After Tubal Ligation: Trying to Conceive
Posted On: Tuesday, August 4th, 2009
Over 7,000 women have undergone tubal ligation reversal at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. For many the hardest decision was choosing to have tubal reversal surgery.
Tubal reversal provides excellent chances at pregnancy and many of our reversal patients will become pregnant. Our pregnancy statistics show approximately 70% will become pregnant over time. Yet many of our patients will not become pregnant immediately after surgery and obtaining a successful pregnancy, for some, may take several years.
The tubal reversal experts of Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center would like to provide some helpful advice on how to become pregnant after reversal surgery.
After Tubal Reversal: Take A Multivitamin
After tubal ligation reversal, women can ensure a healthy pregnancy by monitoring their nutrition, eating a healthy diet, and taking a daily multivitamin. One of the nutrients critical to a successful pregnancy is folic acid. Research studies demonstrate taking a daily dose of 400 micrograms of folic acid will greatly reduce the risk of pregnancy birth defects and miscarriage. Taking a multivitamin every day is good pregnancy insurance.
Tubal Reversal And Smoking: Stop!
Cigarette smoking is a habit, which has conclusively been shown to be very harmful in pregnancy. The substances found in cigarette smoke cause poor healing and may cause poor healing of the tubes after reversal surgery. Women who smoke during pregnancy have more miscarriages, preterm births, placental abruptions, and smaller babies. Stopping smoking is the best thing any woman can do for her health and her pregnancy. The same goes for consumption of alcohol.
After Tubes Reversed: Optimize Medical Problems
Consulting with your doctor before or after reversal surgery is a very good idea if you have medical problems. The most common medical problems, which can cause problems during conception, are diabetes and thyroid disease.
Women with poor control of their blood sugar are more likely to miscarry or have fetal birth defects. Women with poorly controlled thyroid disease are also likely to have problems conceiving. Good control of blood sugars and thyroid disease is critical to having healthy conception and pregnancy.
After Tube Reversed: Evaluate Medications
If you are on prescription medications then it is advisable you consult with your doctor prior to becoming pregnant. Some prescriptions medications can be harmful to a pregnancy and can cause pregnancy miscarriage or birth defects. Medications to be concerned about are certain antibiotics, blood pressure, seizure, and blood thinning medications.
A consult with your doctor to discuss medications before becoming pregnant is advisable prior to conceiving.
After Tubes Untied: Monitor Ovulation
Irregular ovulation is the most common problem faced by many patients after tubal ligation reversal. Many women will develop irregular ovulation (irregular egg release) as they become older or as they gain weight. The most visible sign of irregular ovulation is erratic periods. If a woman is skipping periods then eggs are not being release reliably and consistently. Irregular ovulation can make conceiving very difficult because it is harder to predict ovulation to best time sexual intercourse.
We recommend using ovulation predictor test kits after tubal reversal to increase the chance of conceiving every month. If ovulation is not being documented then a consult with your doctor to determine the cause is recommended.
Pregnancy After Tube Untied: Are Tubes Blocked?
Most women will become pregnant within a year after their tubes are untied; however, some may require longer becoming pregnant. When all factors are ideal the chance of becoming pregnant with intercourse on the day of ovulation is about 8-10% for that month. Therefore, we recommend our patients wait 12 months before deciding to have an HSG x-ray to determine if their tubes are blocked.
In our experience, approximately 5% of patients will have a least one tube blocked after tubal reversal surgery. Most of our patients will have open tubes after reversal surgery.
After Reversal: Semen Analysis?
Sometimes ovulation will be regular and tubes will not be blocked. Although male infertility can contribute to a couple’s infertility 50% of the time, most men will have normal semen counts. We encourage all patients to consider a semen analysis and especially if the male has not fathered any children or has serious medical problems.
If conception has not occurred after a year, ovulation has been documented, and the tubes are open then we advise a semen analysis. Occasionally a low sperm count can be identified as the possible cause when all other factors have been evaluated.
Pregnancy After Tubes Untied
Tubal reversal offers women the ability to become pregnant naturally and every month.
