Some time after getting their tubes tied; there are women who discover that they want more children. Now the question is, can this process be reversed? First, let’s consider the facts. The common term used is "tying your tubes" but the medical term for this type of sterilization is called tubal ligation. In this process, the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked. This way, the eggs or sperm will never be able to fertilize, thereby preventing pregnancy.
Benefit and Risks
If you no longer want to become pregnant or have babies, this is an option you may want to consider. Also, according to the Mayo Clinic, a tubal ligation may decrease your risk of ovarian cancer. However, not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. This is especially so if the following is true in your case:
• You might want to become pregnant
• You're obese
• You have severe cardiac or pulmonary disease
• You have blood-clotting problems
• You have internal abdominal scarring
• You have a pre-existing gynecologic condition — such as irregular periods or abnormally heavy or prolonged periods — that may be better treated through hormonal contraception
It is important to remember that tubal ligation is considered a major surgery. So as with all surgeries, there are risks to consider such as:
• Damage to the bowel, bladder or major blood vessels
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Wound infection
• Prolonged pelvic or abdominal pain
You may be at higher risk of complications from a tubal ligation if:
• You've had previous pelvic or abdominal surgery
• You have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, obesity or diabetes
Even after surgery, particularly within the first year after the procedure is done, one out of 100 women can still get pregnant during this time. Also, the sterilization failure rate is higher for younger women. When a woman does get pregnant after her tubes are tied, the chance of having an ectopic pregnancy (becoming pregnant in the fallopian tubes) is higher.
So can it be reversed or not? And is there anything else to keep in mind about this procedure?
The Mayo Clinic states that a tubal ligation reversal is possible, but it is considered very “complicated and not guaranteed to be effective.” But when successful, this procedure can enable at least one of the fallopian tubes to open – which makes it possible for pregnancy to take place. Statistics say that this procedure is successful about 75 percent of the time. Therefore, it is important to consider this surgery with seriousness and prepare as you would for any other surgery.
Resource: Mayo Clinic
Dita Faulkner is a freelance writer and an advocate for at-risk children and families in Tennessee.