How to Conceive After Tubal Ligation?
Posted On: Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
How to conceive after tubal ligation? That is the question that many women ask when they have had their tubes tied and then want to have another baby.
Most women are told their tubal ligations are permanent and irreversible. Many women will regret having had a tubal sterilization and will be unaware about the possible ways to to conceive after a tubal ligation.
There are 3 ways to become pregnant after the tubes have been tied…
Tubal Ligation Failure: Pregnant After A Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation procedures are very effective at preventing pregnancy; however, no tubal ligation is 100% effective. Tubal ligation failures do occur, and pregnancies can happen naturally even after a tubal ligation procedure. Tubal ligation, regardless of whether the tubes are cut, burned, clipped, banded, or tied, is about 99 percent effective, meaning that about 1 percent of women will conceive an unplanned pregnancy after tubal ligation. This failure occurs slightly more frequently in younger women. A recent study (the Collaborative Review of Sterilization, or CREST, study) looked at 10,000 women who had undergone tubal ligation and found 143 failures (a failure rate of 1.4 percent). It can be higher when a tubal is done at the time of a C-section. The U.S. Collaborative Review of Sterilization (CREST) found the failure rate for tubal ligation (all occlusion methods) to be 1.85% after 10 years.
Tubal ligation failure rates are related to the technique used to perform the procedure – techniques that cause least damage to the tubes (such as tubal clips and tubal rings) have the highest failure rates. There is less of a chance of pregnancy where maximum damage to the tubes has been done (electrocoagulation methods) or where a large portion of the tube has been excised (bilateral partial salpingectomy). Newer hysteroscopic methods of tubal ligation such as Essure and Adiana also have failures; however, these procedures are much newer and the long term failure rates are not well known at this time.
When a tubal ligation fails and pregnancy occurs then there is a very high chance the pregnancy will be an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy). Occasionally the pregnancies can be inside the uterus and normal, but a very large number of them will be tubal pregnancies and may require surgical intervention.
Conceiving After Tubal Ligation Through IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one way to become pregnant after your tubes have been tied. The IVF procedure involves administering hormones to cause over production of eggs. These eggs are then harvested from a woman’s body, mixed with her partner’s sperm, and then reinserted into the woman’s uterus. This process by-passes the blocked tubes.
IVF procedures cost an average of $10,000-$12,000 for each IVF cycle. Each IVF cycle has about 35% chance of success. The success of IVF decreases with age and for women over the age of 40 many IVF providers recommend the use of donor eggs from a younger woman. In this case, the baby is not the genetic offspring of the birth mother (the IVF patient).
Conception After Tubal Ligation Through Tubal Reversal
Tubal ligation reversal provides women with the best chance of conceiving after a tubal ligation. Many tubal ligation patients and many medical providers are poorly informed about the chances of pregnancy success after a tubal reversal. During tubal reversal surgery, the reversal specialists remove the tubal blockage and reconnect the fallopian tubes. This technique of tubal anastomosis allows natural conception to occur.
There are several ways to perform a tubal reversal operation: robotic tubal reversal, laparoscopic tubal reversal, abdominal incision with a hospital stay, and abdominal incision without a hospital stay. The method of the reversal determines the cost of the reversal surgery. At Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, we perform the reversal as a one hour outpatient operation through a small abdominal incision.
The cost for tubal ligation reversal is currently $5,400 to $5,900 and pregnancy success averages 70%. The chances of pregnancy after tubal reversal at our facility based on patient age, method of tubal ligation, and tubal length can be seen in our Pregnancy Statistics section on our website.
Can I Get Pregnant After My Tubes Have Been Tied?
You can get pregnant after your tubes have been tied. The three ways listed above are the only ways pregnancies can happen after the fallopian tubes have been tied. If you have a tubal ligation failure, you may be extremely lucky and have a normal pregnancy, but the chances are far greater the pregnancy will not be normal and will not happen naturally unless the tubes are surgically corrected. Many women wanting to conceive after tubal ligation will have to choose between IVF or tubal reversal and decide which method is the best for them.