Since tubal reversal restores the natural ability to become pregnant, women also have to endure the natural challenges to pregnancy.
Most of these challenges can be overcome with a positive outlook, healthy lifestyle changes, ovulation monitoring, and consultation with a doctor.
Many women will have success conceiving after tubal reversal, but this does not mean pregnancy will occur immediately or quickly for all women.
August 4th, 2009 at 11:09 am
This article provides helpful information and describes the optimum health and positive emotions that will help with conception for tubal reversal patients.
August 4th, 2009 at 11:58 am
I think the advice given on preparing for tubal reversal and trying to conceive is very accurate. We absolutely must take care of ourselves so that our bodies are ready for a successful pregnancy. I used ovulation kits to help me monitor when I was ovulating. I had never used them before with prior pregnancies, and, to be honest, I really didn’t know there was a way to know these things. I learned from this site how to tell when ovulation occurs, etc. Within 3 months of my surgery and without trying I had conceived tubal reversal baby 1. Later I found out that I had Grave’s disease, so it is very important for the ladies to monitor their health, weight, smoking habits, etc. I believe the tubal reversal doctors have given the best advice they can and that the Tubal Reversal Message Board is very helpful too.
Thanks!
Joy
August 4th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Would it be a good idea to have the semen checked before having the tubal reversal – just in cause the male is not fertile?
August 4th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
This is great!!! I think that morale was low on the Tubal Reversal Message Board and we all needed to see this.
Thank you very much
August 4th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Heather
It is always worth considering having a semen analysis before tubal reversal. The test does cost 100-$250 and most men will have a normal semen analysis. Understandably many couples will opt not to have a semen analysis.
If a man has fathered children before then, in general, he has a higher chance of not having sperm problems. If a man has not fathered children and, especially, if he has a history of testicular or kidney problems then it is worth considering having a semen analysis done before a tubal reversal surgery. Men who have a history of anabolic steroid use, substance abuse, or prescription medications should also be considered for semen analysis.
August 5th, 2009 at 4:39 am
This is an excellent review for any one trying to become pregnant. A must read for all of our tubal reversal ladies.
August 5th, 2009 at 6:35 am
I think this is a great informative article. This will help women to take the steps that will prepare them for their tubal reversal and pregnancy. Thanks Dr. Monteith!
August 5th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Very informative article for women trying to conceive before tubal reversal- and after! Great advice!
August 5th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Very informative for after tubal reversal Dr. Monteith….thanks again!
August 5th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
This article really summarizes the important facts that can serve as a guide to conception and a healthy pregnancy for tubal reversal patients.
August 8th, 2009 at 7:15 am
I read your topic and responses with great interest.
August 10th, 2009 at 1:00 am
Thank you! You write very interesting articles.
August 10th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I think this is a great article! Thanks Dr. Monteith
August 10th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Great article with helpful information instructing women regarding pregnancy following tubal reversal. This is another super example of beneficial information for women desiring tubal reversal found on the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center website.
August 11th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
This article is very informative. It really summarizes the steps for women to take to prepare for surgery and what to expect after tubal reversal surgery.
August 14th, 2009 at 11:05 am
[...] just two months after the tubal ligation surgery I conceived. I am now eight weeks and four days pregnant with a due date of March 10, 2010. Thanks [...]
August 20th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Women on the message board discuss tips on trying to conceive after tubal reversal.
August 20th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Message board participants also provide tips on how to have a pregnancy after tubes untied.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Can you implant sperm and an egg into a woman’s uterus and she become pregnant after her tubes are tied?
Please email me cm8871@yahoo.com
August 26th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Cindy
Yes you can. It is called IVF. It is expensive, costs between $9-12,000 and has an average success of about 35%. We have a complete blog series on IVF benefits and IVF risks. Tubal reversal has an average success of about 70% and currently costs between $5,400-5,900 at our center.
