Comments on: Tubal Ligation Reversal After 40 | Pregnancy and Infertility

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:57:29 +0000

I am 39 (will be 40 in April) and have 5 children. I never had ANY trouble getting pregnant, always on the first try. I had a TL during my Csection of my 5 child 9 years ago. I think she burnt, cut, and tied but not positive. My husband and I would love to have another baby. What are my chances of conception? I have periods every month still. My BMI is right at 36 but I am trying to lose a few more pounds to bring it down to 35 or lower.
Thanks!
Lynette

By: Dr. Monteith

Dr. Monteith — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:19:58 +0000

Mady
Did you have tubal reversal at our center? If so then email either Dr Berger or myself directly. If you were the patient of another doctor then send us the report of your tubal ligation reversal as well as any HSG x-rays you may have. It is difficult to become pregnant naturally after the age of 44 and IVF with donor eggs would provide you the best chance of pregnancy success at this time.

By: Mady

Mady — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:28:16 +0000

I am 44 and I had a tubal reversal in 2008. after that I had a tubal pregnancy and the Dr. said my tubes are blocked. I recently got pregnant and had a miscariage 3 months ago. I am so confussed. One Doctor says it was a tubal pregnancy and another one says it wasn’t. Please tell me if you can help me. Thank You

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:55:19 +0000

Tracy – At age 29, your chances of becoming pregnant after tubal reversal at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center are 80%. Many couples drive here so there is no reason to fly if you don’t want to.

By: Tracy

Tracy — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 07:04:26 +0000

I am 29 years old and had my tubal when I was 21. I have had 3 children and had a bad relationship and decided it was for the best. Now years later im in a very good marriage and am really regreting the decision I made. Do you think I would have a good chance of becoming pregnant again if I had a reversal done? Also I am very afraid to fly and have never flown before would driving there be an option if me and my husband wanted to do that?

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:07:45 +0000

Leslie – It would be rare to be able to get pregnant 13 years after a tubal ligation without a reversal.

By: leslie

leslie — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:12:28 +0000

i will be 43 in december and had a tubal 13 years ago 1998, do you think it is possible to get pregnant after that long without a reversal. i feel like a pregnant person i did the home test it is negative.

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 03:57:33 +0000

Stephanie
Even with one tube and the type of tubal ligation you would be a candidate for tubal reversal surgery. Your chances of becoming pregnant would be around 60% but would decrease to 30% after the age of 40.

By: stephanie

stephanie — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 03:35:06 +0000

I am 39 and only have one tube and ovary. I had my tube cut and burn 8 years ago. I have 4 healthy children (17, 15, 10, & 8), all delivered vaginal. Would I be a good candidate for tubal reversal?

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:19:02 +0000

Michelle
You would be a good candidate. Please email or fax me your tubal ligation records and we will provide better advice for you about tubal reversal surgery. You can send your records to my attention using this information:
Charles W. Monteith, MD
Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center
109 Conner Drive
Suite 2200
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 968-4656 phone
(919) 967-8637 fax

By: michelle

michelle — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:03:46 +0000

I am 39 yrs old and have 4 children..Tied burned clipped my tubes about 10 yrs ago.I had heavy periods after my tubes were tied so my dr put me on iud mirena and I hardly have periods..am I a good candidate?ps I had a tummy tuck 5 yrs ago before I met my fiance…

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:21:21 +0000

Jackie
Tubal reversal and pregnancy are both possible for you. With increasing age pregnancy does become harder to obtain; however, approximately 30% (1 out of 3) of our patients will become pregnant after the age of 40. You can see more about your chances in our Pregnancy Statistics section of our website.

By: jackie

jackie — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:12:05 +0000

i am 41 going to be 42 in October 2011. i have 3 children aged 25, 23, and 21. They were all c-sections. my tubes were cut and tied i believe it was done at the time of my last c-section. i have been married 9 years with my husband who has no children i am just now learning about tubal reversal i never knew it existed. Do you think it is possible for me to have a tubal reversal? I have regular periods and ovulate every month

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 01:29:52 +0000

Angela
A LEEP surgery should not cause any problems with a tubal reversal. I would wait 4-6 weeks after a LEEP to have tubal reversal. As far as additional evaluation of your cervix (the scraping) you will have to speak with your doctor about the importance and necessity of that procedure.