Submitted by Dr. Charles Monteith
June 23rd, 2010 at 8:42 pm
How to conceive after tubal ligation is the number one reason that women contact us about tubal ligation reversal. This is an excellent summary that explains the options. Thank you, Dr. Monteith, for writing this article.
June 24th, 2010 at 6:48 am
Very informative! Thanks, Dr. Monteith.
June 24th, 2010 at 7:25 am
Dr. Monteith,it is good to see this information here . I hope women who are researching their options to conceive after tubal ligation will see this article !
June 24th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Tubal reversal is the best option for achieving pregnancy after a tubal ligation and this article provides excellent information.
June 24th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
I have used these methods but still not successful in getting pregnant. Have had all required test completed just wondering if I am in the latter percentage of that success rate. So I am wondering what is next since I have not been able to conceive.
June 24th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Thank you, Dr. Monteith. The thing is many women just do not realize that tubal ligation reversal is an option. Far too many women go to their physicians and are immediately told to look into IVF. By having posts like this it opens another window for those who want to have children after a tubal ligation or having their tubes tied.
Having ones tubes untied is not only less expensive but the pregnancy statistics prove that this does indeed work.
Thanks!
June 24th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
I think that this article will open many women’s eyes about conception after tubal ligation. It will also allow them to make an informed decision about tubal reversal.
June 24th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Kimberly W
If you are not becoming pregnant after tubal reversal we recommend a semen analysis and a HSG x-ray. If these tests are all normal then use ovulation predictor test kits and realize it just may take more time. Most of our patients get pregnant within the first year but some may take up to three years.
June 24th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Great information to help with making an informed decision about tubal ligation reversal surgery. Thank you, Dr. Monteith!
June 24th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Another very informative article. Thanks, Dr. Monteith for making patient education a priority.
June 25th, 2010 at 7:37 am
Thanks for a clear and concise answer to the options for conceiving a pregnancy following tubal ligation.
June 26th, 2010 at 4:57 am
[...] assist women in becoming pregnant after getting their tubes tied. For those women wondering how to conceive after tubal ligation, the Center can help assess the situation of each [...]
June 26th, 2010 at 10:05 am
Very informative for women trying to conceive after tubal ligation!!!!Thanks Dr.Monteith.
June 28th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
I went to see my doctor today as 8 years ago I was sterilized which i really regret having and felt pushed in to having as it was my 3rd c-section…. i I am now with a really great man who has no kids and we would really love a baby but i was told as i have children all ready i can not have a reversal on the nhs which i think is very wrong if they can do a sterilization then us women have the right to have are fertility back….life changes
June 28th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Clare – The information that you read is not correct in that sterilization is reversible in most cases.
June 28th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
This article is very informative about how to conceive after tubal ligation!
July 1st, 2010 at 5:39 pm
I had my tubal reversal in Feb.2010 I know that it takes time but after reading about blocked tubes I feel like maybe mine are. I was so fertile before the tubal ligation that I figured it would be just as easy now. I guess not but this article opened my eyes. I didn’t know that it could take up to 3 yrs. I hope not but we’ll keep trying.
July 1st, 2010 at 8:38 pm
[...] without added expensive medical treatment. Tubal reversal is considered the more natural way to conceive after a tubal ligation. Asking the question is tubal ligation reversible is a question that will never disappear as long as [...]
July 5th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Tubal reversal is the best option for giving women the opportunity to become pregnant after tubal ligation. Thanks for the clarification, Dr. Monteith, between IVF and tubal reversal surgery. This article is helpful and answers questions.
September 19th, 2010 at 2:04 am
I had my tube untied in August 0f 08. after a yar of no sucess,in may of this year(2010) I went back to my dr. and found that they had closed back. Knowing that we desired kids,I decided to have IVF.I’ve just completed my cycle last tuesday 9/14/2010.And am waiting my pt on 9/23/10.I feel that all is well and have greater faith in God.I wish all of you Gods’ favor and pray that he gives you the little life that we all so desperately desire.you all pray for me and I’ll be prayin for you.God Bless
September 28th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
I can’t believe its possible to get pregnant if tubes are tied. I want mine reversed, just so I can have more children. I am still young and I want more. I have two already and they are in kindergarten now. If I had the money to do it, I would have done it along time ago. please respond thanks!!
