Can I Get Pregnant With My Tubes Tied?
Posted On: Sunday, June 27th, 2010
Can I get pregnant with my tubes tied? This is a common question for women after they have had tubal ligation procedures. Most women who have tubal ligation operations do so understanding natural pregnancy will not occur.
Yet many women know of someone who has become pregnant after a sterilization procedure. Pregnancies do happen after tubal ligation operations and it is possible to get pregnant after having your tubes tied!
Tubal Ligation Failure
Tubal ligation failures do happen. Most women who have a tubal ligation operation will not become pregnant; however, up to 2% of women may experience tubal ligation failure after their procedures. All tubal ligation procedures have failures:
bipolar tubal coagulation (tubal burning)
tubal clips
tubal rings
tubal ligation and resection (tying and cutting)
unipolar tubal coagulation
In general, the younger a person is when the tubal ligation occurs the higher the chance for having a failure of the ligation procedure. Hulka clip and tubal coagulation procedures also have been shown in long term studies to have higher tubal ligation failures.
How Does A Tubal Ligation Work?
Tubal ligations work by causing permanent blockage of the fallopian tube. This prevents sperm from finding an egg and prevents the egg from ever finding the inside of the uterus. Clips and rings cause pressure on the tube and the tube will heal closed after they are applied. Tying and cutting the tube causes the same process to occur but just removes a little more of the tube than do the clips and rings. Tubal coagulation uses electricity to generate heat to damage the portion of the tube to which the heat is applied and the tube will heal closed after the tubal sterilization procedure.
All of these methods are intended to result in permanent tubal blockage and prevent pregnancy.
How Does Pregnancy Happen After a Tubal?
Any tubal ligation is intended to damage the tube and cause the body to heal the damage. The healing of the tubal damage is what causes the tube to close. This is true regardless of the type of tubal ligation procedure a woman has undergone. Occasionally, during the healing response a small opening may remain in the segment of the tube closest to the uterus. This small opening is called a fistula.
This small opening can easily allow sperm to find their way out of the uterus, through the incompletely closed tube and to the the released egg. When the sperm fertilize the egg then conception will occur. The fertilized egg will be blocked in the segment of the tube that has been separated from the uterus. This explains the high ectopic pregnancy rate among women who get pregnant after a tubal ligation. On some occasions the fertilized egg can find its way into the uterus, but this is like trying to thread the eye of a needle.
Another reason for tubal ligation failure is recanalization. Recanalization occurs when the two separated segments heal back together after the tubal sterilization. Recanalization is most common after a bipolar tubal coagulation if the tube has been burned minimally in only one place and the burn did not go all the way through the tube completely.
Can I Have a Baby After My Tubes Have Been Tied?
You can have a baby after your tubes have been tied. Most women will choose to have a tubal ligation reversal. If you have been pregnant after a tubal ligation then you should not count on a natural, normal pregnancy happening. Most tubal ligation failure pregnancies will be ectopic. Pregnancy after tubal reversal surgery has a lower ectopic pregnancy risk than a pregnancy occuring to than a tubal ligation failure. You can get pregnant after your tubes have been tied, and tubal ligation reversal will provide the best chance of pregnancy.
Submitted by Dr. Charles Monteith
June 27th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
[...] option for getting pregnant after tubal ligation is called tubal ligation reversal surgery. This procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery [...]
June 27th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
[...] words for those who are researching the chances of pregnancy after tubal ligation reversal. Getting pregnant with tied tubes after having a tubal reversal is a way to return hope to families. Many couples go on to have more [...]
June 28th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
A frequent question we receive about getting pregnant after a tubal ligation with an excellent response and information for women.
June 28th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
I receive calls daily from women wanting to know “if their tubes can grow back together. The information regarding recanalization is very helpful!
June 28th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
This is great information for women trying to conceive.
July 5th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
This article answers questions about ectopic pregnancies that can occur from tubal ligation failure.
July 10th, 2010 at 3:37 am
Does any know how much does it cost to get tubes untied? Is it painful?
