Tubal ligation, or “having your tubes tied,” is a procedure that involves either the tying or severing of the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Often, women get this procedure as a permanent form of contraception.

However, this procedure can sometimes be reversed, allowing you to become pregnant without additional medical assistance. If you’ve changed your mind, a tubal ligation reversal may be right for you. A tubal ligation reversal is a procedure in which a surgeon reconnects the blocked parts of the fallopian tubes, allowing eggs to travel through them once again.

A tubal ligation reversal is usually effective, assuming you’re an ideal candidate for the procedure. Below, we asked our expert, Dr. John Macey, about who should consider this option.

Determining who’s a good candidate for tubal reversal

The least invasive types of tubal ligation have the highest chances of reversal. For example, you have a higher chance of getting pregnant if your tubal ligation involved the use of clips. If your remaining tubes are at least 4 centimeters in length, you have a better chance at a successful reversal.

There are several other factors that determine if you’re a good candidate for a tubal reversal. These include your age, the type of procedure you underwent to tie your tubes, your body mass index, and your egg quality. Undergoing other surgical procedures that can cause scarring in the tubes may also impact your chances of getting pregnant.

Dr. Macey may recommend hormone testing to determine if you’re likely to be fertile after tubal reversal.

A tubal reversal is usually done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. If you’re a good candidate for the procedure and decide to have it, you can expect moderate pain and discomfort immediately after the surgery, for which you will be prescribed pain medications. You will likely feel pretty normal and be back to light work within a week or two, but full recovery and vigorous activity without restrictions may take up to six weeks.

Tubal reversal results

Getting pregnant after a tubal ligation isn’t a guarantee. Age and overall health seem to play the biggest role in the success of the procedure. Women under the age of 35 have the highest success rates, but tubal ligation reversal can be successful in your 40s as well.

Women with a BMI higher than 35 have a lower chance of being fertile, so weight loss can improve the outcomes of tubal reversal.

Male fertility also plays a crucial role in whether you can successfully get pregnant. It may be wise for your partner to undergo semen analysis before you undergo a tubal reversal, especially if he has not previously fathered children.

If you’ve gotten your tubes tied, you have alternatives other than a reversal if you wish to become pregnant. One option is in vitro fertilization (IVF therapy). This is where the eggs and the sperm are fertilized in a lab, and then the fertilized egg is injected into the womb.

Get your consultation for tubal reversal

If you regret having your tubes tied, contact us to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you find out if you’re a good candidate for a tubal reversal.