Pregnancy After Endometrial Ablation And Tubal Reversal
Posted On: Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
Many women will have both a tubal ligation and an endometrial ablation procedure. Some of these women will regret their decision and wish to become pregnant. We have frequent inquires about the possibility of pregnancy after an endometrial ablation procedure.
A successful pregnancy is possible after an endometrial ablation; however, there are unique risks of pregnancy in women who become pregnant after ablation. Women who are considering pregnancy after an endometrial ablation need to be carefully informed about these risks. The tubal reversal experts of Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center would like to provide readers with more information about endometrial ablation, tubal reversal, and the risks of pregnancy after endometrial ablation. This is the first article in our series about endometrial ablation, tubal reversal, and pregnancy.
Endometrial And Uterine Ablation: Treat Menstrual Periods
Uterine ablation is an incorrect term. Often this term is used when people refer to an endometrial ablation. Occasionally, people will also confuse uterine ablation with an entirely different surgical procedure called a uterine artery embolization (UAE). Uterine ablation is inaccurate terminology and many women will have either a uterine artery embolization (uterine artery blockage) or an endometrial ablation (uterine lining removal) for treatment of heavy menstrual periods.
Both uterine artery embolization and endometrial ablation are procedures to treat heavy menstrual periods. Although they both decrease bleeding, each procedure is uniquely different.
The uterine artery embolization is done by a radiologist in a radiology procedure room and involves blocking the uterine arteries to decrease blood flow to the uterus and decrease blood loss during the menstrual period.
An endometrial ablation is a surgical procedure done by a gynecologist either in the office or the operating room and involves removing the endometrial lining of the uterus. This also helps to treat anemia by reducing or eliminating blood loss during menstrual periods.
Both of the above procedures are designed to treat anemia and heavy menstrual bleeding. They each do this through a different process and pregnancy is possible after either endometrial ablation or uterine artery embolization. The purpose of this series of articles is to explain the risks of pregnancy after endometrial ablation.
Pregnancy And Endometrial Ablation Procedure
The goal of the endometrial ablation is to permanently remove the endometrial cells that make up the lining of the uterus. There are many different types of ablation procedures:
Laser ablation
Roller ball electrocoagulation
Transcervical resection (actual removal of the lining)
Cryoablation – Freezing. (Her Option)
Thermal ablation -hot water balloon (Thermachoice)
Thermal ablation -hot water (HTA)
Microwave endometrial ablation (FemWave)
Electrocoagulation (Novasure)
Although there are many different endometrial ablation techniques, these procedures are all intended to have the same end result: removal of the endometrial lining and a reduction in the amount of bleeding during a menstrual period.
Menstrual Period And Endometrial Ablation
Most endometrial ablations are not very effective and will not remove 100% of the uterine lining. A significant number of women will continue to have menstrual periods immediately after or within five years of an endometrial ablation procedure. These are the women who are most likely to be able to become pregnant.
Endometrial Ablation: Tubal Ligation or Vasectomy?
Pregnancy is possible after an endometrial ablation procedure, and, because of the possibility of pregnancy, most doctors recommend a permanent form of birth control in women who undergo ablation procedures. The most common procedures during or after an endometrial ablation are vasectomy or tubal ligation. Some women who undergo endometrial ablations will use a hormonal form of contraception or rely on the protection sometimes afforded by older age.
Menstrual Period After Endometrial Ablation
Women who have a menstrual period after an endometrial ablation can become pregnant and pregnancies after ablation have been reported in the medical literature.
Some women will accidentally become pregnant after an endometrial ablation. The majority of these pregnancies have been among women who were not using birth control or not using a reliable form of birth control or among those who have had a failed tubal ligation or vasectomy. Some pregnancies have been among women who have intentionally had either IVF or tubal ligation reversal.
Pregnancy is most likely to occur in women who have resumption in their normal menstrual cycles because these are the women who still have enough lining to create a menstrual period and support a pregnancy.
Endometrial Ablation And Tubal Reversal: Is Pregnancy Possible?
Many women will regret their decision to have a tubal ligation and endometrial ablation and will inquire about reversal. Most manufacturers of endometrial ablation devices and most physicians who perform endometrial ablations do not recommend becoming pregnant after an ablation procedure. Pregnancy is not recommended because of the higher risk of miscarriage and pregnancy loss.