August 8th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
[...] small opening. This small opening can result in a pregnancy. Don’t count on this type of tubal failure it if you want to become pregnant because many of these pregnancies will be ectopic (tubal) [...]
August 17th, 2010 at 10:26 am
[...] not true.Pregnancy can happen after any tubal ligation procedure. This is generally referred to as tubal ligation failure. Getting pregnant after a tubal ligation can be a serious problem, because these pregnancies are [...]
September 28th, 2010 at 11:55 am
[...] different reasons to become concerned about the possibility of pregnancy after a tubal ligation.Tubal ligation failure is a very real possibility for many women; however, the failure of the tubal ligation is never [...]
October 18th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
I had my tubes tied for 9 years. My son is 9 years old. I have 3 kids and want one more.
October 19th, 2010 at 5:59 am
Brielle Thompson – We can help you by untying your tubes so you can get pregnant again. Call (919) 968-4656 for a free consultation with a Tubal Reversal Nurse.
October 31st, 2010 at 6:55 am
[...] Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center specializes in helping women who want to get pregnant after tubal ligation. They can explain how tubal reversal works and see if you are a suitable candidate [...]
November 5th, 2010 at 12:01 am
i had a tubal logation 6 years ago, and i want to have a baby again, dont know if its the anxiety to get pregnant but im late for my period and feel really tired, i have not yet done a pregnancy test im afraid to be dissapointed. is it possible to get pregnant after tubal ligation?
January 2nd, 2011 at 9:40 pm
can i get preganat with my tubal tired
January 2nd, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Mary – You can get your tubes untied if you want to become pregnant again.
May 10th, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Can you get pregnant with a little opening in my tubes? What are the risk would it have to be looked at for it to happen. a opening on my right our my left i don’t remember. i asked this question because I want more children . please reply back as soon as possible.
Thank You
Charnell
May 10th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
Charnell
I do not fully understand your questions. Are you asking “Can I Get pregnant After A Tubal Ligation?’
If you have had a tubal ligation and now have a small opening in your tubes and are counting on that to become pregnant then I would not count on that small opening. You will likely not get pregnant and if you do it could be a tubal pregnancy. If you have had your tubes tied then your best chance would be with a tubal reversal surgery.
May 16th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
I want to know if I can get pregnant when my tubes are tied. I want to have an other baby because my youngest son is 10 years old. What can I do to have a new baby how much is it to have your tubes untied?
May 16th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
Doris
It is very rare to become pregnant with your tubes tied unless you have tubal reversal surgery. The cost for reversal surgery is currently $5900 and about 3 out of 4 patients get pregnant after tubal reversal.
May 19th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
My tubes have been tied for 15 years so I want to now if I can get pregnant again?
May 19th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Jacintha
You can get pregnant again after having a tubal reversal operation. Please call (919) 968-4656 for more information.
May 23rd, 2011 at 9:07 pm
I’ve recently gotten pregnant 2 and half years after my tubal ligation but it was ectopic. They said that a tract had formed but I’m not sure exactly what that means. We are completely devastated by this, is there any possibility to become pregnant again with a normal pregnancy at some point without having a reversal done?
May 23rd, 2011 at 9:10 pm
It is possible but you should not count on a tubal ligation failure to become pregnant. most of these pregnancies will be ectopic (tubal) pregnancies. Tubal reversal surgery or adoption would be your better and safer options.
May 25th, 2011 at 10:04 am
I been spot for two day and I had my tubes tied 4 year ago am I pregnant
May 25th, 2011 at 11:52 am
Ashley
It is possible and you can only answer that question by taking a pregnancy test.
May 31st, 2011 at 1:44 pm
I got my tubes tied last year and am pregnant now. Whats the chances of my carrying the baby full term. And could my tubes burst due to tubal pregnancy.
May 31st, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Gina – You should see your doctor without any delay. The risk of ectopic pregnancy is very high when a pregnancy occurs after a tubal ligation and when tubal reversal surgery has not been performed.