By: Angela

Angela — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:23:41 +0000

How long after a LEEP procedure can you schedule a reversal. Leep turned out ok, do I really have to go back after 6 months for a scraping of the cervics? If so, will that be a problem with having the reversal and results?

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 03:53:22 +0000

Tammy – It is possible to have a tubal reversal at 46 and to become pregnant if you are having regular menstrual cycles. At your age, the chances of having another baby after tubal reversal are about 1 in 4. The other option you have is donor egg IVF.

By: Tammy

Tammy — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 03:38:04 +0000

I am 46 yrs old and I have regular periods and still ovulate every month, I would like to have a tubal reversal…is it possible at this age to get pregnant? Im with a younger man and he wants children and i would like to get this done….What do u think?

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Tue, 24 May 2011 19:23:21 +0000

Paige – Most likely this is the beginning of the transition into menopause. If you are concerned about the possibility of being pregnant 22 years after your tubal ligation, which is unlikely, run a home pregnancy test.

By: Paige

Paige — Tue, 24 May 2011 19:17:09 +0000

I am 46 1/2 years old and had tubes tied and burnt 22 years ago. Right now, I have no period this month what does it mean? Pregnant or Menopause?
Help Me! Help Me!

By: Maritza

Maritza — Fri, 20 May 2011 19:37:20 +0000

Hi:

I am 40 years old and I have 3 children of natural birth from my previous marriage. After 7 years, I meet my sweet heart who doest not have any children. He want a child and I am considering a reversal. The only health problems that I have are fibroid cyst,and thyroid problems. I would like to know what are my chances of becoming pregnant?

Thanking you in advance,

Maritza

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Fri, 13 May 2011 22:31:44 +0000

betsy – You can have a tubal ligation reversal even though you have small fibroids. At age 44, your chances of becoming pregnant are about 1 in 3 or 1 in 4. You can see the pregnancy rates by age among the women who have had their tubes untied at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.

By: betsy

betsy — Fri, 13 May 2011 22:14:37 +0000

may13 2011
Im 44 had my tubes tied 1993 i have small fibroids can I have tubal ligitation reversal and what are my
chances of becoming pregnant?

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Tue, 10 May 2011 12:21:09 +0000

Kris
Your chances of becoming pregnant are likely between 10-30% after tubal reversal but 50% if you use IVF with donor eggs.

By: kris

kris — Tue, 10 May 2011 03:47:17 +0000

I’m 42, 43 in January 2012. I had a tubal ligation 5 years ago. Cut, tied, burned. I had 3 pregnancies and have 3 children. I’m in decent shape. No known medical problems. What are my chances of conceiving after a reversal. Less than 50%??

Thank you!

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:46:37 +0000

Yes. It is possible to reverse this and allow you to become naturally pregnant. It is harder to become pregnant after the age of 43 but not impossible.

By: lilrose68

lilrose68 — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 03:24:03 +0000

I am 43, 5′ 1.5″, 160 lbs, 28 day cycle, had 5 children, tubaligation done was cut, burn, tie, and the doc burned a hole through on one side. I never wanted the tubal, was done because I was too fertile. Is it possible to reverse my procedure and for me to conceive naturally?

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 11:31:46 +0000

Unless your periods become restored to normal, it is wishful thinking to have another child.

By: Maggie

Maggie — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 04:20:53 +0000

I had an edometrial ablation in July 2010 after months of having irrecular cycles (anemic with heavy bleeding 3 out of 4 weeks of each month). To prevent the risk of the consequenses that would come with getting pregnant without a lining, I requested a tubal ligation. I recently had one day of bleeding. I am soon to be 41, and have 2 grown children but would love to give my boyfriend a child that he has never had…Wishful thinking?

