There are many options that allow you to have a baby after sterilization, such as tubal ligation or vasectomy. Before undergoing a reversal procedure, it’s a good idea to talk to your fertility specialist and consider other fertility factors.
Prior to tubal ligation reversal, your male partner’s sperm quality should be evaluated. Your reproductive endocrinologist will use a simple sperm test to identify low sperm count or motility. If sperm quality is low, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a much better option for becoming pregnant than undergoing tubal reversal surgery.
Regardless of whether you are seeking male or female sterilization reversal, maternal age is a key factor contributing to pregnancy. There is a dramatic decline in pregnancy rates for women over age 37. After age 43-44, your fertility specialist will likely discourage attempting tubal ligation reversal or IVF after sterilization due to low success rates.
Women are born with a finite number of eggs, or ovarian reserve. Some women experience an early decline in quantity or quality. Your reproductive endocrinologist may use antral follicle counts, AMH levels and/or day 3 FSH levels to determine the quality of your ovarian reserve. If your ovarian reserve quality is poor, there is a low chance of pregnancy whether IVF or sterilization reversal is used and donor egg would be the preferred option.
Certain pelvic disorders can cause infertility. Before deciding to undergo sterilization reversal, your fertility specialist should determine whether you are suffering from conditions, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome or uterine and cervical abnormalities. Sterilization reversal surgery success is much less likely if other pelvic disorders exist.
If you’ve already had children, there is a greater likelihood that sterilization reversal will be successful. Your fertility specialist can evaluate your fertility as a couple and determine whether vasectomy reversal, IVF or tubal ligation reversal are options for you.
