Many women get their tubes ligated soon after delivering their baby. Though this is a very effective form of birth control, can one get pregnant after tubal ligation? What if the woman decides she wants more children? Read on to know what her options are.
Tubal Ligation
Tubal Ligation is a surgical procedure to cut or block the fallopian tubes. Once they tie the tubes, the egg can’t descend and the sperms can’t ascend up in to the fallopian tube. When both don’t meet, fertilisation does not happen.
This is a minor procedure that can be done even in the doctor’s clinic. Though they will put the woman under anaesthesia, she can go back home the same day. A woman’s periods and sexual life are not affected by tubal ligation. Despite the permanent birth control, it is advisable to use protection during sex to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Pregnancy After Tubal Ligation
Tubal Ligation is a permanent procedure. However, one can opt to reverse it through another surgery known as tubal recanalization. Reattaching the fallopian tubes may not be successful all the time. If the tubes were cut too close and there is not enough to reattach, a reversal surgery may not be possible. In some cases, the woman may not be able to conceive naturally. Spontaneous pregnancy rate after recanalization is 20-60%.
Clipping or using a ring to block the tubes during a tubal ligation allows tubal reversal. On the other hand, cutting and burning the tubes to seal them eliminates all possibilities for tubal reversal.
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Invitro fertilization (IVF) After Tubal Ligation
The fallopian tubes are not required for IVF. If a tubal ligation cannot be reversed or if the woman does not want reversal surgery, she can always consider IVF. Tubal ligation, or the method used, does not impact the outcome of the IVF.
The doctor will prescribe hormonal injections to increase egg release for a successful IVF. Next, they will remove the eggs and fertilise them using the sperm. This can be from the partner or a sperm donor if the partner has any fertility issues.
This is very straightforward and does not have a waiting period like natural conception. It will take about 10 days to know if the IVF was a success or not. After the egg is successfully fertilised and an embryo is formed, the fertility specialist will insert it back into the uterus for implantation. If the embryo implants it will lead to a successful pregnancy. If not, the procedure can be repeated.
Who can Qualify for IVF After Tubal Ligation?
Not all women can qualify for an IVF after tubal ligation. The fertility of a woman decreases with age. So, if she is not too old and still has viable eggs, she will qualify for an IVF. Remember, the success of a pregnancy depends on various factors.
IVF vs Tubal Reversal
IVF and tubal reversal are both good options for pregnancy after a tubal ligation. Here are some advantages IVF has over tubal reversal:
IVF is relatively pain-free and does not require any extra procedure. Tubal reversal is another major surgery you need to undergo.
As IVF is not a surgery, there are no scars, recovery period, complications, or follow-up tests.
You can choose to freeze your eggs before tubal ligation and use it for IVF. This offers a better chance for older women.
IVF is possible irrespective of which method the doctor used for tubal ligation
You can know the results within ten days of the IVF treatment. You need not wait every month for your period to see if you have conceived or not.
IVF increases the chances of pregnancy as only a fertilised egg is inserted back into the uterus.
Tubal reversal may not be successful every time. One may not know of it immediately.
Increasing Pregnancy Chances After Tubal Ligation
Women can also opt to freeze their eggs before undergoing a tubal ligation. Though their body will continue to produce eggs, fertility will decrease with age. If a woman wants to get pregnant after a few years, her age could be a concerning factor. Freezing her eggs when she is still young and fertile removes this risk and gives her a better chance at pregnancy in the future.
Conclusion
Tubal ligation, though a permanent form of birth control, need not be the end of your dreams of having biological children. If you don’t want a reversal surgery, IVF is always an option. In many cases, IVF offers a better chance of pregnancy than reversal procedure. Talk to your doctor and identify the best choice for you to conceive after your tubal ligation.