Tubal Reversal After 40 – Benefits
Posted On: Friday, February 6th, 2009
This is fourth in a series of articles for women wanting to become pregnant after tubal ligation reversal and who are age 40 and older. This article describes the multiple benefits of tubal reversal compared with IVF (in vitro fertilization).
The first of the series is Tubal Ligation Reversal After Age 40| Introduction.
Tubal Reversal is More Successful
Untying tubes (ligation reversal) can be very successful in allowing women to become pregnant. The success rate at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center for tubal ligation reversal on average is 70%. Reversal of tubal band (Falope rings) and tubal clip (Filshie or Hulka clip) ligations can give success rates as high as 80%. The success rate of reversal of tubal ligation is related to a woman’s age, method of tubal ligation, and health of the fallopian tube. Our average success rate of 70% is much higher than the average IVF success rate of 30% per treatment cycle.
Tubal Reversal is More Affordable
The cost of tubal reversal is $4900-$6900 at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. The costs depends on both method of payment and the doctor you choose to do your tubal reversal. A single cycle of IVF costs $9,000 -$12,000. If donor eggs or intracytomplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) must be used then the cost for IVF is even more.
Tubal ligation reversal is a less expensive alternative to IVF. When one considers that a successful tubal reversal also allows couples to become pregnant more than one time, then it is easy to see that reversal of tubal ligation is a more cost-effective  treatment than IVF.
Tubal Reversal is More Natural
Many of our patients with blocked tubes or tied tubes tells us they chose tubal reversal surgery because it results in becoming pregnant naturally while IVF does not. Obviously, there is nothing ‘natural’ about reversal surgery; however, many patients want to correct the tubal blockage they initial requested, avoid the use of high dose hormones required for IVF, and become pregnant through normal sexual intercourse.
Tubal Reversal Allows More Chances to Conceive
Tubal reversal surgery allows women the chance to become pregnant with every ovulation (release of an egg). With IVF, the chance to become pregnant is limited to a single treatment cycle. The average success for tubal reversal is 70%. This average has typically been based on 1-2 years of observation after the reversal procedure. The cumulative pregnancy rate continues to climb over a woman’s entire reproductive lifetime after reversal surgery.
Tubal Reversal Leads to Normal Conception
With tubal reversal surgery, pregnancy occurs by the normal reproductive process and in the normal environment of the woman’s body. As a result, the chance of having twins or high order multiples (triplets or more) is less than after IVF which has a multiple pregnancy rate of 33%. Tubal reversal pregnancies are less likely to be higher risk multiple gestation pregnancies.
Tubal Reversal Restores What ‘God Intended’
Guilt or regret after having tubes tied can be very intense. Many of our patients feel reversing their blocked tubes allows them to be more like God intended them to be. Reversing the decision to have a tubal ligation, which may have been made at a time of their life under stressful circumstances, provides a sense of relief and satisfaction. Some tubal reversal patients who express this feeling do not consider having more children as their primary concern.
Tubal Reversal Leads to A Sense of Well-being
Many of our tubal reversal patients express a greater sense of well-being and feel a greater sense of womanhood after their ability to naturally conceive is restored. They sometimes experience an improvement in their relationship with their spouses and in their sexual life.
Tubal Reversal Benefits – Conclusion
Infertility is a common and serious problem for many couples. There are many reasons for not being able to become pregnant. IVF can overcome many of these reasons; however, the IVF process can be expensive, demanding, and often unsuccessful. Tubal reversal is specifically designed to help those women whose predominant cause of their infertility is having had their tubes tied.
Most doctors would agree that identifying and treating the cause of the illness is the best approach to curing disease. This is no different when the cause of infertility is simply the result of a blocked tube. Tubal ligation reversal can be a very beneficial treatment for the woman who only has blocked tubes.
The next article in this series, Tubal Reversal After 40 | Risks, will discuss the risks associated with tubal reversal surgery.
We invite readers to visit our Tubal Reversal Message Board or to view the daily submitted Patient Satisfaction Messages.
Submitted by Dr. Charles Monteith
February 7th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Thank you for this very helpful information regarding tubal reversal. The benefits of tubal ligation reversal are often not shared with patients by fertility specialists as they are often more familiar with IVF. Dr. Monteith has reported many of the common responses from women who have benefited from tubal reversal.
February 9th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Hi, I am 41 years old and I had my tubes tied at 29 yo. I had so many problems with pains, large clots, headaches, thinning of hair, leg/pelvic pain, and symptoms of pregnancy every month. I did my tubal reversal at age 39 and I got two positive urine pregnancy but miscarried at 4 weeks and since then I its just been like that I have not had a child. My Doctor gave me fertility pills. But still it does not help. What can I do? I am out of money doing so many tests. I re-married and my husband does not have children. Please help.
