip done 8 yrs ago,and I get my period every month regularly. I am 37, no problems with my body at all, what would be my chances on having a baby again after tubal reversal, since I done this 8 yrs ago?
March 15th, 2010 at 4:23 am
Cheryl - Chances of pregnancy after age 36 and tubal reversal are still very good. Take a look at the statistics from the Tubal Reversal Pregnancy Report 2009.
April 7th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Is there anyone or anywhere that will perform the procedure to reverse the tubal clamps for free or on a payment plan?
April 8th, 2010 at 4:20 am
Tammy – Here is information about the prepayment plan for tubal ligation reversal.
April 25th, 2010 at 6:51 pm
hi i’m carmen and i am here because i have a tubal ring and i want to have a tubal reverse..i also want to know how much it costs, the wait, i want to do it this year, and last want to know what i have to do. Please call me at (414) 375-6798.
August 28th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
I had my tubes clamped last year and my body started to reject the clamps,as it did the I.U.D So they were removed on July 14th.I didn’t have my period for the whole year but now my period has started.My doctor told me the clamps did there job and that she wouldn’t put me on birth control.I am worried i could become pregnant again. And as I am young my chances are higher.Shouldn’t I be on birth control????
August 28th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Kali
Your doctor is correct. Your tubes are closed. You do not need birth control.
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:50 pm
I have Filshie clips but only one tube is viable what is the cost for clip removal, is it the same as a full reversal? Do you perform dye testing after wards to ensure tube is open?
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:09 pm
Jennifer
The cost for tubal reversal is not dependent on the number of tubal clips removed or if one or both tubes are repaired. We do not routinely perform the dye test because of the risk of infection of the tubal repair site but we do have methods to ensure the tube is open at the time of the repair.
March 9th, 2011 at 11:39 am
How long do i have to wait until we can try to have more kids after the tubal rings come out??? is it 3weeks or longer before we can try to get pregnant????
March 9th, 2011 at 11:42 am
We tell our patients they can start trying to conceive after tubal reversal as soon as they feel comfortable.
March 9th, 2011 at 11:47 am
Thank you. I was only 23 when I had the tubal clamps done.
March 9th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
Is it covered on the Ontario health care???
March 9th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Most health insurances will not cover the cost of tubal reversal. You would have to check with them.
April 5th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
I had my tubes tyed. The doctor said he did not cut or burn them that he made a loop and with surgical string that looks like shoe lace tied it around the loop ive been surching for what procedure he did with out any luck.the doctor that preformed the procedure said i could very likely become pregnant since i had my tubes tyed so soon after my son was born that they would most likly come untied. its been over two years and nothing so i want to get a reversal.what is the procedure called that was performed on me
April 5th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
Wanting Another Child – The tubal ligation procedure that you had done is the Pomeroy procedure. We will be happy to undo your tubal ligation through the operation called tubal anastomosis. Call (919) 968-4656 to speak with a tubal reversal nurse.
April 5th, 2011 at 6:49 pm
I had a tubal ring put on aprox 12 years ago..Ive always had normal periods, faithfully every month. This is April and I have not had a period since December, Ive gained 10lbs, have had heartburn, cravings…Could I be pregnant after my ligation?
April 5th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
Carrie
You could be pregnant. If positive see your doctor right away. If negative then you should have your doctor hormonal test on you to determine the possible causes.
April 6th, 2011 at 6:42 am
what are the chances of my tubes coming un tied with the Pomeroy procedure since they where not cut and if i need the reversal what is the likelihood ill get pregnant. I am 24 and i have three boys but my husband and i want a daughter badly
April 6th, 2011 at 7:57 am
wanting another child
Your tubes will not come untied by themselves and you would need a surgical reversal of your Pomeroy procedure. You chances of pregnancy after tubal reversal at the age of 24 would be close to 80%.
April 11th, 2011 at 11:51 pm
I had my tubes clipped in 1994 then in 2010 I had symptoms of pregnancy. Cravings,morning sickness, moody,back aches, sore breast.etc. I also had spotting twice a month and that never happens I am always very regular. Then I started hurting and having a heavy dark flow, then I passed something, several large clumps that I am sure was a fetus. And it had that afterbirth smell. So I am sure I was pregnant. What are the chances of it happening again?
April 12th, 2011 at 7:43 am
Not certain. You could have been pregnant but also could be developing irregular ovulation. You should see your doctor for evaluation.
May 3rd, 2011 at 6:33 am
i had my tubes clipped in 2001, do periods have to be normal or can you be a day early or late an still have the reversal done? am 37 an am looking to have the reversal done what are my chances of become pregnant now.