September 17th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I would like to thank everyone for sharing all of the helpful, informative, and important information regarding Tubal Reversal. My TR is scheduled for 9/25/09 and I am so prayerful. We are going to wait at least 2 months before we try to conceive just to higher our chances. Thanks for the encouragement and the truth. May God continue to bless all of you!
November 7th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Great article and a good start. It is so important that take care of your body all the time and not just sometimes, as it can take 9-12 months for a very healthy and young couple while trying to conceive after tubal reversal. You have to think positively, rest properly, eat well, exercise consistently and monitor your ovulation patterns using as many methods as possible.
Rebecca
November 8th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Hi! I’m from the pregnancykeys.com site. I want you to know that I’m looking forward to seeing you conceive your little miracle faster. Please do visit our site. Applying each of the simple steps presented throughout these lessons will ensure that you increase your chances of getting pregnant.
December 16th, 2009 at 6:56 am
Hello all, I’m a 44 yr old and my TR was performed 12-15-09. I have 6 cm on right and 4 cm on left. I don’t plan on trying soon but will take the advice to take multivitamins, watch my diet, follow my cycle, and pray for healthy baby. Thanks to Dr. Berger and staff for making my stay so comfortable.
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
[...] to know how wonderful my husband and I think you are!As a side note, my husband and I are not yet trying to conceive. I’m trying to drop 20 lbs first because I’m overweight and tend to gain a lot during [...]
May 7th, 2010 at 7:50 am
[...] should tubal blockage be a hindrance to your efforts in trying to conceive, seek out the doctors at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center to remove it. [...]
May 18th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
[...] more tips on trying to conceive, check out the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center website. You can ask your questions of the staff [...]
July 26th, 2010 at 11:48 am
I got my tubal reversal 3 months ago not pregnant yet. I want to be so badly but I am scared that maybe mine have been tied for to long 14 yrs. Wish me luck. Thanks Wendy.
July 26th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Most patients become pregnant within a year of tubal ligation reversal surgery. Some may take longer to become pregnant after tubal ligation reversal.
August 30th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
May I know what is the maximum age of women for tubal reversal surgery? I am 45.
August 30th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Empy
There is no maximum age. We do require that you be having regular periods. We have had patients become naturally pregnant at the age of 46 and up to 48 years of age.
September 22nd, 2010 at 1:42 pm
hi, i had a tubal reversal 4 year’s ago. It went well only thing is i already have had 5 MC.hopefully some day i can become pregnant and this time my lil bean will stick. wish me luck……….
November 5th, 2010 at 7:01 am
I had my tubal ligation 5 years ago, i want to get pregnant again but how? How much cost having tubal reversal? I am not rich person but can u help me how to obtain that? i am desperately wants to get pregnant again.Thank you please answer back
November 5th, 2010 at 9:28 am
Maxcel:
We offer several fee options for the reversal procedure:
1) Dr. Berger’s standard fee is $6900. With this fee, you can schedule your appointment and hold a date with a $250 down payment. But the balance is due three weeks prior to the surgery date.
2) Dr. Berger’s discounted fee is $5,900 and is due at the time of scheduling your surgery. In other words, if you called today to schedule surgery for next month, the full $5900 fee would be sent by tomorrow to get the discount.
3) Dr. Monteith’s standard fee is $6400. With this fee, you can schedule your appointment and hold a date with a $250 down payment. But the balance is due three weeks prior to the surgery date.
4) Dr. Monteith’s discounted fee is $5400. This discounted fee is due in full at the time surgery is scheduled.
For patients interested in long-term payment arrangements, however, we offer a pre-payment plan. With the pre-payment option, patients can pre-pay the surgical fee without interest prior to the surgery date. To utilize this option, a non-refundable $250 fee is mailed to us at: Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, 109 Conner Drive, Suite 2200, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514. At that point, an account is opened in your name and payments of any amount are made, as you are able — for as long as you wish. For the standard fee of $6900, you do not have to wait until the balance is paid to schedule surgery – you can schedule at any time with a $250 down payment. The balance is due at least three weeks prior to the surgery date. You may receive either of our discounted fees while using the pre-payment plan, but the balance must be paid in full prior to scheduling surgery.
Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions. ErickaP@tubal-reversal.net
November 30th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
[...] your tubal reversal surgery will help minimize any problems. You will find additional info about trying to conceive after the surgery at their website, [...]
December 28th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
[...] course the ideal situation would be to learn more about trying to conceive and improving your chances for getting pregnant. You can do so at the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal [...]
April 19th, 2011 at 10:29 am
Thanks for the wonderful information I had some of the same issues to. It good that we all pass on information that has each one of us in our own personal experiences.
Thanks again Barbra
September 15th, 2011 at 11:15 am
In Febuaray I found out my right tube is blocked after I had the HSG test done.I am 32 years old & I have never been pregnant. We have been trying to conceive for a little over 2 yrs now. It has been a very frustrating experience for me. My husband has a child from a previous marriage. After consulting my doctor he said that I have as good of a chance w/ one good tube. So we have still been trying & every month I have continued to get my cycle. I want to get pregnant so bad. I pray that it happens soon.
October 26th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
i had my tubal reversal done april of 2011 and still am not pregnant im 40. i have been trying everything taking prenatals OPKs temping bedding on fertile days, i am getting depressed. what do i do?
October 26th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Tammy – If your partner has not fathered children, it would be a good idea for him to have a semen analysis. You could also have your doctor schedule you for a hysterosalpingogram (HSG).
October 27th, 2011 at 7:57 am
doc. my husband has 3 children 2 are on their own with children of their own and his youngest is 11yrs. old i also already had a fsh done and i am no where near pre-menapause numbers was in good range. my last mentral was 10/21/11 what would be my best days to bed or what do you think would be the best tragedy? The HSG is that to check to see if the tubes are still open? If that is what that is they are open had that done.
November 30th, 2011 at 10:39 pm
I have just turned 39 last week. had my tubes burned in 2002. And I had Thyroid cancer and a total thyroidectomy in 2007 followed by radioactive iodine pills for 2 scans beginning of 2008. I have since been monitoring my thyroid meds and they need tweaked every now and then if I lose weight (which I am working on I am currently about 30-32 BMI). My husband and I desperately want to have a child together. Is my lack of a thyroid an issue? Or the radioactive iodine? The drs. who performed the surgeries and treatments said they would not affect fertility but I am not sure what your office is willing to accept.
November 30th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Nancy M – As long as your thyroid hormone (Free T4) is within normal range, this will not be an issue with having your tubal reversal surgery at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.
November 30th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
the last test I had done was .03 and I am being retested Friday to ensure my DR. can lower it to the right dose. We are trying to schedule a TR with you for this month do I need to wait until we get it leveled again?
November 30th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
Nancy M – Free thyroxine (T4) levels are normally 0.8-2.0 ng/dl. Why don’t you have your doctor fax your latest thyroid levels to us at (919) 967-8637 to review to be sure about what they are. A thyroid hormone panel usually includes TSH and Free T3. Rather than discussing private medical information online, it would be best for you to email me at DrBerger@tubal-reversal.net – when we get your lab results, then we can discuss when it would be best to get on the schedule for your reversal procedure.
November 30th, 2011 at 11:30 pm
I will get that over to your office tomorrow thank you.
December 10th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
I am 43 and had the TR on 02/14/11. I am not pregnant yet. I had the HSG done and all is good. My husband had the semen analysis done which, was good. I was wondering if medications to produce more healthy eggs is the next step? Also, should I invest in the Ovacue fertility monitor bundle kit to help me pinpoint my ovulation?
December 10th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Using the fertility monitor or OPKs to identify when ovulation is about to occur is always helpful. If you are ovulating normally, fertility medications have risks as well as possible benefits.
January 19th, 2012 at 5:29 pm
I am diabetic, with pcos, if my pathology reports say you can do my surgery, can you still, i am thirty eight, and relise i have too be on metformin, and clomid. . .
January 19th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Paula C. – Yes, we can do your reversal surgery as long as you have your diabetes under good control.