September 28th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Many of our patients become pregnant after tubal reversal surgery. You should call our office for more information (919)968-4656. Also visit our tubal reversal Facebook to see all our reversal babies!
April 7th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
The information was very informative thinking about having a reversal thanks!!!
April 11th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
I wish that I never had a tubal ligation….I have three kids…10,6 and 3 but no me and my hubby would like child of our own any suggestions …..I want a baby so badly please help
April 11th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Sheree – Fortunately, you can undo tubal ligation through tubal reversal surgery. That is what is done every day at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. Call (919) 968-4656 if you would like to speak with a tubal reversal nurse.
April 19th, 2011 at 7:33 pm
I had my tubes tied when my youngest was 6 weeks old. I was in a very fragile and poor emotional state due to her poor health. I really wish doctors would do counseling with their patients and consider the woman’s frame of mind before allowing her to make such a life changing decision.
But I am saving my money and am hopeful that I can soon set a surgical date to have my tubes reversed!
June 20th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
I know I am currently with a great guy that wants more children. I had a tubal done the day after my last child was born. I felt like my family wasn’t supportive enough and pressured me into it. I do think it should be mandatory counseling before undergoing such life changing event.
July 8th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
I agree completly about the counseling. I made my decision to have my tubes tied while I was pregnant with my 3rd and in my third trimester. Not to mention, we had 2 other children at home under the age of three and expecting in a month or 2..who does that. Women are so emotional and most of us are ready to be done with the pregnancy at that point that of course at that time we think we dont want any more kids. Our bodies are tired and I was an emotional wreck thinking how I was going to manage 3 kids. My baby is going to be 2 now next month and guess what..I have mangaged 3 children and regret tremendously that i got my tubes tied. My husband feels the same way and the decision was both of ours at the time. I am thankful that I at least have children of my own and they are all healthy. That’s more than some people can say unfortanatly. May God Bless
July 11th, 2011 at 8:25 am
This info is very informative, their is hope….. I’m a 36 year old blk woman, engaged to a man that doesn’t have any children, just like most of the woman here I too needed counseling, not to be asked while on the surgical table before a c-section!
Thank you
Ms.Y.B
July 12th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
I have three children my youngest just turned one. I had a
Tubal done after having my last child I now regret this.
They were cut tied and burned I want to know can I have this tubal reversed in the future?
July 12th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
Nicole
This type of tubal ligation can be reversed and pregnancy is very possible.
July 19th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
Ive had 4 children all c sections and my tubes are tied, ever since then I’ve been in a state of depression and I get emotional when I see babies . I try and avoid the baby sections job stores as much as I can . My family says that’s enough for you, but I would never feel the same. Now I have a new lovr that has dedicated himself to me and kids that are not his , I want another that is our own. I might sound crazy but yes I want a 5th child , just one more LOL. Any who , is it possible to have this reversal or IVF if I’ve already had so many c sections ?
July 19th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
Crystal O – You can have either a tubal reversal or IVF even after 4 c-sections.
July 22nd, 2011 at 12:08 pm
I had Tubal Ligation (Clipped) almost a year ago, would there be any difference wether I get the Tubal reversal surgery now or in a year from now? I mean would there be less damage to the tubes if I do it sooner rather than later? Would my chances of getting pregnant again be better if I do it sooner?
July 22nd, 2011 at 3:14 pm
I was told the Dr used “Towel Clips” (stainless steel) for the tubal ligation. Does this creates scar tissue? Would that decrease my chances of a future pregnancy?
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:39 pm
It is more likely the doctor used tubal clips rather than towel clips. Tubal clips are reversible. Towel clips are not used for tubal ligation. You can send us your report so we can be more certain.
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:40 pm
In general…the sooner the better because as you become older pregnancy can become harder to obtain. Waiting a year if you are less than 40 should not hurt your chances that significantly.
July 26th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
Thank you Dr Monteith, but to clarify what you said, Towel clips are not reversible? or they are not used for tubal ligation? I will get my report and send it to you. Thanks
July 26th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
Towel clips are surgical instruments used to hold surgical towels together. I have never seen them used for tubal ligation. Tubal clips are used for tubal ligation. You should send us your tubal ligation report and we should be able to provide more clarity.