June 2nd, 2011 at 7:44 pm
My tubes have been tied going on nine yrs. I have three kids now, my oldest is 15 and the youngest is 9, I want to experience motherhood one more time before I am 35. Is there any help by insurance or anything cheaper than $ 6000.00?
June 2nd, 2011 at 9:40 pm
Avaire
We occasionally have special prices and we do have a prepayment plan. Please call (919) 968-4656 for more information.
June 28th, 2011 at 5:25 am
I am a 31 year old mother of three.I had my tubes tied in 2006 after my last chiid was born.I recently have become pregnant and it is a normal pregnacy,but i am havig alot of soreness in my stomach is this normal?
June 28th, 2011 at 5:56 am
You should see your doctor as soon as possible to make sure you do not have an ectopic pregnancy.
June 28th, 2011 at 6:43 am
I am seeing a doctor and it has been determined that it is not etopic it is indeed in the uteris.
August 6th, 2011 at 4:46 am
My tubes have been tied for 4 and half years it will b 5 next month on the 7th for the month of July i only spotted could I be pregnant or should I wait and see if I come on this month. I am scared what do you think it is? ?
August 6th, 2011 at 8:24 am
Shayla
It is best to take a pregnancy test to determine if you are pregnant.
August 24th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
This girl I know just found out that she is two months pregnant. She has her tubes tied and claims the baby is in her tube. Is there any chance that the baby will make it or is it possible for the baby to survive in the tube that long?
August 24th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
Ashley – A tubal pregnancy can last for two months. It cannot develop to birth and the pregnancy needs to be interrupted to prevent the risk of tubal rupture.
August 28th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
I was wondering I have had my tubal ligation for almost a yr now and I am showing all signs of being pregnant. You say that in young women that its more common for it to reverse on its own. i was wondering what to do ?
August 29th, 2011 at 7:07 am
Natalie
Tubal ligations will not reverse on their own. You can have a failure but it is not because the tubes grow back together. You should take a pregnancy test and if it is negative then you should not worry.
August 31st, 2011 at 11:57 pm
Last month I was a week late for my period and lasted 2 days nothing heavy. Then I started to have a lot of discharge now I have a lot of cramps my breast hurt having a lot of tenderness and little pain? What could it be?
September 1st, 2011 at 4:58 am
Paloma – One possibility always to think about is pregnancy, so running a home pregnancy test would be a good idea. A visit to your doctor is another good idea.
September 5th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
can i still get pregnant while my tubes are still tied
September 5th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
Tabitha – It is possible, but not likely and if you did, then the risk of tubal pregnancy would be very high. If you want to get pregnant again after a tubal ligation, then you should have a tubal ligation reversal.
September 7th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
im only 31 & my tuber were clamped 9 years ago how much does the tubal reversal cost & do u take payments
September 7th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Anonymos – Here is a link to the page that describes the tubal reversal cost and prepayment plan at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.
September 19th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
I would like to know if after my tubes were both cut and tied can i get pregnant again even if it is by artificial insemination or having some type of operation to reverse the procedure by any means necessary
September 19th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
Liz Tomlin – You can get pregnant again after your tubes have been cut and tied by having the operation called bilateral tubal anastomosis. If you have any questions about this, call (919) 968-4656 to speak with a tubal reversal nurse.
September 23rd, 2011 at 8:24 pm
I really don’t know where 2 begain…I’m 39…8yrs ago I had a tribal….I have 2 breutiful boys….but now I’m stuck I love my boys 2 death…..how can I be a good 1 know..I’m older…someone please help….shirley…..thank u
October 1st, 2011 at 3:04 am
I had my tubes tied when I was 25 I have a daughter that is 15. Dont want no more kids Im 43 now. and was wondering is there a chance to get pregnate ? I dont want no more kids. missed my period for 2 months now. took a home pregnacy test last month said negative. I have ovarian cyst and yes i had unprotected sex. I was told if i got the rings on my tubes that it would be harder to get pregnate. can you help answer my question.
October 1st, 2011 at 8:19 am
What you are experiencing is normal as you get older. You do not have to worry much about pregnancy when you have tubal rings and are 43 years of age.
