- The main reason a woman chooses to have a reversed tubal ligation is to become pregnant. She may have a desire to become pregnant for the first time or have another child. Success rates depend on many factors after tubal ligation reversal.
A second reason women choose a reversal ligation is tubal ligation syndrome. This syndrome affects a woman's menstrual cycle, and it's usually not for the good. After tubal ligation a woman, may begin experiencing heavy menstrual flows often associated with bad cramps and painful periods. It can also cause a woman to have worsening premenstrual syndrome. Reversal tubal ligation can help with these problems once it is reversed. - According to Women's Health, the success rate of tubal ligation reversal is generally good. Women under age 30 have about a 70 percent success rate of becoming pregnant. Those over 35 have a success rate of about 62 percent. Women over 40 have a success rate of about 34 percent.
- Tubal ligation reversal is done by a laparotomy. An incision of 4 to 5 inches is made on the abdomen above the pubic bone. The surgeon then finds the Fallopian tubes and rejoins the two remaining sections. In order for this procedure to work, the Fallopian must be almost identical in diameter, and the separate ends have to be joined and matched perfectly. If the Fallopian tubes have different diameters, chances of pregnancy occurring is lower.
- Not all women who have undergone a tubal ligation are candidates for a reversal. Women who had their tubes burned or cut off may not be candidates. Women who had their Fallopian tubes blocked with a clip or ring make great candidates because of less damage to the Fallopian tubes.
Age also is a factor. Women who are getting past childbearing years may not qualify for this procedure. This is because older women past childbearing years have a higher risk of complications and birth defects. Women who had tubal ligation within 5 years or less are also candidates. This length of time causes less scarring of the tubes or damage. It may also be easier to conceive when trying to become pregnant. - After a tubal ligation reversal, a woman usually is hospitalized for 4 days or so. Once home, she's on a week of bed rest. After the body has healed, a woman can begin trying to conceive on the first menstrual period after the operation. It's important to understand that ectopic pregnancy (a baby starting to develop outside the womb) can occur after tubal ligation reversal. Women who undergo this procedure actually have a higher risk of ectopic pregnancies. If pregnancy occurs and a positive pregnancy test is noted, it's important to see a doctor to check and make sure the pregnancy has occurred in the uterus and not the Fallopian tubes.
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