I'm a 42-year-old who has had three live births. In 1997 I had a tubal ligation. If I have a tubal reversal, can I have another child?
If not a tubal reversal, what would offer the best chance to get pregnant? Tubal reversal or IVF?
Answers from doctors (3)
Generally IVF is best option for pregnancy after tubal reversal in women over age 40. However, pregnancy success rates does depend on ovarian function (age) and would recommend having labs done on menstrusal cycle day 3; follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol and Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels checked to determine ovarian reserve. May need semen analysis as well to rule out male factor as IVF would also be best option of there is also a sperm issue present
Published on Jul 11, 2012
At 42, your chances are low with either approach. IVF will result in a chance of pregnancy less than 10% per try. Like IVF, a reversal will only work if you ovulate a genetically normal egg. It is a difficult decision that only you can make based on your preferences. Some patients prefer the reversal, because it is one intervention that allows you to try for several months. The benefit of the IVF is that it compresses several months of trying into one. I would recommend testing the genetics of the embryos on the 5th or 6th day so that you can have the implantation of a single genetically balanced embryo (if available).
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Both can offer you a good chance at pregnancy. IVF with donor eggs would offer you the highest chance of pregnancy at 50%. IVF with own eggs offers a higher chance per each attempt...tubal reversal offers you a lower chance each month but over several months those chances add up and can be higher than a single cycle of IVF after several months of trying to become pregnant naturally.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Related Questions for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Sections
Affiliations