October 1st, 2011 at 9:34 pm
Dr. Berger,
I am 34 yrs of age, my youngest child is 7 yrs. old. I had my tubes clamped in 2004 and now i want to have another child. I have had a divorce and are now in process of being remarried. your cost is 5900, but is their a lower price since it’s just a clamp? if not what is the best method for me? reversal or IVF?
October 2nd, 2011 at 12:00 am
Swawtylo Ga – The cost of tubal ligation reversal is the same whether due to clamps, ties, rings, or burning the tubes. Reversal surgery is less than half the cost of IVF and has a higher success rate.
October 3rd, 2011 at 3:29 pm
i have my tubes tied for 5 years and i may want another child in the next year or so.I thought i could pay to have my eggs frozen,but all the info on web indicates that would be impossible because the eggs need to travel.Do i have any other option besides tubal ligation reversal surgery and or adoption
October 3rd, 2011 at 5:22 pm
Zana – Tubal ligation reversal or adoption are the options available if you do not want to undergo the more expensive treatment of IVF.
October 8th, 2011 at 1:57 am
I’m Melissa, 28 with 3 girls. I had my last daughter in 2007 and I got my tubes tied. Now its 2011 n I’m pregnant. I got my tubes tied cause I didn’t want anymore kids. So what did I pay for when I got my tubes done.
October 12th, 2011 at 10:32 am
Please help me to understand… Sept 9,2008 i got my tubes tied. I have 4 kids that are dear to me. My youngest one is three years old. Today I’m worried. I haven’t had my period. I’m five days late. The thing is I was taking birth control and got off in April. My period starts around the end of the month or around the 5th. Need to now is there a change I can be pregnant.
October 12th, 2011 at 10:36 am
Melissa
There is a chance of tubal ligation failure but it is less than 2%. You should take a pregnancy test to be safe.
October 12th, 2011 at 10:49 am
Thank you….with me being a week late. Still take a pregnancy test
October 12th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Is it possible to get your tubes back together for a pregnancy and is the cost expensive to have this done?
October 12th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Melissa
Correct.
October 12th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
TIffany the tubes can be surgically rejoined and the cost at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center is currently $5900.
October 23rd, 2011 at 11:18 am
i have had my tubes tied for 6 years and now i want to have another baby is there a way i can get pregnant without surgery because surgery is expensive please someone help me thanks
October 23rd, 2011 at 12:02 pm
i had my tubes tied 7 years ago when i had my second son with a c section and they only cut and tied them and now i hear that there is a higher chance that you can still get pregnant when you had them tied during a c section is this ture?
October 23rd, 2011 at 12:09 pm
PLASE HELP Ok i am about to have my 4rd child with a c section and want my tubes tied can you tell me is it more eff. to have it done when your having the c section or to wait a few months after i was told that it is less eff. if you get it done while your still healing from child birth. what should i do cause i really dont want to go through two surg. if i dont have to but i really dont want anymore kids either so i want to do the most eff. way possible.
October 23rd, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Anonymous – The only ways to get pregnant after having your tubes tied are tubal ligation reversal or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Tubal reversal is more successful and less expensive than IVF.
October 23rd, 2011 at 12:40 pm
Jodi – Tubal ligation at the time of a c-section is as effective as having the procedure done at a later time.
October 23rd, 2011 at 12:40 pm
Crystal – See my response to the last question.
November 23rd, 2011 at 7:54 pm
i had got my tubes tied after my last kid and its been 6 years. can i still have a baby and have u ever heard if fertibella to help u have kids.
November 23rd, 2011 at 8:37 pm
Lakisha – You can have a baby after having your tubes tied once you get your tubes untied. After that, Fertibella may be helpful.
November 28th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
I am 37 years old and had a c-section 9 years ago, my tubes were cut 1.2 cm on one side and about the same on the other side after having twins. Is it possible to get a TR?
November 28th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Janette Ramirez – It IS possible for you to get a TR. At your age and with your method of tubal ligation (ligation/resection), you will have a 2 out of 3 chance of getting pregnant after tubal reversal when done at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. If you have questions, call (919) 968-4656.
