What to Know if You Want Tubes Untied
Is There a Simple Procedure to Untie Tubes?
Women who have had their tubes tied and then want to get tubes untied often ask if there is a simple procedure that permits pregnancy after tubes tied. Often they envision a tubal ligation as if there is a bow tied around the tubes that can be simply untied, like one unties a shoelace. This is actually not the case. The common term “tying tubes” simplifies what is a tubal ligation – or tubal sterilization – is.
How Tubes are “Tied”
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| Tied and Cut |
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| Final Result |
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The most common type of tubal ligation involves putting a surgical ligature (or tie) around a loop of the fallopian tube and then cutting off the segment that has been ligated. The two tubal segments separate from each other. This is the Pomeroy technique, first describe by Dr. Ralph Pomery. Some doctors burn the ends of the tubes that have been cut and may use the term “modified” Pomeroy procedure in their operative report.
Another common type of ligation/resection procedure is the Parkland tubal ligation. With this techniqe, two ligatures are placed around the tube at a distance from each other and the portion of the fallopian tube in between the ligatures is resected (cut out). There are many other variations of the ligation and resection method of tubal ligation.
Tubal sterilization can also be performed by burning the tubes. This may be done with electocoagulation (coagulation, cautery, or cauterization) or with thermal coagulation. There are also variations with the coagulation methods of tubal ligation, such as the use of monopolar or bipolar coagulators, and the number of sites burned and for how long they are burned. The greater the number and the longer coagulator is applied to the tube, the greater the amount of damage.
A third method of female sterilization involves simply blocking or obstructing the tube with clips or rings. In general, these tend to cause the least amount of damage to the tube. Of all tubal ligation techniques, the tubal clip (Filshie clip or Hulka clip) is the least damaging and the one that consistenly gives the best results when the tubes are “untied” or repaired.
Essure is another new tubal sterilization procedure. This does not require surgery, but it is the least reversible method for women wanting kids after tubal ligation.
Dr. Berger’s Comment
This summary is to help women who want to get their tubes untied. The first thing to know is what tying tubes actually means. It is not as simple as placing a string around the tube that can later be untied. Contrary to what some people think, tubes don’t become untied by themselves after a certain length of time. With this basic information about the fallopian tube and tubal ligation methods in mind, I will explain how reversal of tubal ligation is done in the next topic Tubal Reversal Blog – How to Get Tubes Untied: Reverse Tubal Ligation.
January 31st, 2010 at 7:56 pm
I don’t know of any doctors in Australia who exclusively perform tubal reversal procedures as is the case at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. I do know of 2 doctors in Sydney who you might contact if you don’t want to come to the US – Dr Robert Woolcott (www.reversal.com.au) and Dr Micheal Cooper (www.mjwcooper.com.au).
January 31st, 2010 at 6:46 pm
i have a 11 yr old and a 8 year old i had my tubes clamped not cut and i now remarried and my husband and i want a child together but my tubes were done 4 months after my 8 year old was born i want so much to be able to have a child with my husband is it possible to have a reverse i also live in south australia who is the bast to dsee and how do i start the ball rolling ?
January 25th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Felica
You have three options to have another child:
1. Adoption
2. In vitro fertilization
3. Tubal ligation reversal
Tubal ligation reversal costs between $4900-$6900 at out center and the average pregnancy success is 70%. In vitro fertilization costs between $9,000-$12,000 and the average pregnancy success is approximately 35%.
If you would like more information about tubal ligation reversal you can call (919) 968-4656. We do not perform in vitro fertilization. If you would like more information about in vitro you should make an appointment with a local infertility specialist.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
I am 35 and I have 4 kids. I have 3 girls and 1 boy. After my son I had my tubes tied. What can I do? My husband passed away and I am in a relationship and he don’t have any kids. I love him very much and he wants a baby and my son wants a brother. Can you help me?
January 25th, 2010 at 7:30 am
Yes, reversal tubal ligation is done everyday at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center for women whose tubes have been tied.
January 24th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
After having your tubes tied and clipped can u have a reverse tubal ligation?
January 16th, 2010 at 11:58 am
JENNIFER – We do have a prepayment plan that will help you be able to afford a tubal reversal procedure. Please contact Ericka Pamplin, our Business Office Manager, who will be happy to help you with this. Her email address is ErickaP@tubal-reversal.net.
January 15th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
I got my tubes tied in 2003 after my second child I was 22 and both my kids are girls. I have been depressed ever since and all I want is another baby. My husband is ready if I am and my doctor back then was all for me getting my tubes tied and made me feel pressed into it. We just told him we didn’t want anymore at the time since I had gotten pregnant while on birth control. I can’t afford a tubal reversal unless in a payment plan form. Don’t have good credit though. What options do I have in trying to get a tubal reversal? Someone please e-mail me some sort of hope at lovablejenn_1@hotmail.com Thanks!
