How to know if a tubal reversal is right for you

When patients come to CARE Fertility for a tubal reversal, they often tell us they had every intention of it being permanent.

After all, the decision is typically not made easily. Undergoing a tubal ligation is a serious decision that is made with care.

Many mothers have their tubes tied right after childbirth, as the procedure is often convenient to perform while they’re already in the hospital, with a recovery period ahead. At the time, couples who make this choice feel that their families are blissfully complete.

Some women may have never planned to have children in the first place, and fought against societal norms to ensure the permanence of their decision to remain child-free. 

Then along come any number of factors to inspire a change in heart and a new chapter in life. These can range from from the heartbreaking loss of a child, to the joy of a new partner, to a simple flame of desire that is fanned over time.

No matter your story, it’s okay to change your mind. 

Learning, evolving and growing is an ongoing and beautiful part of the human experience. You deserve to choose what is right for you now, regardless of your past.

If you previously had a tubal ligation but now desire more children, you may be wondering if a tubal reversal is right for you. 

It’s always best to discuss your history and options with a doctor. But until your first consultation, here are a few ways to know if the procedure may be an ideal solution for growing your family.

The type of tubal ligation you had is reversible.

The first thing a tubal reversal surgeon will evaluate is whether the original procedure you had is reversible. 

Some types of sterilization procedures are typically not reversible, such as Essure and Adiana. In our experience, these patients need to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

For patients who have had a salpingectomy, which is a total removal of the tube(s), their only option is also IVF.

Postpartum tubal ligations, where the tubes are tied and a small portion removed during a cesarean section or following a vaginal delivery, are typically reversible. Outcomes are typically optimistic if 2.5 cm or less of the tube was removed. Your pathology report will show the length of tube removed, and the facility or physician who did the sterilization will be able to provide this report.

Women who have had fulguration or “burning” of the tube are usually also candidates if not too much tube was damaged.

Falope rings and Filshie Clips damage the least amount of fallopian tube and are also readily reversible.

Finally, women who underwent a fimbriectomy, where the ends of the tube have been removed, can have a neosalpingostomy performed. This creates a new opening at the end of the tube. Pregnancy rates and duration of time to pregnancy are lower following neosalpingostomy for a fimbriectomy.

You (and your partner) are otherwise healthy and fertile.

Reversing a tubal ligation isn’t a guarantee that you’ll easily get pregnant. It’s important to consider other factors that may impact your ability to conceive and carry a child. 

Ideal candidates for a tubal reversal are women less than 44 years of age with a BMI under 38.

For patients with male partners, we also recommend sperm testing prior to a tubal reversal, but don’t require it.

You like the idea of having another child naturally.

Women who’ve undergone tubal ligations are typically fertile before their sterilization procedure occurs, and simply want to restore their body’s ability to have a child.

Therefore, many couples choose tubal reversal because it allows them the opportunity to conceive naturally, without the cost or stress they may associate with IVF.

Tubal ligation reversal is an outpatient procedure which lasts around 90 minutes. It involves a small bikini incision and a short recovery period. Patients can even try to become pregnant the very next cycle after their surgery!

For couples who aren’t an ideal candidate for a tubal reversal, we often recommend effortless IVF®, which is more natural, affordable and accessible than traditional IVF with similar success rates. 

With effortless IVF®, fewer medications are required, and the eggs and sperm are incubated inside the woman’s body instead of an expensive lab, thanks to the revolutionary INVOcell device. 

You know in your heart it’s the right choice.

“It feels like someone is missing when I look around the dinner table.” 

“My friends and family think I’m crazy, but I really want another child!”

These are common sentiments our patients share when they come to us for a tubal reversal. No matter the treatment plan we recommend, our advice is always the same.

In the end, the decision of whether or not to grow your family is a very personal one. 

The number of children you have is not a group decision to be made with the input of others. Only you and your partner know what the right size of your family is meant to be. 

Like all matters related to family building, it comes down to what makes you happiest as an individual and as a couple.

At CARE Fertility, we’re here to help you create the family of your dreams. 

Our four board certified Reproductive Endocrinologists have performed over 1,500 tubal reversals at our state-of-the-art surgery center in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas. 

We have a fully accredited Ambulatory Surgical Center onsite at our Bedford, Texas office equipped with two operating rooms, pre-op and recovery areas as well as board certified anesthesiologists caring for you during the procedure and in the recovery room.

Because we offer comprehensive medical care for the treatment of infertile patients, not just tubal reversals, we can support your family-building journey wherever it takes you. That means there’s no need to start your search for a doctor all over again if it turns out that tubal reversal is not right for you.

All initial consultations take place over telehealth (Zoom or a phone call), so it’s easier than ever to get started. 

Click here to schedule your first appointment with one of our doctors today.