IVF After Tubal Ligation

For some women who have undergone tubal ligation for permanent birth control but decide later to have another baby, tubal ligation reversal may not be a viable option. In those cases, in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be an alternate method for becoming pregnant following surgical sterilization.

Factors Requiring IVF After Tubal Ligation

If you undergo an unsuccessful tubal ligation reversal surgery or other fertility issues are discovered, natural conception may not be possible. Some of the factors that could inhibit fertility following permanent sterilization include:

• Tubal status: When the remaining tubal stumps are too short or scarred to reconnect, there is a poor chance of successfully reversing sterilization. In order to assess tubal status, your reproductive endocrinologist must examine them in surgery.
• Female fertility: In the event your fertility specialist identifies any pelvic disorders, such as endometriosis or pelvic adhesions, then in vitro fertilization may be required to become pregnant.
• Male fertility: Another fertility factor that can affect your likelihood of becoming pregnant is sperm quality. If sperm count or motility are low, IVF is a much better option for improving your chances of pregnancy than tubal reversal surgery.

Benefits of IVF After Permanent Sterilization

In vitro fertilization is a much less invasive procedure than tubal ligation reversal. While reversal surgery requires several weeks of recovery, IVF can be started without the delay or discomfort that comes with major surgery. Additionally, results are known the same month after the procedure, whereas pregnancy after tubal ligation reversal may take up to one to two years.

For couples with other male or female fertility issues, other than permanent sterilization, IVF demonstrates higher success rates than tubal ligation reversal alone. Discuss in vitro fertilization with your reproductive endocrinologist to determine if it is a good option for you.

Challenges of IVF After Tubal Ligation

An IVF cycle takes about two months and requires you to take injectable hormones that stimulate egg development. These fertility medications may cause side effects, such as headaches, mood swings and bloating. Also, in vitro fertilization has a higher risk of multiple births.

For some, IVF is not a viable option. After age 43, the IVF success rate drastically decreases. Additionally, in vitro fertilization is not recommended for women with poor egg quality or reserve.

Your fertility specialist can discuss your individual factors with you and your partner.