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 09:07:11 +0000

Catherine – As long as you are having regular menstrual cycles, it is possible to become pregnant after tubal reversal after age 40 and we will be happy to help you.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:00:59 +0000

I am a 46 years old healthy with 3 grown children and would like to have a reversal. I had my tubes tied 20 years ago after having my son.If I can remember because I was young the doctor put clamps on them. I am getting remarried and would like to have another child of my own but do not want to get my hopes up in accomplishing this could you maybe help ?

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:59:22 +0000

Approximately 1 out of 3 women who are over the age of 40 and have a tubal reversal will become pregnant.

By: journey00

journey00 — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 04:35:41 +0000

I’m 40 years old. Had my tubes tied 5 yrs ago with the birth of my last daughter. I have 4 children and 3 c sections. I’m healthy and have normal monthly periods. I have returned to my Catholic roots therefore I want to reverse the tubal ligation. What are my chances of conceiving after tube reversal?

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 05:17:02 +0000

Midiam de Talavera - The main risk of tubal reversal is the risk of tubal pregnancy. This risk can be minimized by following our early pregnancy monitoring protocol. High blood pressure, if medically controlled, does not present increased risks and your height and weight indicate that you could have your tubal ligation reversal safely at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.

By: Midiam de Talavera

Midiam de Talavera — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 03:05:05 +0000

I am a 42 year old woman wishing to have another baby. My tubes were cut and burned in 1995 after having my second baby. I was 27 years old at the time and two years later I was diagnosed with high blood pressure which has been controlled with tenoretic 50 miligrams every day. Are there too many risks in my getting a tubal reversal. I am about 5'5 and weight about 164 pounds.

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 13:33:28 +0000

Raemona
Tubal reversal would give you a chance at becoming pregnant naturally; however, the best chance would be IVF with donor eggs because of your age.

By: Raemona

Raemona — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 06:02:48 +0000

I am a 44 year old mother of six beautiful girls. I was widowed 5 years ago and have recently become engaged. I had my tubes tied in 1994. I want to know would reversal work for me.

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 01:47:57 +0000

Maria – It is possible but not very likely. IVF with donor eggs from a younger woman would give you a better chance of having a baby.

By: maria

maria — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 01:30:27 +0000

I am a 48 year old woman, and I had my tubal ligation done on 1984 and I also still very healthy and still on my cycle. I have 3 grown children and I have a wonderful man who been in my life for 4 year and we talking about a baby. Do I have a chance of having a baby?

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 19:08:54 +0000

Letty
You are correct. After gastric bypass the ability to become pregnant does become easier; however, it is only because of improved ovulation (release of eggs). If you tubes have been tied they will not become untied because of gastric by pass surgery.

By: Letty

Letty — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:06:39 +0000

I am 35. I had my tubes tied 10 years ago. 8 months ago I underwent gastric bypass surgery. I have heard people sometimes get pregnant from the dramatic weight loss. This month I am couple of days late. Should I be concerned?

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 09:27:11 +0000

Tami – The ovarian cyst can be removed at the time of your tubal reversal procedure. At age 43 it would be better to proceed with having the surgery and not delaying or taking birth control pills. It would also be a good idea to get a current FSH level.

By: Tami

Tami — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:16:59 +0000

I am 43 and planning to have a tubal reversal in the next few months. The problem is I have a ovarian cyst right now, and they want to put me on BC pills to help it go down. Is this a good idea? If I still have the cyst at the time of my surgery could it be removed then? Will having a cyst make it more difficult to conceive? Does having a cyst mean my ovaries are starting to malfunction? I pull a FSH of 2.9 last year but have not done a new one recently. If they are starting to not work should I go through with reversal surgery?

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:22:02 +0000

Patricia
We would be happy to do a reversal for you; however, at the age of 47 it is very difficult to become pregnant naturally. IVF with donor eggs would be your best option.

By: patricia

patricia — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:13:54 +0000

I am 47 and had a tubal ligation where they were cut,snip burnt Aug 1990. Is it possible to get it reversed? I was 27 when it was done, I was forced to go through this procedure from my parents at the time. I was living with them and had no where else to go either i had it done or threw me out. so what options did I have so everyday I regret it. I have 2 children daughter 22 and son 20. I am overweight will I still be able to go through to reverse this? I met a wonderful who wants to have children so if I cant get reversal maybe IVF would help

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:36:36 +0000

Anna – You do not need to under another c-section to untie your tubes, but after 3 c-sections, further deliveries would also be performed by c-section.

