I am 42 years old and my period is 3 months late, could I be pregnant? I had my tubes clamped nearly 17 years ago.

I am 42 years old and my period is almost 3 months late. I'm having nausea and some signs of pregnancy, but my tubes have been clamped for nearly 17 yrs. Could I be pregnant? If not, what else could this be attributed to?

Answers from doctors (5)


Southern California Reproductive Center

Published on Mar 19, 2015

That would be rare, but you should see your ob/gyn.

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Answered by Southern California Reproductive Center

That would be rare, but you should see your ob/gyn.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Sanford Health Fertility and Reproductive Medicine

Published on Mar 19, 2015

Thanks for your question. I would suggest taking a home pregnancy test and following up with your provider for care.

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Answered by Sanford Health Fertility and Reproductive Medicine

Thanks for your question. I would suggest taking a home pregnancy test and following up with your provider for care.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


South Florida Institute For Reproductive Medicine - Pembroke Pines

Published on Mar 19, 2015

While its unlikely you're pregnant, it can happen. It depends on the type of ligation procedure you had in the past. In some estimates, the risk for pregnancy is up to 3%. If you think you're pregnant, get checked immediately, as there is a risk of pregnancy in the tube which must be handled. If not pregnant, you could be perimenopausal and be missing periods for that reason.

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Answered by South Florida Institute For Reproductive Medicine - Pembroke Pines

While its unlikely you're pregnant, it can happen. It depends on the type of ligation procedure you had in the past. In some estimates, the risk for pregnancy is up to 3%. If you think you're pregnant, get checked immediately, as there is a risk of pregnancy in the tube which must be handled. If not pregnant, you could be perimenopausal and be missing periods for that reason.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Piedmont Reproductive Endocrinology Group

Published on Mar 19, 2015

It is always possible, but not likely. If having symptoms, I would definitely recommend you take a pregnancy test. Failure after a tubal ligation occurs in about 2-3 women in 1000, but is more likely with younger women. Definitely check a test, and if it is positive, see an ob/gyn immediately.

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Answered by Piedmont Reproductive Endocrinology Group

It is always possible, but not likely. If having symptoms, I would definitely recommend you take a pregnancy test. Failure after a tubal ligation occurs in about 2-3 women in 1000, but is more likely with younger women. Definitely check a test, and if it is positive, see an ob/gyn immediately.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Pregnancy from tubal ligation failure is one of many possibilities. You should take a pregnancy test and make a visit with your doctor for evaluation.

Answered by A Personal Choice Tubal Reversal (View Profile)

Pregnancy from tubal ligation failure is one of many possibilities. You should take a pregnancy test and make a visit with your doctor for evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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