July 26th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
I had a tubal ligation about 8 years ago a day after my youngest was born. I was not sure if it was the right choice and just before I was put to sleep I told the nurse I was not ready. I woke up with the completed surgery. I have not been the same since that day. I am 32 and would love to be able to have at least 2 more children. I cannot afford to pay for the reversal surgery all at one time. I would like to know what options I have?
July 27th, 2011 at 4:36 am
Alicia – You should consider the pre-payment option where you can add payments of any amount at any time you wish to save the amount for your reversal surgery. It is described on the Cost page – http://www.tubal-reversal.net/tubal_reversal_fee_financing.htm
August 6th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
I am 26 and I had my tubes tied with my 2nd child, a c-section in April 2011, he died 7 days later. I could kick myself for having the procedure done. Hopefully I will be able to save enough money to have it reversed one day. I hope so. I just wish a miracle would happen and I could have a failure and have a normal pregnancy, but I don’t wanna risk having a tubal pregnancy.
September 20th, 2011 at 10:40 am
Hi I am 31 years old and had a tubal ligation done the next day after the birth of my 3rd child, that is 10 years ago now. The doctor that preformed the surgery clipped, cut and cauterized. Is it possible to have them reversed? I now have a wonderful fiance who we would love to have a child of our own, as we both have children just not together. We are looking for options and cannot afford adoption or IVF.
September 20th, 2011 at 11:01 am
Kim
This is very reversible. Please call the office at (919) 968-4656 and we can tell you how to get started.
September 20th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
How long would I have to stay in NC, I am from Colorado? What would my chances be of success since I have all three (cut,clipped and cauterized)?
September 20th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Kim
Most patients fly to see us and have a preoperative appointment with us, reversal surgery the next day, and return home the day after surgery. This means you would stay a minimum of two nights in Chapel Hill. Many patients finds it convenient to fly in on Sunday and have a preop appointment and surgery on Monday and the return home on Tuesday. Mondays are our most popular day because of this and these appointments fill fast.
Your chances of becoming pregnant after tubal reversal would be 60-70%.
September 20th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Thanks a bunch, I hope someday you have the chance to meet and me and my fiance can finally have a chance at having a baby of our own!
September 21st, 2011 at 7:29 am
I have just received my medical notes on my sterilisation. It says that I had a partial salpingectomy and had 10mm and 15mm of my tubes removed!! Does this mean that my tubes are permanently damaged and no chance of a reversal? As you tell I am not a DR. I had my sterilisation done after my 3rd c-section.
September 21st, 2011 at 8:35 am
Rachel
Those are small segments and your tubal ligation should be very reversible. Your chances of pregnancy should be excellent after tubal reversal.
October 21st, 2011 at 5:26 pm
I am 43 years old, I had tubal ligation 11 years ago..My life changed and I found the love of my life who doesn’t have children..I know I’m a little old but I really want to have another child..Could it be possible?
October 21st, 2011 at 6:04 pm
Carmen – As long as you are having normal menstrual cycles, there is the possibility to have another baby. At Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, we have had many women over 40 who now have another child following tubal reversal surgery.
November 5th, 2011 at 7:33 pm
Can you still have a tubal reversal if your tubes were burned and clipped?
November 5th, 2011 at 7:48 pm
Lesley – Yes, we reverse tubes that have been burned and clipped. For more information, you can speak with a tubal reversal nurse at (919) 968-4656.
November 9th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
i am 27 i have 5 kids i got a tule done when i had my 5th kid but i was very emotional and did not really know what to do they took dome of my tube out can i still or is it possible for me to have another baby?
November 9th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Elizabeth – In order to be able to have another baby, you will need to have a tubal reversal procedure or undergo treatment by In Vitro Fertilization(IVF). Tubal reversal is more successful for most women because it gives you the chance to conceive every month naturally after the tubes have been repaired.
