I'm 40. I had a tubal ligation and want to get pregnant. Why is it not happening? At what point should I start looking into other fertility options?

Answers from doctors (3)


Piedmont Reproductive Endocrinology Group

Published on Mar 30, 2016

By definition, a tubal ligation means that the egg is unable to travel down the tube, therefore preventing fertilization. At age 40, time is of the essence. I would recommend making an appointment with a fertility specialist at your earliest convenience.

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Answered by Piedmont Reproductive Endocrinology Group

By definition, a tubal ligation means that the egg is unable to travel down the tube, therefore preventing fertilization. At age 40, time is of the essence. I would recommend making an appointment with a fertility specialist at your earliest convenience.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Reproductive Care Center

Published on Mar 22, 2016

Conceiving after 40 is often difficult, even without a tubal ligation. As a woman ages, so do her ovaries. And when a woman of this age does conceive, the risk of miscarriage is 50% or greater, often due to chromosome aneuploidy (an abnormal number of chromosomes as with Down Syndrome). Chromosome aneuploidy not only makes it difficult to conceive, it also increases the risk of miscarriage. That doesn't mean that all women at 40 are equal, but it does mean that they should consider treatment with IVF to decrease the interval of time to conception.

Thanks again for the good question.

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Answered by Reproductive Care Center

Conceiving after 40 is often difficult, even without a tubal ligation. As a woman ages, so do her ovaries. And when a woman of this age does conceive, the risk of miscarriage is 50% or greater, often due to chromosome aneuploidy (an abnormal number of chromosomes as with Down Syndrome). Chromosome aneuploidy not only makes it difficult to conceive, it also increases the risk of miscarriage. That doesn't mean that all women at 40 are equal, but it does mean that they should consider treatment with IVF to decrease the interval of time to conception.

Thanks again for the good question.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


HRC Fertility Rancho Cucamonga

Published on Mar 22, 2016

It is highly recommended that you seek medical advice and recommendations from a fertility specialist as soon as you are able to.

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Answered by HRC Fertility Rancho Cucamonga

It is highly recommended that you seek medical advice and recommendations from a fertility specialist as soon as you are able to.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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