By: Anna

Anna — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:42:03 +0000

I’m 40 and I had my tubes tied in 2006 I’m now married to a wonderful man that has no children of his own Ive been speaking and working with a fertility clinic in San Antonio Tx.I went with the intention of a tubal reversal but they said it would be a little complicated simply because I have had 4 c-sections and I would have to put my body though another one then if I want to conceive again it would be slim to none.
but now that I read your articles it makes me question the doc. and would I have to go under another c-section to untie my tubes?Needing to kow before I make a different decision of what I need to do

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 22:50:44 +0000

Toni – Tubal coagulation (burnt tubes) can be reversed.

By: Toni W

Toni W — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 22:39:11 +0000

Dr. Monteith, thank you for responding on 3/22/10. Can my tubes be reversed even though they were burnt? I had a dye test done about 6 months ago that confirmed they are closed.

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 02:47:34 +0000

Astrid
If you have surgery at our center your BMI has to be less than 35. If you are having regular periods then pregnancy is always possible; however, it can be very difficult to become naturally pregnant with increasing age over 43.

By: Astrid - San Antonio, Texas

Astrid - San Antonio, Texas — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 01:50:02 +0000

I am a 43 year old, four kids, 21,17,11 & 10. I am divorced and now engaged and considering the tubal reversal. I still have my regular menstrual cycle every 28 to 30 days. My concern is all my children were delivered by c-section and my last one was in 1999. I had my tubes burn and I think cut, but I will find for sure what procedure was practice. I also went through a gastro-by-pass in 2007 and have successfully loss 124+ pound and maintain my weight off. Would I be a good candidate for a tubal reversal and is there any test we can run to determine how fertile I am and if my FSH is normal to become pregnant?

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:57:06 +0000

Toni W
If you have IVF then you will need hormonal treatments.
For many women tubal reversal will provide superior results at becoming pregnant than will IVF.
Tubal reversal allows you the chance at becoming pregnant every month and more than once.

By: Toni W

Toni W — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:54:52 +0000

Hello I am 39 years old and had a tubal in 1993 and another in 2001 after becoming pregnant. They burned my tubes the 2nd time around. I am marrying a younger man with no children and wish to have a child with him. Is IVF of tubal reversal the best for me and if I am still producing eggs? Are all of the hormone treatments still necessary?

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:01:21 +0000

Lynne
It would be very unlikely you would be able to get pregnant at the age of 48. If you are having regular periods then pregnancy is always a possibility. Our oldest patient to become pregnant was 48. The best chance for you to become pregnant would be IVF with donor eggs (50%).

By: lynne fieseler

lynne fieseler — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:31:26 +0000

I am 48 years old. I had my tubes tied in 2000 after my last child was born. ( 3 children age 29,23,9. The last one was an ooops baby. I have recently married a younger man who has no children. We have talked about having children. Would this be possible for me. I am in good health and had no problems with my other pregnancies.

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:29:36 +0000

Tina
It is possible to have a tubal reversal and become pregnant after an endometrial ablation; however, if you had an endometrial ablation and you are not having periods then it is not possible to become pregnant with either tubal reversal or IVF.

The ablation removes the lining of your uterus. If you are not having periods then this means you do not have any uterine lining and pregnancy will not be possible. If your menstrual cycle returns then this means your lining has regenerated and then it may be possible to become pregnant with either tubal reversal or IVF.

There is no medical treatment to cause your uterine lining to regrow. If your uterine lining regrows then it is only because the uterine ablation was not very effective in removing your entire uterine lining. A significant number of women who have an ablation will have their menstrual cycle return within five years of the ablation. If it does not then it is only because your lining was effectively removed with the initial ablation procedure.

By: tina shinault

tina shinault — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:13:29 +0000

I had my tubes tied 9 years ago and had an ablation 2yrs ago also because of heavy bleeding. I haven't had a period for 2yrs and now I met someone that I want to have a child with and would like to get a tubal reversal but is it possible to get this done with the ablation and become pregnant and carry full term?