May 3rd, 2011 at 6:39 am
i had me tubes clipped in 2001 an 37 now ,im looking to have a reversal done , can you still have a reversal done if you are a day early or late with your periods an what are the chances of having a baby.
May 3rd, 2011 at 7:18 am
Tracey
What you describe with your periods sounds like normal variation. You should be an excellent candidate for tubal reversal and your chances of pregnancy after tubal reversal would be about 73%.
May 10th, 2011 at 10:01 am
I had a tubal ligation reversal in 2006 and had my second baby after the reversal in 2010. Tubal rings or clamps were placed on my tubes. If I were to have them removed what are the chances I could have another baby?
Also, if possible what is the procedure and will the cost be just as a regular tubal ligation reversal?
May 10th, 2011 at 10:36 am
Melissa
We do have patients who come for a second tubal reversal. With reversal of clips your chances should be excellent but only if you have good tube remaining and no significant scarring of the tubes. The cost for tubal reversal is the same as it is for others and currently is $5900.
May 10th, 2011 at 11:20 am
Thanks for your response Dr. Monteith!! Have a Wonderful Day!!
May 11th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
I had clamps on my tubes in 1995 (14 years ago) I really want another baby, I am 36 and healthy besides my periods are not regular and never have been? I do have scar tissue build up from a c-section in 1993 and sits on ovary witch no longer bothers me, What would be my chance of getting pregnant? I always got pregnant very easy but thats been years ago.Praying for good news.
May 11th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
Between the ages of 35 and 39 about 64% of women will become pregnant after tubal reversal.
June 7th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
I got my tubes done with the tubal ring in 2010. I am 26 years old and got them done cause my husband didnt want no more children…now we are getting a divorce. Is there a payment plan that can be made to pay for the reversal?
June 7th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
Crystal – There is a pre-payment plan for tubal ligation reversal at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. Contact Ericka Pamplin at ErickaP@tubal-reversal.net if you have any questions.
June 26th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
I had tubal clamps 8 years ago with my husband and now 2011 I am remarried and want to discuss the options of getting pregnant or removing the clamps. What is the process, same day surgery or more serious? Heidilcurry@yahoo.com
Thanks
June 26th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
Heidi – The reversal procedure at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center is same day outpatient surgery. Here is a link to a video that shows the tubal reversal procedure we perform: http://video.tubal-reversal.net/tubal-reversal-dr-berger.htm
July 5th, 2011 at 12:32 am
I had the tubal clips put on in 2006. I had a bad reaction to them so the doctors took them out in 2009. My question now is I have been having signs of being pregnant what’s the chances? I have all day sickness, fatigue, mood swings, and wanna sleep all the time. My last period was abnormal, i spotted the first day, bleed lightly the second and spotted the third. Please have good news.
July 5th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
Kimberly pregnancy is always possible..take a pregnancy test just to be sure.
July 5th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
Thanks. I just wasnt sure what steps to take first.
July 6th, 2011 at 1:37 am
Kimberly – Read the Getting Started With Tubal Reversal page to see the steps to take.
September 8th, 2011 at 11:51 am
it has been almost 5 years since my ring was placed. Does the length of time that the ring has been on make a difference make a difference on pregnancy rates?
September 8th, 2011 at 11:56 am
Robin
The length of time since the tubal ligation is only important if you are much older than when you had your tubal ligation. The ability to become pregnant decreases with age but the decrease is not very noticeable until after the age of 40-43.
October 4th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
I am 33 with 4 kids and 3 of them delivered by c-section. had my tubes clamped in 2003 and became pregnant earlier this year. I had a miscarriage after about a month. Can this happen again? Is there a chance I can carry the baby? What would the procedure be to have the clamp removed? And also would it be a risk to have another baby with 3 c-sections? Thanks.
October 4th, 2011 at 7:58 pm
The risk of getting pregnant with a tubal ligation is that you could have a tubal pregnancy. If you want the clamps removed then you would have a better chance at becoming pregnant again. We currently charge $5900 for this procedure.
