I'm 41 and want my partial salpingectomy reversed. Can this be done successfully?

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 first 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, you need to know if it is a good option. For example, you and your doctor need to think about egg quality, your age, tubal status and endocrine status. It is also very important to know what the sperm quality is of the male partner.

• If you are determined to be a good candidate, surgery will need to take place. The success of the surgery often cannot be determined until after the surgery. For example, what conditions are the tubes in and is there any scar tissue or endometriosis.

• If the reversal is “successful," the chance of success is still not insured. For example, there is an increased risk for ectopic pregnancy.

• After a reversal, you will also have to consider birth control options, such as contraception vs. getting your tubes tied again

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 set up a consultation with an accredited 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

Yes, a partial salpingectomy can be reversed, but there are no guarantees that doing so will result in a natural pregnancy. Pregnancy rates drop drastically in women as they approach their mid to late 30s, and even more so once they hit their 40s. You should do a AMH blood test first. If it indicates a low egg reserve, then IVF should be considered.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

A partial salpingectomy is one of the most common types of tubal interruptions that is performed, and is typically done at the time of a C-section or as a post-partum tubal ligation. In a partial salpingectomy, a small segment of the tube is tied and then cut out, leaving the remainder of the tube intact. This type of tubal ligation can often be reversed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, your ligation may be reversible. Consult an experienced tubal reversal surgeon and have them review your ligation surgical notes to see if it is possible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It is possible to have that procedure reversed and, given your age, the chance of pregnancy after reversal of salpingectomy is approximately 35%. This depends, however, on a number of factors, including your ovarian reserve and tubal health. Consult with a fertility specialist. After being examined, he or she can discuss your options and chances of becoming pregnant.

Published on Jul 11, 2012