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:51:35 +0000

Danie
You need to see a doctor right away if your pregnancy test is positive and you have already had a tubal ligation. There is a very high chance the pregnancy is in your tubes (ectopic pregnancy).

By: danie

danie — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:31:33 +0000

I am a 45 years old women with 3 children and have my tubes cut, clamped, and burned. I have not see my period for 3 months now? I have done a pregnancy test which is positive. I am scared to find out if am really pregnant, but I will welcome the baby anyway. I need to know if this is possible?

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:49:29 +0000

Michelle If you are still having periods after your endometrial ablation then a tubal reversal could give you a good chance of becoming pregnant. Pregnancies after an endometrial ablation are consider higher risk but many of these pregnancies do well. Please call (919) 968-4656 for a free nurse consultation.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:34:49 +0000

I had my tubes tied about 13 years ago and an endometrial ablation done about 3 years ago. The ablation helped decrease my period but I still have one. Is there and way for me to be able to have a baby. Michelle

By: Rosa

Rosa — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:00:16 +0000

I am a 48yr old woman. I had my tubes tied in 1983 at the age of 21. I am now preparing to marry a great man that has no children and I desire to have a child for him. Is it possible.? I realize nothing is impossible with God. I will also like to know if you have success rates in such cases.

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Sat, 30 May 2009 10:55:02 +0000

BARBARA - We will be happy to help you. As you can see from the heading of our page, we are located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Here is a link to the Tubal Reversal Cost at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. You can call (919 968-4656 for a free consultation with a Tubal Reversal Nurse.

By: BARBARA

BARBARA — Sat, 30 May 2009 07:20:34 +0000

I had a tubaligation reversal around 4 yrs & I’ve not been able to concieve due to 1 of my tubes are blocked. I’m needing to know where your office is & will you be able to help me to concieve & how much will it be.
Thanks, Barbara

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:53:45 +0000

CINDY R. - To answer your question, look at the Pregnancy Statistics after Tubal Reversal for our patients. If you have any other questions, you can call (919) 968-4656 for a free consultation with a Tubal Reversal Nurse.

By: Cindy R.

Cindy R. — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:02:31 +0000

I have 2 kids and had my tubiligation in 1998. I am 39 and am engaged to be married. He doesnt have any kids. I am very active, and healthy. What are the possibilities of having a baby if I have my tubes reversed?

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:52:10 +0000

Yes, it is probably true that a woman with proven fertility in the past is more likely to conceive again in her early forties than a woman who has never become pregnant or given birth. The latter case may be an indication of an underlying infertility problem.

By: Michelle Thomas

Michelle Thomas — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:28:05 +0000

When a women wishes to conceive in her early forties is the chance of conceiving higher provided she has given birth in the past, unlike a women who has never conceived and wishes to become pregnant?

By: Kathy

Kathy — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:36:56 +0000

You have been able to explain age and fertility very well, Dr. Monteith, especially with the graph you submitted. The “biological clock” tends to add stress to our more mature patients, but as you have mentioned, age and fertility with conception can vary.

By: Jan

Jan — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:58:57 +0000

This is a helpful article from Dr. Monteith. Many times women forget that some women don’t conceive naturally and are considered barren. Statistics determining the likelihood of pregnancy need to include all situations regarding infertility.

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:38:09 +0000

Thanks for your questions Tamika and Derek.

Tamika
You are okay for surgery. We will perform out patient tubal reversal surgery on any women with a BMI less than 35.
You are correct in your BMI calculation; however, you might have misinterpreted the calculators classification. It calculated your BMI as 27.3 and put you in the “Overweight” category. These categories are determined by medical and insurance groups. Although they may consider you over the weight you should be based on your height, you are okay for surgery at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.

Derek
IVF has about a 30% chance of success per try and each try cost $9,000-12,000 dollars. Tubal reversal with our center, at this time is $4,900-5,900 and an average success of 70%.
In this blog series we will later discuss how many IVF experts will begin to recommend the use of donor eggs in the age range of 40-43. This has to also be considered when thinking of IVF. You have to have a consultation with your IVF expert to determine at what age they recommend the use of donor eggs.

