Seven Questions to Ask to Find Out If Tubal Reversal Is Right for You!

1. Have you had your tubes tied, but would now like to conceive again?

If you have had a tubal ligation performed (commonly referred to as having your tubes tied), then you may be a candidate for tubal reversal surgery!

2. What type of tubal ligation did you have?

There are several different ways for a doctor to tie somebody's tubes. In order for a tubal reversal to be successful, there needs to be enough healthy tube remaining for the repair.

Women with the ring or clip method of tubal ligation have a 74% chance of becoming pregnant after undergoing tubal reversal surgery. Women with the coagulation technique have a 65% chance, while women with ligation / resection methods have a 62% chance for pregnancy after the surgery.

If you aren't sure what type of tubal ligation you had, don't worry! Obtain a copy of your operative and pathology reports relating to your tubal ligation, and fax them to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center's main fax number 919-967-8637. Please attach the Fax Cover Sheet so we can reach you when your records arrive. Dr. Berger will review the operative report at no charge and we will contact you regarding possible outcomes for you following reversal surgery.

3. What is your age?

The natural fertility rate declines as we age. As with any pregnancy, conceiving after reversal surgery is more successful when you are younger. You can still become pregnant after age 40 if you are ovulating and have periods, but pregnancy rates will be lower.

Tubal reversal surgery will not increase your natural level of fertility. Dr. Berger has kept detailed records of his patients and has compiled a comprehensive follow-up study on outcomes. The results of that study show that women under 30 have a 77% chance of becoming pregnant after having a tubal reversal procedure. Women between the ages of 30-34 have a 72% chance, those ages 35-39 have a 62% chance, and women over 40 have a 34% chance of becoming pregnant after surgery.

4. How does tubal reversal compare to in vitro fertilization?

Having your tubes tied is intended to be permanent. When circumstances change, and women with their tubes tied would like to have more children, they may be told that their only option is in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Not everyone is a candidate for tubal reversal, but this option should be explored first. Once the tubes are repaired following the reversal, there is a chance each month for pregnancy to occur naturally. With IVF, medications must be administered by injection and a minor surgical procedure performed each time pregnancy is attempted.

Since pregnancy rates with IVF are around 22% per attempt, most women will require multiple IVF treatments to actually become pregnant. At a cost of $12,000 per cycle, this treatment option can become expensive quickly!

In most cases, tubal reversal is more affordable and has a higher pregnancy rate then in vitro fertilization.

5. What should I look for in a doctor before choosing who will perform my tubal reversal?

You can check online to see if the doctor is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of the Society of Reproductive Surgeons. Doctors with both of these credentials are recognized by their peers as experts with the training and experience best suited for tubal reversal surgery. Dr. Berger is a member of both of these organizations.

You should also check to see how many tubal reversal surgeries the doctor has performed. The more experienced the doctor the less likely it is that something unexpected will happen. Dr. Berger has the most experience with this outpatient procedure of any reproductive surgeon in the world, and has performed more then 5,000 tubal reversals!

Check to see if the doctor performs tubal reversals on an outpatient basis. This reduces cost and also avoids the risks of hospitalization, such as possible infection with hospital-acquired bacteria.

Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center is the only center worldwide that is dedicated exclusively to tubal ligation reversal and Dr. Berger is the only doctor who specializes in and limits his practice to tubal reversal surgery.

6. How much does tubal reversal cost?

When you pay in full at the time you schedule your surgery, the all-inclusive cost is $5900. There are no hidden charges and the fee covers the following:

•Preoperative record review and consultation
•Dr. Berger's surgical fee
•Anesthesiologist's and nurse anesthetist's fees
•Surgical supplies
•Operating facility fees
•Postoperative pain medication and antibiotics
•Follow-up care.

7. What if there is no tubal reversal clinic near me?

Most of our patients come to Chapel Hill from other states and from other countries. To minimize the time you have to spend here, your preoperative consultation will be scheduled for the day preceding your tubal reversal.

On the day of your tubal reversal, you will spend the morning at Chapel Hill Surgical Center and the rest of the day back at your hotel room. The following morning, Dr. Berger or one of our nurses will visit you at your hotel for a postoperative check prior to your returning home. You will be here for two nights - the day before your tubal reversal for your consultation and the day of your surgery.

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To read about how tubal reversal has changed the lives of others like you, please check out the Testimonials on our website.

If you would like to find out more about tubal reversal and how it can change your life, please call Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center at (919) 968-4656 and speak with one of our experienced tubal reversal nurses. We'll be glad to answer any questions you might have!