November 29th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
Im 35 bout to be 36 in january i got my tubes tide in 2000 with my last daughter me and my ex-husband split up. anyways me and my boyfriend want a baby together is it possible for me to get pregnant. with my tubes tide 12 yrs ago?
November 29th, 2011 at 7:41 pm
Debra Goelzer – You can get pregnant after having your tubes tied if you have your tubes untied. For information about this, call (919) 968-4656.
December 1st, 2011 at 3:26 am
Hi I had my tubes tied 3 years ago. Recently I have been looking really bloated and feel alot of movement in my lower abdomen. I have not missed a period or been late and have no other symptoms of being pregnant. I have taken multiple test and they have showed negative. I am very concerned about the movement I am feeling and if the blood test from my doctor is negative is it still possible I am pregnant??
December 1st, 2011 at 7:53 am
Lori – With your negative pregnancy tests, it is extremely unlikely that you are pregnant. Your doctor should be able to determine what is causing your feelings of movement from a thorough history, physical exam, and possible imaging studies such as ultrasound.
December 5th, 2011 at 10:40 am
Lori, thats the same way I been feeling. my period has not come on in a month. Maybe its from the hot flashes ans I been feeling movements in the bottom of my stomach too.
December 8th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
Hi I had my tubes tied when I had a c-section in 2001. I was not cut nor burnt. Since then I have been having severe pains in my ovarian area, massive headaches, passing out,hot flashes,etc. I have been to several different drs. Some say its because I’m ovulating. While others say they can’t find nothing wrong,to go see a different type Dr. I have had several different test from imagine to blood everything. Just wondering could this be from my tubes being tied. I was 21 when the procedure was done, now I’m 33.
December 8th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Angel – These could be Post Tubal Ligation symptoms.
December 11th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
I had my tube tie in 2009 after 3 c-operation.I want to have another baby but tubal reversal is not done in my country.I am 31 years now,is it possible i can still have another baby?
December 11th, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Frangipani
You can become pregnant with either tubal reversal or IVF.
December 19th, 2011 at 7:46 am
Can you become pregnant six months after your tubes tied?
December 19th, 2011 at 9:15 am
It is possible. You should take a pregnancy test.
December 29th, 2011 at 11:51 am
I have had headaches and bloating for about 4 weeks now. Have not missed a period though they have been really heavy. Had a pregnancy test done and I am not pregnant. My tubes have been tied for 15 years and I am 38 years old but would like a baby. Do you have to pay all of the money on the prepayment plan before the procedure?
December 29th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
Sherrill – With the prepayment plan you can pay any amount as often as you wish and when the full amount is in your account you can schedule your tubal reversal procedure.
January 8th, 2012 at 2:37 pm
hi i am 29 years old i had my tubes tied 6 years now i will love to have an baby what can i do to have an baby plz help me
January 8th, 2012 at 2:43 pm
Dear Doctor,
My problem is that one of my tubes have been closed and i cannot conceive pregnancy , Is it possible to get them tubes opened. Thank you very much.
January 8th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Anessa Mohammed – You can get a copy of the operative report of your tubal ligation and send fax it to me at (919) 967-8637.
January 8th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
Shazia – It is possible to get your tubes opened. If you have a test result or operative report from surgery that describes your blocked tube, please fax it to me at (919) 967-8637.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:37 pm
I really do want to get pregant again. But my tubes are tied. What can i do to get pregant again. Here my e mail nicoleherman10@yahoo.com please help me
February 4th, 2012 at 11:12 am
Nicole Herman – I have sent you an email. We can help you get pregnant again at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center by repairing your tied tubes.
February 12th, 2012 at 6:36 pm
I had my tube ties 20 years ago and I want to know can I gett my tube unties.
February 12th, 2012 at 8:40 pm
Shirley
Even if your tubes have been tied for 20 years we can untie and repair them. Please call the office at (919)968-4656 and we can answer any additional questions you may have.