Pregnancy after endometrial ablation and tubal reversal is possible but there are unique considerations regarding pregnancy after an endometrial ablation.
Readers are welcome to visit our Tubal Reversal Blog and read personal stories about tubal reversal and pregnancy success. We also invite readers to visit our Tubal Reversal Message Board and participate in ongoing discussions about pregnancy after endometrial ablation and tubal reversal.
The second article, Effects of Endometrial Ablation on Pregnancy, will explain how endometrial ablation decreases menstrual periods and the third article will present information about the risks of pregnancy after endometrial ablation.
August 29th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
Cecilia
Pregnancy is very difficult to naturally obtain after the age of 45. If you add to this a damaged endometrial lining then it will be even harder. You options are IVF with donor eggs or adoption. IVF with donor eggs would give you the best chance but this is only if your endometrial lining is not to severely damaged. You should speak with an IVF provider about this.
August 29th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
I forgot to mention, the ablation I had was the hot water type. She said she would fill my uterus with water and burn the lining. Periods did follow about 4-6 months after, but never again like my regular flow, mostly now light to medium, whereas I used to have medium to heavy flows. Last period I had was in late June, didn’t have one in July and haven’t had one in August. But this is usual. Sometimes I’ll have 2 or 3 back to back. Thank you so much for any advice.
August 29th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Please help! I am 47, had an endometrial ablation 4 years ago at 43. I had ONE instance of unusual heavy bleeding during a period that lasted 7 days. I always had 3 day periods like clockwork, so this was unusual. I saw my gyn immediately, who said i had fibroids. Said they needed to be scraped and only then would she know if they were cancerous, but that it was unlikely. I asked about alternative to EB. She said contraception pills but because of my age and risks, didn’t recommend it. So a few days later I had the procedure done, much to my regret! I am in love and want to have another child. with the EB and my age (am just starting menopause according to my blood worka), I know it will be practically impossible, but I have hope! I read online that treatment for Asherman’s Syndrome can help to restore the uterine lining to restore fertility and that hormones can help with ovulation. I still have light periods, sometimes on consecutive months, sometimes every 3-4 months. Is there any hope or am I totally dreaming? He has never been a father and I have a 19 year old son and always wanted more children after my divorce. Please, any hope?
August 20th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Cheryl
It is hard to give you a number and sometimes numbers can be misleading. In general about 30% of our patients become pregnant after tubal reversal. Pregnancy does become harder with increasing age and the best success is seen with IVF but only if you use donor eggs.
August 20th, 2010 at 11:29 am
I am 42 yrs old with 3 kids 10,12 and 14. Post divorce I had a tubal ligation (2000) and an ablation (2003).
I have regular periods and always have since the ablation, just not as heavy thank God! What do you think my chances are in getting pregnant if I have a tubal reversal? I am healthier now than I was when I had my children!
July 24th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Hello. This is in regard to Cindy’s comment on June 6th, 2010 at 9:40 AM
I couldn’t believe what I read. I am in the exact same situation as you. All the details are the same except I am 44 and just got married. My husband says the same thing, miracles do happen. I pray all the time. I don’t want to get my hopes up by even furthering anymore research or inquires. I am so heartbroken that I cannot have a baby with my new husband after every thing I have been through the past 25+ years.
I wish there was hope for me.
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:42 am
If you are not having regular periods after your endometrial ablation then chance of natural pregnancy is not very likely.
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:18 am
I had a tubal during an emergency c-section 4 years ago and was estranged from my husband at the time. Then 9 months later I had an endometrial ablation. He missed the entire pregnancy and the first ten months of my sons life before we got back together. I don’t have a regular period just some spotting and the hormone surges. Is it possible for me to get pregnant. I’m still in my 20′s.
July 14th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
I just wanted to thank you for the information. I had an endometrial ablation on July 3, 2004. Horrifyingly painful. Never stopped my menstrual bleeding, although I went from having 16 day periods to 8 day periods. (guess I got the 50% off special? hahahaha!) I am 35 now, and really would like to have another baby. I’ve read other blogs online and saw nothing but horror stories, but this gives me hope! I already have three children, 14, 13 and 12. I’m pretty ready to start over!
