I'm 41 and had a bilateral tubal ligation in 1998. I would like to have the procedure reversed ASAP. I sent my operative report to a doctor and he said I was a candidate, but I would like to get a second opinion. Based on what I've told you, am I really a candidate for the tubal reversal procedure?
You may be a surgical candidate for tubal reversal based on the type of tubal ligation performed. However, many other factors should be considered, especially ovarian reserve. The ability to conceive decreases with advancing age because of decreased ovarian reserve. Before considering tubal reversal surgery, I would recommend testing of ovarian reserve and semen analysis to get an estimate of your likelihood for conception. In vitro fertilization may be an option for more rapid conception.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Tubal reversal may not be the best treatment at age 41. Surgery and healing can take 3-4 months. At your age, only one in four or one in six eggs released is genetically balanced. So, IVF is faster and more successful for women over 40 years of age.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
In general, you may be a candidate for a reversal, but in most cases, reversing a tubal ligation over the age of 40 may not be the best decision. Fertility is very limited after age 41 and success rates of actually getting pregnant would be very low. Just because it can be done does not mean that it would be the best decision.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Thank you for the email. There are many things to consider when deciding if a tubal reversal is the right choice for you and your family.
The obvious advantage with a tubal reversal is the hope that you will be able to achieve pregnancy with no interventions. The typical estimate is that, if everything goes well and all things are optimal, about 75% of women will achieve pregnancy within their 1st year of trying. If there are any factors that are not optimal, the chances for success can be significantly lower.
Here are some things to consider:
• Before a tubal reversal should take place, we first need to know if it is a good option. For example, we need to think about egg quality, your age, tubal status, endocrine status, and it is very important to know what the sperm quality is of the male partner. A consult fee will be roughly $350.00, but there are also fees for lab testing on both partners.
• If you are determined to be a good candidate, surgery will need to take place. The success of the surgery often can not be determined until after the surgery. For example, what conditions are the tubes in and is there any scar tissue or endometriosis.
• The surgery typically requires 6-8 weeks of leave from work due to the open incision.
• If the reversal is “successful,” the chance of success is still not ensured. For example, there is an increased risk for ectopic pregnancy.
• After a reversal, you will also have to consider birth control options again (e.g., contraception vs. getting another tubal ligation)
The other option is obviously IVF. The benefits of IVF are:
• Many variables can be worked around
• Success rate each month is much greater
• Options for prevention of genetic disease through new genetic screening
• Option to screen embryos for chromosome or genetic conditions to decrease the chance for having a baby with a syndrome, or a miscarriage, through a process called preimplantation genetic testing
There are obviously drawbacks as well:
• Requires medication for stimulation.
• It is not the “natural” option that some couples desire
There is much to consider prior to deciding what is the best option. The first step is a consultation with a fertility specialist to discuss your history and start your lab work up. From there, he or she will be able to advise you on the options that best fit your needs.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, I would not consider you a candidate.Your age of 41 would mean your egg quality would be low, and this procedure is not optimal for you. Your best off trying IVF, as the procedure would increase your chances of conceiving.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If you are having regular periods and have had a tubal ligation that has not removed or damaged a large portion of your tubes, then we would consider you a candidate for tubal reversal surgery.
Published on Jul 11, 2012