December 30th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Mary
It is possible to untie tubes and become pregnant. Our pregnancy success date and stories on our Tubal Reversal Blog prove this.
You can not determine sex easily. Although multiple eggs can be released, this is not increase after tubal reversal.
We will email you some information on tubal reversal but all pertinent information can be found on our tubal reversal center website.
December 30th, 2009 at 11:08 am
I want to have my tubes untied but I have no insurance to pay for procedure. I am willing to pay cash but if so is there a payment plan I can go on to pay all money before the procedure is made.
I also want a boy and maybe twin boys…Is that possible? I know you can’t determine the sex but can we determine the quantity?
Is it more possible for more than one egg to come out after the reversal is made than before?
Could you also send me more information on pricing and my question to adorablepink26@yahoo.com
December 7th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Denise
Tubes that have been ‘burned, clipped and tied’ can be reversed. We are able to reverse the tubes in up to 98% of our patients.
Although each health insurance is different, most health insurance plans will not pay for tubal reversal and a few will pay for certain portions of the evaluation and treatment of tubal occlusion.
We do offer a very affordable tubal reversal surgery and I recommend you call one of our Tubal Reversal Nurses at (919) 968-4656 for a free phone consultation.
December 7th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
I am 41 and I have a new husband. We have been married for a year and we would like to have a new baby but I also got my tubes tied, clipped, and burned. Can it be reversed? I do have insurance and I would have to check into to see how much of the surgery my insurance will pay for.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
I have 3 beautiful boys. I am no longer with their fathers and am now madly in love and am getting married. My tubes are tied and we want a baby really bad but can’t afford it. What can I do?
September 8th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Rosie
Currently tubal reversal costs between $5400-$5900.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
How much does it cost to get your tubes untied?
September 1st, 2009 at 11:09 am
I’m sad…I’m 23 and I already have three beautiful daughters who I love very much. I am not with their father and have recently found the love of my life. I got my tubes tied after my last daughter and now want to give my new husband a baby. Unfortunately, I can not afford to get a tubal reversal.
August 2nd, 2009 at 9:38 am
Angila
Very few insurances cover the cost of tubal ligation reversal.
August 1st, 2009 at 11:05 pm
I am wondering if the state medical covers reverse tubal. I am 24 and I had my tubes tied three years ago. My husband and I are debating on one more child, but its more the fact I have been dealing with depression, mood swings, severe pms, and heavy bleeding – symptoms of PTLS. Please get back to me at terhadpat@yahoo.com .
July 6th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
SHANNON – In order to have another baby after your tubes have been tied, you need to either get your tubes untied or have treatment by in vitro fertilization (IVF).
July 6th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Can you have a baby through fertility treatment when you have your tubes tied?
July 6th, 2009 at 11:20 am
SHANNON – There is no home remedy, but you can get your tubes reversed. There is a weight limit that is dependent on your height, called Body Mass Index (BMI), and your BMI must be under 35 to schedule tubal ligation reversal. Here is a page on our web site where you can calculate your BMI based on your height and weight.
July 6th, 2009 at 11:11 am
I got my tubes tied in 2001 after I had my son. I met a man that I love and he has no kids. We want to have a child. Can I get my tubes reversed and is there a home remedy without surgery? Is being overweight a problem for tubal reverse?
June 25th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
JENNIFER – You will want to go to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center to get the best tubal reversal procedure and cost. Read the page on Tubal Reversal Cost and call (919) 968-4656 to talk with a Tubal Reversal Nurse. You can also send an email to Julia Smith RN who can answer any question you have and help you schedule your procedure.
June 25th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
I got my tubes tied about 13 years ago. I got remarried three years ago and my new husband wants a baby. I really want to give this to him, but I need to know where to go and how much it is and all. Thank you, Jennifer
May 31st, 2009 at 12:28 pm
KELSEY – You would have to check with your insurance carrier to see if they reimburse for tubal ligation reversal. That varies from one insurance company and policy to another, but most insurance companies don’t cover this procedure. Please read the information regarding Tubal Reversal Cost. If you have questions, you can speak with a Tubal Reversal Nurse by calling (919) 968-4656.
May 30th, 2009 at 8:45 am
I had my tubes tied after I had my daughter and my husband wants to have a baby. I would like to know if my insurance will pay to get them untied and how much it will be that I would have to pay to get them untied.
May 29th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
My tubes are tied for almost 12 yrs, but now I fell in love – we want to have a baby.