July 5th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Your period would have to return for you to become pregnant after endometrial ablation.
July 5th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
i had a tubal ligation a year ago and had a novasure ablation a month ago and dont have a period yet i want to become pregnant again if i had my tubes reversed could it be possible
June 23rd, 2010 at 12:46 pm
[...] more about endometrial ablation and how you can get pregnant again following a tubal ligation reversal in the blog series on the [...]
June 22nd, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Tina, RN – If you are not have menstrual periods after endometrial ablation, then the endometrial lining has been destroyed and it would not be possible for successful implantation and carrying a pregnancy.
June 22nd, 2010 at 12:04 pm
I am 36 years old, soon to be 37. I had my tubal and ablation done 5 years ago. I do not have a menstrual cycle but I still have the monthly cramping. Would I be considered high risk, or not a candidate for the reversal procedure? I also read that a woman could take birth control pills to try and restart her cycle. Is that a possibility with the tubal reversal??
June 6th, 2010 at 9:40 am
I am 47 years old, in good health, I had a tubal ligation in 1986 and an endometrial ablation in 2006 due to heavy bleeding, I continue to have spotting. My fiance and I want to have a child together as he has no children of his own. Naturally, if there was any way possible I would like to give birth to our child. I have read the articles and done a little research, and realize it would take a miracle to conceive….Miracles do happen.
May 20th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
I have had an endometrial ablation and a tubal ligation. I am in a new relationship and soon to get re-married. I am having break through bleeding and cramping. The bleeding seems to be more frequent and the procedure was just done about five months ago. I would like to have a tubal reversal and see if pregnancy possible.
March 20th, 2010 at 8:42 am
An ultrasound can not predict if you can support a pregnancy. If you have a gestational surrogate then you can not breast feed.
March 20th, 2010 at 12:51 am
I had my tubes tied 16.5 years ago and an endometrial ablation 5 years ago but I am having periods again , never did completely stop. But are getting heavier now.Can a ultrasound show if I could support a pregnancy? And how can I get my self to lactate if I do not have the baby and get a surrogate?
February 25th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Kristen – With your history, pregnancy is not likely. But whenever in doubt, running a home pregnancy test is always the best thing to do.
February 25th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
I had an endometrial ablation and tubaligation 2 years ago due to heavy and painful periods. I started resuming regular periods again about 1 year afterward. The last 3 months my periods are so light that don’t even have to wear a tampon or pad. This month I’m currently 6 days late. Is it possible that I could be pregnant even with the tubaligation done? I want to take a pregnancy test but am thinking thinking that I’m just being paranoid. Could I be pregnant?
February 1st, 2010 at 8:02 pm
About 2 years ago I had an endometrial ablation and regret my decision. Does anyone know if there is anything i can do to reverse this?
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:25 pm
[...] their ablation procedures. Readers should familiarize themselves with the five previous articles:Pregnancy After Endometrial Ablation And Tubal ReversalEffects on Endometrial Ablation on PregnancyTubal Reversal, Endometrial Ablation, Pregnancy: [...]
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:45 pm
[...] A successful pregnancy is possible after an endometrial ablation; however, there are unique risks of pregnancy in women who become pregnant after ablation. Women who are considering pregnancy after an endometrial ablation need to be carefully informed about these risks. The tubal reversal experts of Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center would like to provide readers with more information about endometrial ablation, tubal reversal, and the risks of pregnancy after endometrial ablation. This is the first article in our series about endometrial ablation, tubal reversal, and pregnancy. Read the rest of this article and comment on it. » [...]
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:49 am
[...] about the possibility of pregnancy after ablation should read our previous blog articles about pregnancy after ablation.This article shares the personal story of Shaunda and her husband Darren. Shaunda had her tubes [...]
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:14 am
Felicia
If you are having regular periods then pregnancy is always a possibility.
Although we would perform a tubal reversal for you if you wanted this possibility, I would advise you not have a tubal reversal surgery because of your age and the history of endometrial ablation. The two factors together make pregnancy very, very unlikely.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:01 am
I’m 45 years old and currently engaged. After my 2nd child in 1985 I had a my tubes tied. Three years ago I had the endometrial ablation done. I want to have another baby. Is it possible?
