Once a woman decides she does not want to have any more children, she can choose tubal ligation as a permanent method of birth control . However, sometimes the decision may change with time. There are various reasons why a woman would want to regain her fertility. The main ones are new marriage after divorce or death of the partner, death of a child and others. This is actually possible once tubal ligation reversal is performed.
What is tubal ligation reversal?
Tubal ligation reversal is a major surgery for a woman to regain her fertility. It is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2 – 3 hours. The procedure is done by microsurgical technique. A doctor unclamps and reattaches the fallopian tubes, so that they are passable again. The surgeon also places an implant into the tubes in order for them to be just as functional as prior to tubal ligation. Once this type of surgery is performed, a woman’s fallopian tubes begin to function again and an egg can go down the tubes to the uterus, where it is able to meet with sperm and fertilization can occur.
Tubal reversal just like tubal ligation is a serious surgery, and therefore requires in-patient care and a longer stay in hospital after it. A woman should take time off work for about a week and should only practice light physical activity and exercise for about two weeks after the procedure. A woman is allowed to restart her sexual life once she feels comfortable and happy about it. Complete recovery is considered to be after two or three months after surgery.
While microsurgery technique is applied, the procedure may be performed under local anesthesia. This allows a shorter time of surgery and fewer complications.
Good candidates for tubal ligation reversal
Even though a woman decides to have tubal reversal, she might not be able to undergo this surgery due to a few factors. The doctor should decide whether the fallopian tubes can be reversed or not. The surgeon usually performs laparoscopy in order to decide if a woman is suitable for tubal ligation reversal.
The doctor generally evaluates a woman’s fallopian tubes. The surgeon also needs to know, how tubal ligation was performed. Also, a woman’s age and her general health status should be considered before final decision whether a woman is a good candidate for the procedure or not. Women, older than 40, should consider thoroughly their decision to undergo the reversal because they have very slight chances for successful operation.
Alternatives of tubal ligation reversal
Even if a woman is not able to have her fallopian tubes reversed, there is an alternative method for her to be able to conceive. This alternative method to get pregnant is in vitro fertilization (IVF). The overall time from the beginning of hormonal therapy and embryo transfer is from one to two months. However, the possibility to become pregnant and give birth to a child is significantly lower, compared to tubal reversal, and varies from 39% to 50%.
Complications of tubal ligation reversal
As with any surgery, the tubal ligation reversal procedure includes certain risks and side effects. Side effects and complications are very rare but they can still occur from time to time. Mostly, the risk for complications depends upon the qualification of a surgeon and the type of the surgery. Laparoscopic surgery technique is a less invasive procedure, which largely decreases the risk for possible side effects. The most common complications include inflammation at the surgery site, infection and bleeding. Complications due to anesthesia are also possible though very rare. The risk for these complications may be reduced by applying local anesthesia.
Tubal ligation reversal cost
Most of insurance companies do not cover the cost of tubal reversal procedure. However, check with your insurance company policies to find out whether insurance covers the costs of tubal ligation reversal or not. Total price includes the surgeon’s fee, the hospital fee for the use of the operating room and ambulatory care facility, and the fee for anesthesia. The price is between $5,000 and $10,000. Higher prices are in New York State, whereas lower prices are in California. Bear in mind that a single cycle of in vitro fertilization usually costs more than $10,000.