February 10th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
[...] and tubal ligation reversal after the age of 40. The previous article provided an overview of the benefits of tubal ligation reversal at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center for women in their forties. This article focuses on the [...]
February 17th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
[...] After Age 40 | Introduction. The preceding three articles discussed tubal ligation reversal: ·Benefits ·Risks [...]
February 20th, 2009 at 8:00 am
I had my tr on July 3rd 08. I am 44 and pray for a baby everyday. I had an hsg in September and it showed my tubes were blocked. I had another hsg yesterday and it showed the right side open. In a couple of days I am going to have IUI done – keep your fingers crossed. My birthday is next week and I will be 45. I just can’t give up .I have been with my husband for 11 years and he doesn’t have any children and on March 15th he will be deployed for 11 months. Praying for a miracle…
February 20th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
[...] The next three articles will discuss the risk, benefits, and overview of scheduling tubal reversal. [...]
March 5th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
[...] · Tubal Reversal Benefits [...]
April 6th, 2009 at 8:14 am
[...] have previously published on the risk and benefits of tubal surgery, as well as provide a comprehensive overview on how to schedule tubal [...]
January 30th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
well i am considering having my tubes reversed. i had them tied when i was 23 years, because i choose not to have any more children,with my ex. now i am remarried, my husband does not have any children, he he wants to start a family, and i really want a baby again. my youngest is 18.
January 30th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
I have finally decided to go ahead with the reversal surgery and have a child with my current husband of 10 years who has no children of his own and can’t see him not have that enjoyment that I have had over the years. I have a son getting married this year and another graduating from high school. Starting over isn’t easy decision but I love children and my husband. I am now 42 and 43 in May. scared but ready now…..Thanks for the blogs…
March 25th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Thank you for the great information! I had my ligation about 4 years ago (at 36). I just went through the initial testing for IVF to learn that I have a very low chance at conceiving through IVF (plus its too expensive to try more than once). We have decided to have reverse ligation and leave it up to nature. I really appreciate the very informative articles and statistical information. Thank you!
April 11th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
It is a wonderful feeling to know that you are “whole” again with your forever husband. It was not a good decision to get my tubes tied in the first place but being in a very up and down marriage at the time, it seemed the right thing to do. Now with my husband I can give him his own children. That is a wonderful feeling as well. I am just about 4 weeks pregnant after my reversal on Dec. 10, 2009 and I am 40 yrs old. Good luck to all and God Bless!
November 23rd, 2010 at 1:46 pm
I would love to get pregnant again but age 32 made the mistake of tying my tubes i didn’t knew the problem it would bring i prayed to god for his help i guess this is my help but i am in Jamaica how can you help me
November 23rd, 2010 at 1:48 pm
i am in Jamaica need to attend your institution to reverse my tubiligation give info how i can
November 23rd, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Maxine Gibson – Please send an email to JuliaS@tubal-reversal.net or call her at (919) 656-8204. She is our Nurse Administrator and she will help you.
November 23rd, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Maxine – We can untie your tubes. Since we do not have your email address or telephone number you will have to contact us. Call (919) 656-8204 or email JuliaS@tubal-reversal.net and we will help you.
August 11th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
I’m 45 with children already who I love very much .. I did have my tubes tied and burned with my last preg 7 years ago!! And now getting remarried to the love of my life, long for one more child …any hope??
August 11th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
If you are having periods then pregnancy is always possible but it is very difficult to become pregnant naturally after the age of 43 We have had patients become pregnant after 43. One patient was 46 and another was 50..it is difficult but not impossible.
September 14th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
I am 34 years old and had a tubal ligation done 4 years ago after I had my second child, not ever intending on divorcing my kids dad or remarrying, but I guess life’s about change and nothing ever stays the same. Anyway, I am now remarried and we want a child together. I do still have a monthly period and was wondering if a tubal reversal would be the way to go or IUI? I wasn’t sure if you could do IUI with a tubal ligation?
September 14th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
Crystal – IUI is when they place sperm in the uterus..if you have had a tubal ligation then that will not work. You will have to have a tubal reversal or IVF. You would have good chances with a tubal reversal and the cost would be lower.
October 4th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
I am a 37 year old and have a tubal ligation done the next day after I gave birth to my son 5 1/2 years ago (I don’t even know what they did). I regret getting the tubal ligation done ever single day. But the sad part is that I don’t know if even by getting the reversal if I can get pregenant since my husband had radiation last year due to thyroid cancer. Should I have him checked out 1st. what should I do?
Thank you
October 4th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
i am 36 years old. i have never been pregnant, which until now was a good thing. however now that im ready, i went to the doctor to find out why it wasn’t happening, and was given an HSG which showed that i have a condition called Salpingitis isthmica nodosa. They are recommending i have IVF in order to bypass my tubes altogether. I was told that tubal surgery would probably have a low success rate. thoughts?
