Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Facts and Information on Tubal Ligation Reversal and In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

It takes a lot of consideration and reflection before you can decide as to whether you should go ahead with a tubal ligation procedure, partly because it is supposed to be permanent. Unfortunately there are many women who, after performed this procedure, years later then feel they after all want to have another child and for many of them a reversal is achievable. Pregnancy rates after a reversal tubal ligation are high and the covalence period is quick. This could be the option for you if you want to add to your family.

Tubal ligation reversal will not be a good option for every woman. To find out if the procedure is suitable for you, visit a tubal reversal doctor who will carry out an assessment by examining your fallopian tubes with the aid of a laparoscope, a tiny camera used to investigate the insides of your tubes to determine their health.

The doctor will also examine your records from when you had your tubes tied, as they will need to know which type of method was used to block them. Before the specialist can consider your tubes to be healthy they have to find out how they have been blocked, the length of your remaining tubes and if they seem undamaged.

A tube reversal involves rejoining the two parts of the fallopian tube that remain after a section has been tied, clamped, or burned. Generally a healthy fallopian tube is around 10cm in length. After having your tubes tied the remaining tubal segment lengths can vary. The longer the tubes the higher the probability you will get pregnant.

Although tubal ligation reversal is not a procedure to be taken lightly, it is not a complicated surgery and can be done on an outpatient basis by a very experienced tubal surgeon. How long your reversal takes will depend on how they were tied in the first place and the expertise and knowledge of your doctor. After the operation a patient should take it easy for at least a week before returning to work and if experience any bleeding or infection then get in touch with the clinic or hospital where the surgery was performed.

The actual tubal ligation procedure only takes around an hour and the chances of getting pregnant after a tubal ligation reversal are higher than pregnancy rates for in-vitro fertilization and it will certainly be a cheaper alternative

Of course, there is no certainty that you will conceive after having a tubal ligation reversal just as there is no certainty that any woman will become pregnant even if she hasn’t had tubal surgery. Your age and health will affect your chances of getting pregnant; a young woman will generally get pregnant a lot easier than women over 35 and 40.

If you feel unease about having tubal surgery then an alternative is to try in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This is a method used by many women who have previously had their tubes tied. Success rates however are not as high as a tubal ligation reversal and there are higher costs involved. Also be prepared for lots of visits to the clinic and numerous injections if you are considering going down this route.

Studies show that a tubal ligation reversal is generally more successful for women wanting to get pregnant than undergoing IVF treatment. A fertility clinic will be able to answer all your questions and address any worries you may have with regard to the procedure. Although tubal ligation is intended to be permanent, a good surgeon will have a lot of success in repairing the fallopian tubes of women who want to have another baby. Before making any major decisions consider all your options and good luck!
Information about the Author:
Michiel Van Kets provides article services for Dr. Gary Berger, who is widely known as the tubal reversal doctor with the most experience reversing tied tubes and tubal ligation in the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. For information and advice on reversing tubal ligation, sterilization and tubal reanastomosis visit the website.