Are You Having A Change Of Heart?
There are different contraceptives for women who wish to delay or avoid pregnancy. However, tubal ligation, or female sterilization, is the most effective form available. Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that ties, cuts, clips, or closes the fallopian tubes. As a result, sperm cannot reach the egg for fertilization, or embryos cannot travel to the uterus. Tubal ligation is a tough decision, and sometimes women have a change of heart. A doctor can provide guidance on the available options, many of which center around in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Is tubal ligation permanent?
By all accounts, tubal ligation is permanent and the most effective form of birth control for women. By cutting or removing parts of the fallopian tubes, natural pregnancy is near impossible. Some complications can lead to a pregnancy, like an incomplete procedure. However, these instances are rare. If pregnancy does occur, this is often an ectopic pregnancy, which will not go to term. Because of the procedure’s effectiveness, female sterilization must be a personal choice. The patient must be absolutely sure there is no chance of having children in the future.
Tubal ligation reversal surgery
There are a couple of possible solutions for getting pregnant after tubal sterilization. A doctor may suggest the tubal ligation reversal surgery route by attempting to untie or reconnect the fallopian tubes. Tubal ligation reversal surgery is not guaranteed to work. The surgeon must be highly skilled as the procedure is delicate. Furthermore, all women aren’t candidates for revision surgery. Those with clips or small parts removed can attempt the method. The ideal patient is also young with excellent general and reproductive health. The success rate of pregnancy after tubal reversal is as high as 70% for women under 35. These figures drop with age.
Turning to IVF
In vitro fertilization is the second and more promising option for pregnancy after sterilization. If the woman still has a healthy ovarian reserve, the fertility clinic can retrieve the eggs for IVF. Hormone medication will help develop more mature eggs, which are then surgically extracted. The eggs are then combined with sperm in a laboratory to create healthy embryos. The fertility team finally transfers the embryo into the woman’s uterus for pregnancy. Like tubal reversal, the success of IVF depends on factors like age, health, and experience of the clinic.
Pregnancy is possible
Tubal ligation is considered permanent, so this decision must not be taken lightly. However, if some women have a change of heart, options are available. First, a doctor will assess the patient’s health and determine if tubal reversal is best. If a tubal reversal is not recommended or the procedure fails, IVF can help. With IVF, women with tubal ligation have a second chance at starting or growing a family.