October 4th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Anonymous – It would be a good idea for your husband to have a semen analysis before you have your tubes untied.
November 1st, 2011 at 9:17 pm
I had my tubal about 11 years ago and never expected to want kids again but after meeting the love of my life but almost 40 years old and still getting my regular period, what are my chances? I want to believe that I can still have children being that prior to my tubal unless being on the pill or depo shots I had no problem getting pregnant which is why I decided to get the tubal. Thank you all for the great posts they have been very helpful.
November 2nd, 2011 at 2:40 am
Mandy – You can see the pregnancy rates for women age 40 and over after tubal ligation reversal at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. As long as you are having regular periods, there is definitely a chance of still having children. Call (919) 968-4656 for assistance.
November 3rd, 2011 at 7:31 am
goodmorning hello iam 44 and i had my tubal in 91 and now i have a awesome honey and we have been together for 11 years and i wont to know if i could still have a child i still have a period and it is regular and we wont a baby GOD is with us ever where we go and i talk to GOD about it and pray for a baby and me and my husband really wont some littles one to give him or her alots of love and show them how awesome our GOD is ,will you please email back thanks have bless day.
November 3rd, 2011 at 7:42 am
GiGi
Tubal reversal is possible for you and if you are having regular periods then pregnancy is possible as well. After the age of 40 the chance of pregnancy is about 30% and most of these patients are between the age of 40 and 43. It does become harder to become pregnant with each passing year.
I have emailed you some information.
November 15th, 2011 at 11:37 am
Dr. Berger,
I had a tubal in 1997 my youngest child is 14 years old now he is gorgeous and my pride & joy. I honestly did not want to continue to be a single mother again so I followed my mothers advise and tied my tubes had the Kelly clamp done. Now I am getting married Jan. 12th 2012 to a wonderful man, never thought I would ever find this kind of man or love. To be honest NEVER imagined it even being possible for someone to love me or my son. I am 43 years old will be 44 in May 2012. I want to give him a child, He does know that I had a tubal but, had hopes that I would be the one in a million that would get pregnant. I just want to give this to him. His son passed away 13 years ago. I do not have a lot of money and I am not rich, and these Doctors here in Florida are charging so much money and are not willing to let me even make monthly payments. I even thought of calling a show on television to help pay for the cost as a gift to my husband to be. Please help me… Guide me in the right direction.
November 15th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Karen
Your situation does sound difficult. We charge $5900 for tubal reversal at our facility. This seems like a lot but pales in comparison to the $10,000 to $30,000 dollars charged by other facilities.
We do have a tubal reversal pre-payment plan that allows you to pay over time towards having reversal surgery. When you have the full amount then you can have your reversal. Many patients use their tax refunds to help pay for surgery. This is a plan you can consider in addition to the prepayment plan.
November 15th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Karen, as Dr. Monteith mentioned, the prepayment account is an excellent way to save for the surgery. You can open the account with $250 and then make payments until you reach the full amount. Please feel free to contact me at ErickaP@tubal-reversal.net.
December 4th, 2011 at 6:21 am
Dear Dr, I am 33 yrs old I current have 1 child delivered by c section 15 yrs ago. I have had 1 miscarriage 13 yrs ago & had an abdominal myomectomy Jan 2010 I was told that too many fibroids were preventing me from getting pregnant again. Since fibroids are now removed a recent HSG confirmed both tubes are now blocked & covered w/scar tissue, even w/maximum excruciating pressure & guided wire they were unsuccessful at unblocking them & IVF is being recommended. I’ve never had a tubal litigation nor any infections that I’m aware of which could have caused this blockage, Is it possible that the scar tissue can be removed by tubal surgery & can your office help with this? Driab000@yahoo.com
December 4th, 2011 at 7:05 am
DriaB – It sounds as if the tubal blockage may have resulted from the myomectomy surgery. Please send a copy of the operative report from that procedure and your HSG images to me to review and I’ll be able to answer your question.
Gary S. Berger, M.D.
Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center
109 Conner Drive
Suite 2200
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 968-4656 phone
(919) 967-8637 fax
January 6th, 2012 at 6:21 pm
Dr. Berger,
I had a tubal in 1997 my youngest child is 14 years old now he is gorgeous and my pride & joy. I honestly did not want to continue to be a single mother again Now I am getting married May 2012 to a wonderful man, never thought I would ever find. I am 42 i will be 43 on oct 2012 and my period is regular. my tubes were cut not burn. what are my chances?
January 6th, 2012 at 6:31 pm
Marisol – At your age, the chances of pregnancy after tubal reversal at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center are about 1 in 3 or 1 in 4.