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Can I Reverse My Tubal Ligation?

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You may have been certain you were done with your family when you underwent tubal ligation, but circumstances change. At the California Center for Reproductive Health, we understand, and Dr. Eliran Mor specializes in reversing all types of tubal ligations. While a tubal ligation is technically female sterilization and considered irreversible, that’s not entirely true in most cases.We recognize that undoing a tubal ligation may sound scary and involved. The process is actually very straightforward and requires minimal recovery. We also work with you to make it affordable. Dr. Mor is committed to maintaining your health while helping you fulfill your dreams of having a child.Here’s what to know if you’re considering a reversal of your tubal ligation.

Who can have their tubal ligation reversed?

Dr. Mor has undergone extensive training in microsurgery and tubal ligation reversal surgery techniques. He’s incredibly experienced in the process, performing hundreds of procedures each year.

Dr. Mor can reverse most cases of tubal ligation and takes into consideration the following criteria when determining if you’re a good candidate:

  • Your age
  • How long ago you had your tubes tied
  • If you’ve ever been pregnant
  • What type of procedure was used to tie your tubes

The doctor also takes into account any other gynecological surgeries you’ve had, such as procedures to remove endometriosis or fibroids. These surgeries can leave scar tissue, which can complicate tubal ligation reversal.

Dr. Mor also assesses the health of your ovaries, uterus, and existing fallopian tubes. Understanding your personal health history helps him customize your procedure and make it as safe and easy as possible. This evaluation also ensures you’re able to get pregnant once your tubal ligation has been reversed.

Is tubal ligation reversal a difficult surgery?

The whole surgery takes 2-3 hours total. Generally, Dr. Mor places a small “bikini” cut near the line of your pubic hair. He uses microscopic instruments to remove any clips or rings that were placed to block your tubes. The ends of the fallopian tubes are then reconnected to your uterus with small stitches.

Reversal of tubal ligation is done on an outpatient basis. You’re placed under general anesthesia, but don’t spend the night in the hospital. As soon as your vital signs are stable, we send you home the same day to recover.

Will I have to undergo fertility treatments following reversal of my tubal ligation?

Following a reversal of tubal ligation, you can look forward to getting pregnant naturally – without any assisted reproduction. You’ll carry a baby like any other woman who has not had a tubal ligation.

The California Center for Reproductive Health boasts high pregnancy rates following tubal ligation reversal. We can support you throughout your pregnancy, too, to ensure things go smoothly throughout the nine months of gestation and delivery.

What if my tubal ligation can’t be reversed?

Certain types of tubal ligation, like Essure® or total removal of the fallopian tubes, just can’t be reversed. Dr. Mor and our team at the California Center for Reproductive Health explore other options for you in these cases, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) so you can still bear a child.

Call one of our offices in Encino, Santa Monica, Valencia, Alhambra, and West Hollywood, California, to set up a consultation and evaluation. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment online.

Eliran Mor, MD

Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Santa Monica, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA
Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA Doctor Mor received his medical degree from Tel Aviv University-Sackler School of Medicine in Israel. He completed a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Subsequently, Dr. Mor completed a three-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility […]

FAQ

What does a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist do?

Reproductive endocrinology and Infertility is a sub-specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In addition to managing medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the female reproductive tract, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility (REI) specialists undergo additional years of training to provide fertility treatments using assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization.

Reproductive endocrinologists receive board certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

When should I see an REI specialist?

In general, patients should consider consulting with an REI specialist after one year of trying unsuccessfully to achieve pregnancy. The chance of conceiving every month is around 20%, therefore after a full year of trying approximately 15% of couples will still not have achieved a pregnancy.

However, if a woman is over the age of 35 it would be reasonable to see a fertility specialist earlier, typically after 6 months of trying.

Other candidates to seek earlier treatment are women who have irregular menses, endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), women who have had 2 or more miscarriages, or problems with the fallopian tubes (prior ectopic pregnancy).

What are the reasons we are having trouble conceiving?

Approximately 1/3 of the time cause for infertility is a female factor, 1/3 of the time a male factor, and the remaining 1/3 a couples’ factor.

At CCRH, we emphasize the importance of establishing a correct diagnosis. Both partners undergo a comprehensive evaluation including a medical history and physical exam.

Furthremore, the woman’s ovarian reserve is assessed with a pelvic ultrasound and a hormonal profile. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) will confirm fallopian tube patency and the uterine cavity is free of intracavitary lesions. A semen analysis is also obtained to evaluate for concentration, motility, and morphology of the sperm.

Additional work up is then individualized to direct the best possible treatment option for each couple.

What is IVF? What is the process like?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process that involves fertilization of an egg outside of a woman’s body.

The process starts with fertility drugs prescribed to help stimulate egg development. In your natural cycle, your body is only able to grow one dominant egg, but with stimulation medication we can recruit multiple eggs to continue to grow. After about 8-10 days of stimulation, the eggs are surgically retrieved and then fertilized with sperm in a specialized laboratory. Fertilized eggs are then cultured under a strictly controlled environment within specialized incubators in the IVF laboratory for 3-5 days while they develop as embryos. Finally, embryos (or an embryo) are transferred into the uterine cavity for implantation.

Should I have IVF?

Before deciding if IVF is the right choice, it’s important to sit down with an REI specialist to discuss available treatment options. For some people, other methods such as fertility drugs, intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be the best first choice treatment. At CCRH, we believe each individual couple is unique and not everyone needs IVF.

Is the IVF procedure painful?

While not painful, the fertility medications may some side effects including headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, and bloating. The injection sites may also bruise.

Will IVF guarantee a baby?

Unfortunately, no. Many people think once they start IVF it’s a matter of time that they will be pregnant and have a baby. But according to national statistics per the Society of Assisted Reproduction (SART), on average 40% of assisted reproduction cycles achieve live births in women under age 35. The chances of success then continue to decrease with advancing age.

At CCRH, we employ only evidence-based interventions to ensure patient safety and optimal outcome. While we cannot guarantee a baby, we guarantee that you will receive the best, most advanced, personalized care to help you maximize your chance of a baby.

What is the success rate for IVF?

The average IVF success rate (success measured in live birth rate) using one’s own eggs begins to drop around age 35 and then rapidly after age 40. This is due to the decline in egg quantity and egg quality as a woman ages.

Our clinic’s success rate consistently beats the national average year after year.

Do insurance plans cover infertility treatment? How much does IVF cost?

Individual insurance plans often do not have any coverage for infertility treatments. If you have a group plan, you can call members services to see if they have coverage for infertility (including consultation/workup and IVF).

After your consultation with our REI specialist, one of our dedicated account managers with sit with you to go over the cost of treatment.