December 21st, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Tanya
Unfortunately, we have a large number of patients who experience loss of a child- we call them our Tubal Reversal Angels.
Pregnancy after ablation is possible if you are having regular menstrual periods after your ablation procedure. It is always a good idea to consider additional medical opinions before undertaking such an important decision.
You are welcome to call the office (919) 968-4656 to speak with one of our tubal reversal nurses about the possibility of tubal reversal.
December 21st, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I had a tubal ligation done in 2003 when I was 21. At that time I had 2 daughters, I had an ablation done in 2005 (balloon) for heavy periods and severe migraines. In 2007 I lost my 10 year old daughter to a 7 month battle of Leukemia. It has been devastating. I’m also married to a man who has no children of his own. Should I start by talking to a high risk doctor that lives in my area(outside of Chicago), or call and talk to one of your nurses there? We are trying so hard to have just a little bit of hope.
December 21st, 2009 at 10:16 am
[...] uterine ablation procedures.Readers should familiarize themselves with our previous publications:Pregnancy After Endometrial Ablation And Tubal ReversalEffects on Endometrial Ablation on PregnancyTubal Reversal, Endometrial Ablation, Pregnancy: [...]
December 18th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I am looking for any statistics regarding pregnancy success following endometrial ablation and tubal reversal. I’ve been told there are too few studies to view an accurate picture of my chances of carrying a full term pregnancy after the ablation. All i know for sure is that my uterus looks to be perfectly healthy when viewed during a saline infused ultrasound. I bled for almost a month following the procedure and resumed normal periods immediately. So I’m hoping it was a failed procedure. I am 38 and therefore my chances at success are already declining so I’m in a bit of a hurry. Please give me some insight if anyone has been pregnant following ablation AND tubal reversal…thank you. soccer_mom_515@yahoo.com
December 16th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
[...] and pregnancy.We have authored two previous articles about pregnancy and endometrial ablation: Pregnancy After Endometrial Ablation And Tubal Reversal Effects of Endometrial Ablation on Pregnancy. This article will explain the concerns and risks of [...]
December 15th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
[...] after endometrial ablation. Readers are advised to read the preceding articles in this series:Pregnancy After Endometrial Ablation And Tubal Reversal -Effects of Endometrial Ablation on Pregnancy [...]
December 15th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
[...] why Dr. Charles Monteith is writing a blog series about endometrial ablation and tubal ligation reversal. Maybe you are wondering why it is a big deal. If you are one of the women who has had an [...]
December 11th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
[...] more about endometrial ablation and how you can get pregnant after tubal ligation reversal in the blog series on the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center website [...]
December 8th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
[...] This article is the second in our series on endometrial ablation and pregnancy.The first article, Pregnancy After Endometrial Ablation And Tubal Reversal, provided an introduction to endometrial ablation and introduced the possibility of pregnancy after [...]
December 7th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Thanks for the article about pregnancy after endometrial ablation and tubal reversal. This is a wonderful service for women seeking information regarding pregnancy following these procedures.
December 5th, 2009 at 2:07 am
As my wife and I have read the comments posted and the facts provided by this site, it is obvious to us that my wife and I will come there for the professional consultation of The Chapel Hill Center. My wife has previously had cervical cancer, currently has endometriosis and had the ablation procedure 2.5 years ago. It has been a living hell for her….this gives up hope.
Thanks,
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Thank you for providing this information on pregnancy after endometrial ablation and tubal reversal!
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:47 am
I always enjoy the information on Dr. Monteith’s blogs and share it with my friend who is also considering reversal surgery.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
I am looking forward to the upcoming articles about pregnancies after tubal reversal and endometrial ablation. This is excellent information.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:32 am
Very informative article. It is good to hear that there is hope of pregnancy after endometrial ablation.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:10 am
I never miss any of Dr. Monteith’s educational articles on the blog site. They are so well written and of interest to professional as well as lay persons.
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:07 am
I didn’t realize that there were so many different ways that an endometrial ablation could be performed.
Great information!
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:36 am
This is a very interesting article on the considerations regarding pregnancy after endometrial ablation and tubal reversal. I look forward to the next informative articles.