By: Tamika and Derek

Tamika and Derek — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:18:45 +0000

We are interested in having Dr. Monteith do our tubal reversal. I am a 40 year old woman and I had my tubal ligation done in 1995 at a hospital in the Bronx. I am overweight but I am trying to loose some weight before I schedule my surgery date. I was wondering how much weight do you suggest I lose with my weight being 164lbs? I am 5’5″. According to the BMI chart my score showed 27.5.
This is from my fiance Derek he would like to know is this the best thing for us to do or would IVF work better for a woman my age?

By: Dr. Berger

Dr. Berger — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:21:12 +0000

Lorraine - You can contact the hospital where you tubal ligation was performed using the Medical Records Release Form. If you are unable to obtain the operative report, we can start the procedure with screening laparoscopy.

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:19:54 +0000

An operative report is preferred but not mandatory. You would contact the hospital where your tubal ligation was done. Some hospitals will destroy records after a certain time frame. In this case, many patients will come for surgery without their operative reports or they will consider a screening laparoscopy to evaluate the condition of their tubes prior to a abdominal incision.

By: Lorraine

Lorraine — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:04:46 +0000

I am a 43 year old, divorced for 4 years. I had my tubes tied 9 years ago after the birth of my last child. I am now engaged to a wonderful man and we have discussed that we would like to have a baby together. I realize that the odds are slimmer due to my advanced age but I’d like to try all the same. I’m not sure about the kind of tubal ligation I had. I have relocated to another state. Would I contact the hospital or would I need to contact the obgyn office? Is there a way to determine this if I am unable to obtain my records?

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:40:11 +0000

Thanks for your comment Lynne.

The source for the graph was The Fertility Sourcebook by M. Sara Rosenthal. Although the graph was shown in the book, the source of the data was not provided.

I began researching the topic of the effect of age on fecundity late last summer. I was not able to find a single visual representation or medical publication of the impact of age on fecundity or infertility. This graph was the only one we had on file and we decided to use it because it provides a visual representation of what we all know to be true. If any reader can provide us any recent data on fecundity and age, then we would be very appreciative.

The graph should not be overly interpreted because determining fecundity is hard. It is inherently difficult to determine what the likelihood of pregnancy is in a given age group- it is hard to measure and is fraught with bias. It is even more difficult in a group of older women because a large number of these women will not be trying, will have had tubal ligations or hysterectomies, or may have severe medical problems.

The numbers represented in the graph should not be taken verbatim but, more importantly; they provide an approximate representation of the observation of decreasing ability to become pregnant as a woman approaches menopause.

By: Charles Monteith MD

Charles Monteith MD — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:25:28 +0000

Tristana
We hear stories like these all the time from patients.
There is hope for you. Your tubal ligation can be reversed and pregnacy is possible. If you send us a copy of your tubal ligation operative report (if available), then we can help you. Even if a patient can not get their operative reports, then the majority (98%) of the time their tubal ligaitons can be reversed.

By: tristana

tristana — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:03:53 +0000

I had my 5 children very young and my twins were born in 1990. I didn’t realize at the time what was going on, but was told at Bay Front hospital to under go surgery and the next thing I know they had went through my navel and did a tubal ligation. I was very upset about this because I was told a lie. I never signed any agreement. Now its been years and I just got married 2 months ago. My other kids are all grown up now and would love to have another baby. Please tell me someone can help?

By: Lynne

Lynne — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:09:43 +0000

That graph is really interesting! I’d love to know where you got the information and see it in written form as well. Do you have a citation?

By: Pamela Mills, CRNA

Pamela Mills, CRNA — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:22:09 +0000

I love the graph! It really does give a good visual explanation of the effect age may have on fertility.
Thank you.

By: Ericka Pamplin

Ericka Pamplin — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:52:24 +0000

Thank you Dr. Monteith! I think that this information will be comforting to the readers. It is straight forward and honest! You are absolutely correct in that we can not determine if someone will or will not become pregnant. However, since we have patients that have the tubal reversal for reasons other than conception, it is important that they understand why we do not impose an age limit.