10 Steps to Getting Your Tubal Ligation Reversed

There are many factors that should be taken into consideration if you are considering having your tubal ligation reversed. If you are considering the procedure, you should first have a good understanding of what a tubal ligation entails, then decide whether having your tubal ligation reversed id a good choice for you.
 

Tubal ligation is used as a permanent form of birth control. Most women make the decision to have a tubal ligation believing that they will never change their mind about having more children. Before having the procedure done, women are counseled as to whether having the procedure is right for them; in other words, are they certain that they don't want any more children? Doctors want to be sure that their patients do not make the decision to have a tubal ligation lightly- this is due to the fact that it is difficult to successfully reverse the procedure once it has been done (but it is not impossible, as we will discuss).

During a tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are clamped, tied, cut or blocked (sometimes a combination of these procedures is performed to be sure that there is the smallest chance of conceiving possible). Tubal ligations are not foolproof, and pregnancies that occur after a tubal ligation often result in an ectopic pregnancy, or a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg becomes lodged in the fallopian tube. Such pregnancies are dangerous to the mother and result in the loss of the fetus, which cannot grow past the first month or two within the fallopian tube. For this reason, surgeons are very thorough in trying to ensure that such pregnancies never occur, partly because of the risk of an ectopic pregnancy and also because the reason women want a tubal ligation is because they no longer want to have any more children!

Reversing a Tubal Ligation in Ten Steps

We are all aware that life and circumstances can change. Women sometimes find themselves regretting having had a tubal ligation, or their "tubes tied" as tubal ligation is commonly referred to. Whatever their reasons, some women find themselves in the predicament of having had a tubal ligation but once again desiring to have more children. For women in this type of situation, tubal ligation reversal may be considered. What is involved in the procedure? There are several steps that should be taken:
 
1. Choose your surgeon and go for your consultation- This is the first and most important step in the tubal ligation process. Your surgeon will be able to answer your questions and inform you of your chances for success. After your consultation, you will need to decide if the procedure is what you want, and if you are prepared to go through with it. Take your time making this all-important decision.

2. Have your partner submit a recent semen sample- this is done to ensure that any problems in conceiving after your reversal procedure isn't due to a low sperm count in your partner, which would make it less likely that you will conceive after your procedure.

3. Ask for a copy of your tubal ligation operative report to be sent to your surgeon- whether you will be using the same surgeon or a new one, your surgeon will need to know if you suffered any complications during your tubal ligation, whether there were any abnormalities noted during the surgery and what procedure was done (how your tubes were "tied"). Having this information will help you decide together whether it is worthwhile to go ahead with the reversal, and whether your chances of conceiving will be optimal.

4. Have any screening tests done- you may be asked by your surgeon to undergo routine blood tests prior to surgery to determine whether you are healthy enough for surgery. Other tests, such as specialized imaging tests, may be ordered if there is any doubt as to whether you are a good candidate for surgery.

5. Have an anesthesia consult- if you are approved for surgery, you will need to see an anesthetist, who will ensure that you are fit enough for anesthesia and explain all about how you will be anesthetized for the procedure.

6. Consider financing- insurance may not cover a tubal ligation reversal procedure. If your insurance won't pay, you will need to consider how you will pay for the procedure. You may need to look into financing options available. Costs of the procedure may be as high as $10,000.00.

7. Arrange for time off work- this type of surgery is considered a major surgery, and you will be advised not to work for a period of time after surgery. You may be in hospital for up to 2 days (barring any complications). You may want to arrange to have some help at home for the first few days after coming home from the hospital. Expect to be sore for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. You should avoid heavy lifting during recovery.

8. Follow all postoperative instructions carefully - report any signs or symptoms of infection such as redness, swelling or discharge from your incision.

9. Arrange a follow-up appointment with your surgeon- you will need to see your surgeon to ensure that you have fully healed with no complications. When you see your surgeon after the procedure will depend on surgeon preference.

10. Start trying to conceive- ask your surgeon at your follow-up appointment when you may begin trying to conceive. You will want to be fully healed and feeling back to normal. In general, women may start trying to conceive after their first cycle following surgery.

Success rates depend on your age, the condition of your fallopian tubes, the type of surgery that was originally done and the amount of damage present to the fallopian tubes during the tubal ligation. Success rates range from 30 to 70%, depending on which studies you read. Many women become pregnant within a year after their tubal ligation reversal procedure, so don't be discouraged if it takes a little time.