A Tubal ligation reversal is a procedure to restore fertility after a woman has had a tubal ligation. This process cuts or blocks the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. During a procedure, the blocked segments of the fallopian tubes are reconnected to the remainder of the fallopian tubes. It may allow eggs to move again through the tubes and sperm to travel up the fallopian tubes to join an egg.
Sterilization procedures that cause the least amount of damage to the fallopian tubes are the most likely to allow successful tubal ligation reversal. Examples include sterilization with tubal clips or rings.
Procedures that cause scarring to seal off the fallopian tubes, such as the Essure or Adiana systems, generally aren’t reversible. In such cases, In vitro fertilization (IVF) may be an option. It involves retrieving eggs from the ovary, fertilizing them in a lab and implanting them in the uterus.
Reasons for Tubal Ligation Reversal
A tubal ligation reversal may allow a woman who had a tubal ligation to get pregnant without further medical assistance. There are many reasons why a woman might want to reverse a tubal ligation, and each is unique to the individual.
A tubal ligation reversal isn’t appropriate for everyone. Your gynecologist will consider several factors to determine if tubal ligation reversal is likely to be successful, such as:
- Your age and body mass index
- The type of tubal ligation
- The extent of the damage to your fallopian tubes
- Remaining tubal length
- Other fertility factors, such as sperm and egg quality
A tubal ligation reversal is more likely to be successful if there is still a significant proportion of healthy tube. If clips or rings initially blocked your fallopian tubes, then tubal ligation reversal is more likely to be successful than if segments of your fallopian tubes were burned to close them off (electrocautery).
Cost of Treatment
The cost of Tubal Ligation Reversal varies from $750 to $3000 depending on other factors and one geographic area to another.