November 19th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
I had tied, cut and burned after my fourth pregnancy. I had gotten pregnant after that ending in miscarriage and nearly bleeding to death. Im 32 and had the surgery 12 years ago. My dr said tubal reversal is next to impossible. is that true? and if getting pregnant once is it possible for it to fail again or will it always lead to miscarriage
November 19th, 2011 at 6:13 pm
Carissa – Most doctors say that tubal reversal is not possible, yet in 98% of cases we can reverse the tubal ligation. Send us a copy of the operative report of your tubal ligation and we will let you know what your situation is. You can fax it, along with your contact information to us at (919) 967-8637.
November 22nd, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Thank you for your information. I am going to save up the money to get it reversed how much will i need?
November 23rd, 2011 at 8:48 am
Elizabeth
Currently tubal reversal costs $5900 at our facility.
December 1st, 2011 at 10:15 pm
I have had 2 c sections and a tummy tuck and I’m 38 and desire a baby my tubes were tied 11 years ago , Dr. What do u suggest is it likely to have a baby after a tummy tuck with the tubes tied ??
December 1st, 2011 at 11:08 pm
Macey – Having had a tummy tuck will not affect your from having a baby after getting your tubes untied. We have had many women come to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center after having an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and they have the same pregnancy rate as other women.
December 7th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
I was pressured into having a tubal when I was having my one and only son. I thought I was going to be with his father forever, but I was wrong. Now I am married and want a child with my husband! I hope to save the money and have it reversed! I want another baby!
December 14th, 2011 at 1:04 am
i had my tubes tied in December of 2010 after having a ectopic pregnancy i kind of regret my choice to have that done after that my period has been regular until now. my period didn’t come this month and im just wondering whats going on. could i be pregnant if so what are the chances that i would have a normal pregnancy. if im not what could i do to get pregnant and whats the cost and do you offer payment plans.
December 14th, 2011 at 7:21 am
Denise
You should take a pregnancy test. If negative then you are not pregnant. We can perform a reversal for you and you would have a 70% chance of pregnancy.
December 18th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
I had my tubes tied in 2004, and have remarried and we want a child of our own. We have talked about getting a reversal. Its saving the money to get the procedure done. I’m 34 will age have an impact on the procedure working properly?
January 7th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
I had TL in 2005. Unfortunately the doctor did not tell me the method he used. How can i know. i want to get pregnant again
January 7th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
Emma – You can ask your doctor for a copy of your operative report or you can use our Medical Records Release Form to have the hospital where your tubal ligation was done fax it to us and a tubal reversal nurse will contact you when it arrives here.
January 8th, 2012 at 2:41 pm
do it have any doctor in trinidad to do this test
January 8th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Anessa – The only tests that are needed are some blood test that your doctor in Trinidad can perform in order for you to have a tubal reversal at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.
January 10th, 2012 at 9:43 pm
I’m considering a tubal reversal, however have horrific adhesions. I’m thirty seven, have three healthy boys–all csections-but with all the scar tissue there and having had two.5 years ago an adhensioloctomy (spelling) the removal of adhesions, I worry that I will not be part of the success rate. Since that surgery I’ve had problems like colitis, and the “what some dub mental” “IBS” Ive had too many surgeries in that area-gallbladder, appendectomy, tubal ligation, and adhesioloysis (sp??) so wondering if it would even work. They did the band method and when they went in to do the DX laparoscopy with all the adhesions they noted that the tubes were where they were “suppose” to be and that the tissue had covered the band. thoughts?
January 10th, 2012 at 11:00 pm
Elizabeth
Please send us the reports from your laparoscopy surgery and your tubal ligation surgery and we will determine if you are a good candidate for tubal reversal. You can send your records to my attention:
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
January 25th, 2012 at 8:40 am
With Ectopic pregnancy, can you still menstruate?
January 25th, 2012 at 11:51 am
Chilufya
You will not menstruate with an ectopic; however, you could have bleeding from an ectopic which you may mistakenly interpret as a period.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:10 pm
I have faith in you and god that i can have a baby with my new husband iam 27 and had my tubes tied for almost 3 years now and i am wanting badley sooooooo bad that words cant even exsplain no matter the cost to have a baby again for my new husband he dont got no kids besides the 4 i got please doctor make it a merical for me and my family :0)