Essure Tubal Reversals and Pregnancies
The reversal surgeons of Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center specialize in corrective tubal surgery. We have dedicated our practice to tubal repair for blocked fallopian tubes and reversal of tubal ligations. Since 2000, we have performed over 6,000 tubal reversal procedures. We have recently begun to receive requests from women for Essure tubal reversals.
This article will provide some additional insights into reversal of Essure sterilization.
Essure Reversal
Reversal of Essure tubal ligation is possible. We have described both the Essure procedure and the reversal of Essure in two previous articles:
These articles explain how Essure works and how we perform Essure reversals.
Essure Reversal Requires Tubal Implantation
The Essure coils cause tubal blockage in the interstitial/isthmic portion of the tube.
The interstitial and isthmic sections are the narrowest portions of the fallopian tube as it travels through the muscular wall of the uterus. The Essure coils cause the formation of scar tissue that results in tubal closure.
Although the tubal closure is in a critical portion of the fallopian tube, the Essure procedure leaves a large part of the tube unaffected. The remaining portion of the fallopian tube outside of the uterus remains healthy and long after Essure tubal sterilization.
How Is Essure Reversal Done?
The Essure coils can be removed during the reversal procedure; however, simply removing the coils will not open the fallopian tube. The scar tissue caused by the Essure coils is permanent and must be bypassed. The procedure to bypass the tubal scar tissue is called tubouterine implantation.
We perform Essure reversals as outpatient surgery that take less than 90 minutes to perform. During the procedure, the Essure coils are removed to prevent possible complications with future pregnancies. A new opening is made into each side of the uterus and the healthy portion of the fallopian tube is then inserted into the new opening.
Pregnancy After Essure Tubal Reversal
Pregnancy is possible after reversing Essure sterilization. We have examined our pregnancy database of over 6,000 reversal patients and studied the pregnancy success rates of our patients. The pregnancy rate was 57% for women who had tubouterine implantation procedures .
Essure Reversal Or IVF: Which Is Better?
Pregnancy after the Essure procedure can be achieved by Essure reversal or IVF. Many couples ask which is the better choice. Each couple will need to decide for themselves which approach is better for them. We have devoted several previous articles to inform readers about the benefits and risks of IVF:
In 2006, the national IVF success rate for non-donor, fresh egg IVF was 35% for each IVF cycle attempted. Patients who underwent tubouterine implantation at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center had a pregnancy success rate of 57%. Tubouterine implantation pregnancy success rate at our center provides higher pregnancy success rates than a single cycle of IVF.
Essure Reversal Costs
Essure reversal at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center costs between $4,900 to 5,900. Patients having Essure reversal at our center have a 90 minute outpatient surgical procedure. They stay overnight in a local hotel and can return home the morning after surgery after their postoperative visit. They can usually return to work in 7-10 days after their procedure. If the tubouterine procedure is successful then patients have the opportunity to become pregnant more than once. The main risk of any tubal surgery is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. The risks associated with ectopic pregnancy can be minimized by following our early pregnancy monitoring protocol.
For comparison, IVF costs an average of $9,000 to $12,ooo for each treatment cycle. IVF involves many visits to the physician, multiple injections with hormonal medications, and possible ethical and medical concerns should a multiple gestation pregnancy occur.
Advice About Essure Reversal
If you are considering Essure reversal, call Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center at (919) 968-4656 and speak with a tubal reversal nurse for a free consulation and advice about Essure reversal. We are available to answer any questions couples may have about Essure tubal sterilization reversal.









November 19th, 2009 at 5:01 am
A common cause of blocked tubes is scar tissue. Tubal surgery for blocked tubes can be helpful, but after 2 tubal ligations, IVF may be your better option.
November 19th, 2009 at 12:05 am
I had a reversal tubal but my right tube has scar tissue. I have had a tubal ligation 2 times already. Because of my scar tissue it’s only open a little. What is there that I can do?
October 31st, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I am interested in having a tubal reversal. Can I have some literature on this procedure?. I haven’t gathered up the courage to call because of the thought of having a form of surgery done. If you can please call me at 315-372-2559. If Erika Johnson can call me that will be great.. thank you.
Elizabeth Serwah
October 30th, 2009 at 10:22 am
It has taken me a longtime to log on and share my journey. But I am very glad that I had the Tubal Reversal now as my body is getting back to normal before my tubal ligation. Before I experienced everything from pain, to low sex drive, to major mood swings, and long lasting menstrual cycles. Sine my reversal surgery 3/20/09 my cycles are back to normal 3-5 days tops, the pain is minimal if at all, and all is working very well. My only stress is I wanted to be pregnant by now, but that is just me dealing with my lack of patience. But I have to say to everyone at Chapel Hill Surgical Center me and my fiance experience was great. We even talked about moving to Chapel Hill as we were treated so very well, and enjoyed the scenery. I just wanted to say thanks to Dr Berger for all he does in the field of work. As you may have heard it many times over, Thank you. I believe your practice is blessed because you bless so many. So hopefully next sometime I can be telling everyone about our new addition that you through your passion for fertility have given to us. This was the best medical experience I have ever had!!!