October 7th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Hi..I’ve told myself it was it after having 3 but I wasn’t sure and my Grandma pushed me into getting my tubes tied.By the doctor seeing that I was 24 and undecided he said the clips would be better cause I can in the future remove them.Now I’m scared cause everyone say there good at removal not leaving scars and by me being diabetic with my age on top of all the things against me.I still want the removal.After I had them done I started growing scared tissue which made me have cramping as though I’m having a period on my fallopian tubes(they say it’s cause of Keloided skin)they won’t do it.So Im asking is this possible for me to even do it to have a baby
October 7th, 2011 at 6:42 pm
Reba – Reversing the clip method of sterilization is the most successful type of tubal ligation reversal. You can see the pregnancy success rates at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center here: http://press.tubal-reversal.net/2009/pregnancy-rates-by-age-and-tubal-ligation-method.html. If you have your diabetes well regulated, it should certainly be possible for you to have another baby. You can get assistance with this by speaking with one of our tubal reversal nurses by calling (919) 968-4656. Over the weekend, call (919) 656-9861.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
I have a couple questions, I had my tubes clamped after my 3rd child that was 7/2010. Ever since, I have had horrible periods and crazy mood swings. I also have been feeling like I want another child now. Does the tubal clamp removal require a long stay in the hospital? Also, I am only 33 and I realize being younger is a bonus, but I have had rough pregnancies with pre eclampsia for one child and gestational diabetes with another. Does this make my chances for becoming pregnant lesser?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Jennifer
Our patients have same day surgery. They leave from our surgery on the same day, stay at a hotel the night of their surgery, and we will see them the day after while they are still in the hotel. Nothing in your history should decrease the chance of a successful tubal reversal and pregnancy. You would be a good candidate.
October 23rd, 2011 at 3:17 pm
I am 33, am 5′ 7″ and weigh 215 lbs. I had my tubes tied using the clip method in 2005. Is it realistic to think that a reversal would work for me?
October 23rd, 2011 at 3:39 pm
Janene – At Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, the pregnancy rate after reversal of tubal clips for someone your age is 82% as you can see from the pregnancy follow-up statistics of our patients:
http://press.tubal-reversal.net/2009/pregnancy-rates-by-age-and-tubal-ligation-method.html
October 25th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
What about the weight? How will that affect the outcome? Also I got the report and my tubes were actually cauterized. What are the chances of a reversal being succussful?
October 25th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Janene – Weight is a factor only if you have a high BMI – you can calculate your BMI here: http://www.tubal-reversal.net/body-mass-index-bmi.php. You can also see your chances of pregnancy according to your age by looking at Table 5 on the Pregnancy Statistics page at http://press.tubal-reversal.net/2009/pregnancy-rates-by-age-and-tubal-ligation-method.html. These success rates are for patients at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.
November 5th, 2011 at 11:32 pm
I had my tubal ring done 10 years ago and now i want another baby. I am 34 years old, is it safe and possible to have them reversed. What are my chances.
November 5th, 2011 at 11:50 pm
Desperately Wanting a Baby – It is safe and possible to have your tubal rings reversed. At your age, the chances of getting pregnant after tubal ring reversal are 76% at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.
November 6th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
How long after the reversal, can I have intercourse, or what is the best time to have intercourse to get pregnant.
November 6th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
We inform our patients they can have intercourse after tubal reversal as soon as they feel comfortable.
November 6th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
how long is the procedure, and do yall accept any insurance.
November 7th, 2011 at 4:40 am
The reversal procedure takes 1 hour. Insurance does not cover tubal reversal surgery.
November 9th, 2011 at 4:24 am
I had tubal clamps placed 4 years ago this month. My husband and I just found out 2-3 weeks ago that my right clip has migrated to the area around my liver and has started to develop some scar tissue. We are wondering what the odds are of pregnancy without having to have any testing done. We have an 8 year old and weren’t expecting this but see this as a blessing. A while back we had talked about a reversal but would have to save up for this……amazing timing??!! Thank you for your time.
November 9th, 2011 at 7:17 am
dac143 – Tubal clips can migrate when the tissue within the clip becomes atrophied due to lack of blood supply. When this happens, however, the two segments of tube on either side of the clip are scarred shut, so pregnancy is not likely without having the fallopian tubes repaired by the technique of tubal anastomosis. Call (919) 968-4656 for more information about this.
November 11th, 2011 at 12:05 am
Thank you for your response. It is very helpful. I did find out that the xray and ct scan that were taken showed that the clip was still closed and they proposed that this might have occured after suffering a severe leg and hip injury approx 8 months ago. They suggested that the clip may have been knocked off or out of it’s location and even more easily if the clip had already started to migrate. I’m not sure if we believe that or not, seems very unlikely but we aren’t doctors! Again, thank you for your quick response. We just don’t want to go through the testing they suggested to see if the tube is open/closed. They said that they could place dye into my uterus to see the tubes. Is it likely that I might end up with a tubal pregnancy if I did get pregnant. Have a wonderful evening.
November 11th, 2011 at 7:32 am
I am 34 and had my tubes tied 6 years ago. The doctor cut them and cauterized them. Is there still hope for a tubal reversal? He removed 2cm of the tube on one side and 1.8cm on the other. What do you think?
November 11th, 2011 at 7:37 am
Wishing – I think we can reverse this successfully. If you want to fax a copy of your operative report to have me review it in detail, you can fax it to (919) 967-8637. Please attach your email address and/or telephone number so we can get back in touch with you.