A tubal reversal surgery gives women the opportunity to be fertile again, increasing the chances of becoming pregnant. This procedure reverses a tubal ligation or what is commonly referred to as getting the ?tubes tied?. Before making a choice to have a tubal reversal, it is good to know the myths and facts about the procedure.
Myth: A Tubal Reversal Surgery Causes Heavy and Painful Periods
Fact:? A tubal ligation is what?normally causes heavy and painful periods, mood swings and anxiety. A tubal reversal surgery reverses the symptoms of tubal ligation. Usually, patients experience a heavier flow only after the first menstrual period following the tubal reversal.
Myth: IVF Fertility Treatment is more successful than a Tubal Reversal Surgery
Fact: Medical studies show that the success rate for a tubal reversal surgery is much higher than for an IVF (In Vitro) fertility treatment. Reports indicate a 70 to 80 percent chance for conception within one year of the tubal reversal, with most pregnancies occurring after the first 6 months from surgery. IVF may be a good option for those that are not good candidates for a tubal reversal procedure.
Myth: A Tubal Reversal Increases the Chances for Multiple Births
Fact: Fertility drugs and the IVF procedure increase the risk for multiple births. A tubal reversal surgery does not increase the risk for multiple births.
Myth: A Tubal Reversal Surgery is Very Expensive
Fact: This procedure can be costly as it is not covered by most?insurance plans, but it costs much less than other fertility treatment methods, such as IVF. A tubal surgery can normally be done on an outpatient basis, with usually only one procedure required. This keeps the cost lower than other fertility measures that necessitate several treatments. A tubal surgery allows for future pregnancies as well at no extra cost. If the tubal reversal needs to be done because of medical reasons, then on occasion, it may be?performed by some physicians?for free.
Myth: The Downtime for a Tubal Reversal Surgery Is Long
Fact: The downtime for a tubal reversal is much less than other procedures. It normally only takes about 1 to 2 hours to have the surgery performed. Most patients can go home the same day. Downtime is normally for about one week with most patients refraining from strenuous activity for about 4 to 6 weeks.
Myth: A Tubal Reversal Surgery Carries a High Risk of Ectopic Pregnancy
Fact: With a tubal reversal, there is only a 10 to 15 percent risk of ectopic pregnancy. Careful monitoring and evaluation would decrease the possibilities for this situation to occur.
Myth: A Tubal Ligation Can Always Be Reversed with a Tubal Reversal Surgery
Fact: Not all women are suitable candidates for a tubal reversal. If there is not sufficient length of the fallopian tubes or if the necessary parts to grasp the eggs have been removed, then this procedure would unlikely be a success.??
Myth: Contraception Is Not necessary after a Tubal Reversal Surgery
Fact: After a tubal reversal, contraception methods and practices are necessary to avoid future pregnancies. The tubes would either need to be tied again to avoid a pregnancy or contraceptives should be used.