May 25th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
SHERINA -
Many of our patients have had their tubes tied and burned. To see the pregnancy rates after tubal reversal, look in the tables under the category of coagulation on our Pregnancy Statistics page. Also, follow the link to read about the options for Cost of Tubal Reversal at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.
May 25th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I had my tubes tied in 2006 but i got them tied and burned. Is there chance i can get it reversed so I can have another baby and what the estimated amount?
May 16th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
CRISTINA – We would be very happy to help you. Call one of the Tubal Reversal Nurses at (919) 968-4656 and they can help you arrange for your tubal reversal procedure.
May 16th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I had my tubes cut tied and I think burned in 2005 can you help me so that I can have more children?
May 12th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Yes, of course. In fact, the chances of becoming pregnant again after a tubal reversal at age 25 is over 80%! Check out the tubal reversal pregnancy statistics at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.
May 12th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I’m 25 yrs old I had my tubes cut and burned about a year ago is there a chance that I can get them untied and get pregnant again?
May 5th, 2009 at 6:35 am
Georgia
These types of tubal ligations are very reversible. You should call our office to speak with one of our nurses for more information (919) 968-4656.
May 5th, 2009 at 3:13 am
I got my tubes tied, cut, and burned. My Ob told me I couldn’t get them reversed. Can you help me?
April 29th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
SHONDA – In order to become pregnant again after having your tubes tied, your options are tubal reversal surgery or IVF. Tubal reversal at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center is considerably less expensive than IVF. It also has fewer complications than IVF, but does increase the chance of having a tubal pregnancy.
April 29th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
I had my tubes tied on 4/20/06 after the birth of my 5th child. Now my husband wants to do it 1 more time. Is it possible for me to become pregnant again and not go through the surgery–if not what is the cost of the surgery at your center and is this surgery safe?
April 17th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Hi Jamie,
It was nice speaking to you by phone today. We look forward to receiving your records for review.
Thank you,
Jennifer
April 16th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
i had my tubes burned in 2006 would like to have a baby please call me at 903 235 9253. Thank you!
March 29th, 2009 at 6:30 am
LENORA – Please read the Getting Started page on our website. Or call (919) 968-4656 for a free phone consultation.
March 29th, 2009 at 1:01 am
I had my tubes tied right after I had my twins but now I want a baby so can you please help me? Thank you.
March 22nd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Yes, this is a tubal ligation and resection procedure and it can be fixed.
March 22nd, 2009 at 5:20 pm
My tubes were cut and a piece taken – out can you fix it?
March 13th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
[...] women over the age of forty will consider tubal surgery to have their tubes untied or blocked fallopian tubes opened. These women have the added concern of decreasing fertility due [...]
February 25th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Yes, we see many patients who tubes have been cut, tied, and burned. If you would like any assistance with this, please call (919) 968-4656 and ask to speak to a Tubal Reversal Nurse. They will give you a free consultation.
February 25th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I would like to have my tubes undone they are cut tied and burned can it be done
February 1st, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Come to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center and we will unband your tubes. Contact Julia Smith, RN at (919) 656-8153 or by email at JuliaS@tubal-reversal.net and she will help you get on the schedule to have your tubes repaired.
February 1st, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Hi my tubes were banded. I realy want to have another baby. What can I do?
January 27th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Paula
Most tubal ligations are reversible- over 98%. Many times doctors tell patients this and, in fact, the tubal ligation can be reversed.
You should call the office (919) 968-4656 and we can talk and explain more. Many of our patients will come to our center with stories similar to yours. Some patients will also consider a screening laparoscopy, which us allows to look directly at the tubes before a major incision is made.
January 27th, 2009 at 11:11 am
I am 33 years old and I had my tubes tied and burned 9 years ago afther my third child. When I turned 30 I really wanted another baby. I found your website and was told that I needed to find out what type of surgery I had. I called my OB and he told me that there was no possiple way at all for me to have children again because of the way he tied and burned my tubes. Is there a certain way that this procedure can be done that a reversal would never become possiple? Should I just forget about having another child? Have you heard of other OB’S telling other patients this? Please comment back…
January 24th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Angela and Gary – Please see the Tubal Reversal Cost page of our website. There are 4 fee options.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
How much would it be if medical card does not cover it?
January 20th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Cynthia – If you would like to speak with a Tubal Reversal Nurse about having your tubes untied, please call (919) 968-4656.
January 20th, 2009 at 3:04 am
I would like to know if I could get my tubes untied,I have had many problems since I got them tied in 1999. I have been really depressed. My children are 13,11,9. I wish I could have another child. There has been so much lost in my family.That would be the best gift I could give them and myself.
