Tubal ligation, or “getting your tubes tied,” is the most popular form of permanent birth control among most women. Circumstances in life may change. Some women find that they want to have another child. For them, reversal of the tubal ligation may be possible.
If you’ve been searching for “tubal ligation reversal near me,” you’re definitely not alone. Hundreds of thousands of women across the country have this procedure every year. What is tubal ligation reversal, and what does it feel like? What are the advantages, the drawbacks, how do you heal, and most importantly, how do you find the right surgeon near you? All these topics are being discussed in this blog.
What Is Tubal Ligation Reversal?
Reversal of tubal ligation is a surgery to open or reestablish the blocked, ligated, or burned-up fallopian tubes of tubal ligation. Opening up the tubes, eggs once more can pass through from the ovaries to the uterus and pregnancy can be restored.
The surgeons usually conduct the operation by creating small cuts on the abdomen by microsurgical techniques. It is delicate, needs equipment, and skill.
Who Can Undergo Tubal Ligation Reversal?
Not all women who have their tubes tied qualify. Tubal ligation reversal is based on:
- Age – Women under the age of 35 years are more likely to be successful.
- Type of tubal ligation procedure done – Some tubal ligation procedures hurt less than others. If the physician removes too much tube, it can’t be reversed.
- Amount of tube left over – At least 4 cm of healthy tube is usually needed.
- General health – Issues like endometriosis, pelvic infection, or scarring will decrease the success rate.
- Partner’s fertility – Both the male partner also needs to have a healthy sperm count.
If you are unclear whether or not you are a candidate, a specialist can test you with procedures like hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and hormone levels before they would recommend surgery.
Why Women Reverse
There are numerous reasons why a woman may reverse tubal ligation:
- Remarriage or shift in relationship.
- Desiring to have a baby later in life.
- Regret having chosen to do it early in the first place.
- Religious or personal beliefs.
Whatever the motivation, it is a deeply personal choice. Finding the correct clinic locally will make it a reality.
How Is Tubal Ligation Reversal Done?
The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia. It takes 2–3 hours. Steps include:
- A small incision is given in the lower abdomen.
- Carefully, the scar tissue is removed.
- Margins of the incision on the fallopian tubes are found.
- Tiny stitches under a microscope are done to seal up the tubes.
- Tests with dye may be done to see if the tubes are patent.
Most women can be discharged the same day or receive an overnight hospital stay.
Rate of Success for Tubal Reversal
Pregnancy rates following tubal reversal are based on a number of factors:
- Age:
- Under 35: 60–80% success.
- 35–40: 40–60%.
- Over 40: 20–30%.
- Under 35: 60–80% success.
- Type of ligation: Clip or ring procedures are more successful than burning or removing large sections.
- Tube length: Tubes longer after surgery translate to more success.
- Basic fertility status: Ovulation and sperm quality also contribute.
On average, good prospects have a 50–70% chance of pregnancy within two years.
Risks of Tubal Ligation Reversal
Like with any surgery, there are risks involved:
- Infection.
- Bleeding.
- Damage to surrounding organs.
- Anesthesia complications.
- Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the tube instead of the uterus).
The most lethal risk is ectopic pregnancy, and therefore women need close follow-up and early pregnancy testing after surgery.
Recovery After Tubal Ligation Reversal
Healing will take 1–2 weeks. The majority of women are able to return to light work after 1 week but do not do heavy lifting, exercise for 2–3 weeks.
Some or all of the following may occur during healing:
- Belly pain that is tender.
- Fatigue.
- Incisional swelling.
- Pale spotting vaginally.
Physicians can recommend waiting 2–3 months before becoming pregnant so that the tubes have time to heal.
Alternatives to Tubal Reversal
For some women, reversal is not the best choice. There is in-vitro fertilization (IVF) as an alternative. Eggs are taken from the ovaries, are fertilized in the laboratory, and are placed directly into the uterus in IVF, instead of traveling through the tubes.
IVF is a better choice if:
- Tubes are severely damaged.
- The woman is older.
- Male partner is experiencing a fertility issue.
Your doctor will guide whether reversal or IVF is best for you.
Cost of Reversal of Tubal Ligation
It is location-, clinic-, and surgeon-dependent. On average in the United States, $5,000–$15,000.
Insurance usually won’t cover it because it’s not deemed necessary. Financing may be available at some clinics. IVF is also costly, typically $12,000–$20,000 per cycle.
When searching for “tubal ligation reversal near me,” cost, doctor experience, and success rate should be compared before making a decision.
How to Get the Best Tubal Ligation Reversal Near Me
In finding the best doctor or clinic near you, the following needs to be done:
- Search online – Type in “tubal ligation reversal near me” or “tubal reversal clinic [your city name].”
- Check doctor’s experience – Choose a surgeon who has plenty of experience and is a specialist in fertility surgery.
- Read reviews – Other patients’ reviews could give information on outcomes and care.
- Ask for success rates – Compare your success rates in the clinic with national success rates.
- Get complete support – Fertility counseling, semen testing, and IVF if required are also offered by the clinics.
- Visit for consultation – Meet the physician, ask questions, and get a feel.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Am I a good candidate for tubal reversal
- Do you have success in reversing tubals on women my age?
- How many reversals have you performed?
- What are the risks involved in my case?
- What will I be like after I recover?
- When can I try to conceive?
- How much is the total cost, and is this including hospital fees and follow-up appointments?
Life After Tubal Reversal
Most ladies who undergo tubal reversal successfully become pregnant and have babies. The key is to follow what the physician recommends. Then make it to all the follow-up appointments, and try to live a healthy lifestyle.
Simple steps for higher conception success after reversal are:
- Maintaining a well-balanced diet.
- Regular exercise.
- Avoidance of alcohol and smoking.
- Control of stress.
- Ovulation monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every woman qualify for a tubal reversal?
No. It depends on the way of tying the tubes, quantity of tube left, age, and fertility status.
Is reversal better than IVF?
It depends. Women with healthy tubes and who are young do better with reversal. Women who are older or women with damaged tubes may do better with IVF.
How long before becoming pregnant after reversal?
Most women conceive within 6–12 months, but it may be up to 2 years.
Is tubal reversal insurance covered?
Not usually. It’s a cosmetic procedure, so most women pay out of pocket.
Is it okay to reverse the tubes?
Yes, but as with any surgery, there is risk. The largest risk is ectopic pregnancy, so very close follow-up is necessary.
Googling “tubal ligation reversal near me” is typically where it begins with a very personal process. Tubal reversal provides women with hope of conceiving additional children following tubal ligation. While it’s not something for all women, most women are successful with the procedure and subsequently deliver a healthy infant.
If you’re interested, visit a local fertility specialist. Interview them, have the risks and cost explained, and weigh the benefits over IVF. With good doctoring and good treatment, tubal reversal can give you a chance to build your family once again.
