Can a Tubal Ligation Be Reversed?
More than one quarter of women who have had tubal ligation surgery later find that they would like more children. This article discusses the possibility of tubal ligation, as well as how to discuss the procedure with your doctor.
Instructions
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Schedule a consultation with your obstetrician. Your doctor will discuss your options for tubal ligation reversal, as well as cover all associated costs, risks, and eligibility information. Your doctor will determine your eligibility for tubal ligation reversal, and then provide additional information about the procedure, as related to your case. Factors such as the type of ligation you received, your age, and any previous fertility issues will be discussed at that time.
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Schedule your surgery. You'll need to make plans for childcare if you have young children, as you will most likely spend several days to a week in the hospital. You won't be able to do any heavy lifting or strenuous activity after the surgery, so you may need to take a few weeks off work while you recuperate. Tubal ligation reversal surgery can sometimes be done as an outpatient treatment, but will generally still require at least an overnight hospital stay. Depending on your hospital, your unique medical condition, and your doctor's orders, you may be in the hospital for up to five days.
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Check into the hospital for your surgery. You may be able to pre-register or complete some paperwork ahead of time. If you are given this option, be sure to take it, as it will drastically reduce your wait time.
Reversing Your Tubal Ligation
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Understand the process. Your doctor will put you under general anesthesia. During the surgery, you'll be completely unconscious.
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The doctor then makes an incision, and unclamps or unties your fallopian tubes, reattaches them, and then removes any restrictive device put in to block the tubes. This allows the eggs to again make their way down your fallopian tubes, re-activating your fertility.
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Expect a small scar. Your doctor will then re-stitch the wound. Most tubal ligation reversal surgeries only leave a small scar. Often, the edges of the incision are glued together, leaving no need for stitches and severely limiting scarring.
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Tips & Warnings
If tubal ligation reversal is not effective, or you do not wish to undergo major surgery, in vitro fertilization may still be an option. Consult your doctor for details
Risks of tubal ligation reversal include bleeding, infections, damage to surrounding organs, and complications from the anesthesia. Consult your doctor or surgeon for a full list of potential complications and side effects.