January 19th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Lupita – Please see the Cost page of our website.
January 19th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
i want to untie my tubes, i would like to know the cost , its been about 9 years
January 7th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Lisa,
Please call our office at 919-968-4656 and I will be happy to talk with you and explain how we determine if you are a good candidate for tubal reversal surgery. Donna, RN
January 6th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
my tube is buring and clip. but i want have a another baby. want can i do
December 28th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Burned tubes can be repaired. Read the “Getting Started” page – top link on the left hand side of the page – or call one of our nurses who will help you.
December 28th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I would to have a baby but my tubes are burned. What can I do?
December 12th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
In response to the questions by Latonya Richardson and Meslissa, please see the navigation buttons at the top left hand side of the page!! Click on the “Cost” button. There are several options regarding Tubal Reversal Cost. If you send an email to JuliaS@tubal-reversal.net, she can tell you about some special discounts that are available during January and February!
December 12th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
how much does it cost to have your tubes untied?
December 8th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
What types of anesthesia do you provide for the surgery?
December 8th, 2008 at 11:52 am
I had my tubes tied after my third child last year. I have been having the worst pains during my menstruation now. My menstruation also lasts much longer than they did before I had the procedure done. Is it possible to have it reversed and how much would it cost? If I would have known how much pain I would be in when my cycle comes, I would have never have done it.
December 6th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Are there home remedies that we can do to help untie the tubes without surgery? If not, how much to get tubes untied if you just had them tied?
December 1st, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Shayla – Many of our patients have had their tubes cut, tied, and burned. You can see that 2 out of 3 become pregnant by looking at the statistics for “coagulation” on our website page Pregnancy Rates after Tubal Reversal.
For further assistance, contact Julia Smith, RN at JuliaS@tubal-reversal.net.
December 1st, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I had my tubes cut tied and burned after the birth of my last child 5 years ago. I never dreamed that my marriage would end and I would find the love of my life, who desperately wants a child of his own. I would love nothing more to have another child. I have felt different since the day I had the tubal ligation. I truely regret it. My ex-husband never wanted children and after 4 I had my tubes tied. Is there a chance that my husband and i can still have a baby? Is a tubal reversal even possible after my tubes where cut, tied and burned? Any information that can be provided would be greatly appreciated.
September 14th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Cheryl – It is certainly possible to get your tubes reversed sixteen years after a tubal ligation. Click on the “Getting Started” link at the top left hand side of the page for instructions or send an email to JuliaS@tubal-reversal.net for assistance.
September 14th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Cheryl
It is possible to have a reversal and become pregnant. We have patients who do this all the time. To find out more, you should call the office and speak with a member of our nursing staff or email our head nurse Nurse Julia Smith JuliaS@tubal-reversal.net for more information.
September 14th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I would like to know if it is possible to get my tubes reversed and to have a baby. My tubes were tied in 1992 and now is 2008 – sixteen years later.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I need to know can I get my tubes untied after 18 years and how much does it cost.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
The illustrations and descriptions are invaluable to women who are trying to understand what it means to have your tubes tied and then to have a tubal reversal.
May 2nd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Dr. Berger’s explanation of the various ligation procedures many women have had for sterilization purposes makes the information for tubal reversal easier for patients to understand. The illustrations show the tubes tied,the ends cut or burned and then separated. However, the ends can be brought together, to be reconnected and function as a whole tube again, through tubal ligation reversal or “untying tubes”.
May 1st, 2008 at 11:37 am
Thank you for the explanation – this will help a lot of women to understand that “getting their tubes tied” does not usually literally mean their tubes were just tied.
April 29th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Now that Dr. Monteith has joined with Dr. Berger in the specialized field of tubal reversal surgery, even more women will have the opportunity to have their fallopian tubes untied. They are definitely the best surgeons to perform this procedure for women.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
This is a great starting point for patients considering having their tubes untied. I know when I first started learning about the different sterilization techniques I found it fascinating.
April 28th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I just love the illustrations, they along with Dr Berger’s wonderful description make the untying of fallopian tubes very easy to understand.
Thank you Dr Berger!
April 28th, 2008 at 6:58 am
It’s great to know that with Dr. Berger’s experience and success, he has been able to untie tubes after all of these tubal ligation techniques.
April 27th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
This is a great starting point for women who are interested in possibly having tubal reversal surgery. Dr. Berger is truely the best in this field and it should make women more comfortable knowing that he provides so much detailed information in regards to tubal reversal surgery.
April 26th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
This is one of the most frequently asked questions! Many women do feel that the reversal is as simple as taking a tie off of the tubes. This information will help clarify what happens during a tubal ligation.