Also see Fact
Sheet - Sterilization
Reversal
Question:
Once a woman has a tubal ligation, is there any way of reversing?
Is there a time limit when it could be successful? What are
the statistics for having children after a tubal reversal?
Comment:
Tubal sterilization reversal is certainly possible in many
cases, but it is a lot more difficult than the initial sterilization
procedure. It usually involves an abdominal incision, a relatively
delicate surgery using the operating microscope and a 3-6
week recovery period. An alternative that some may choose
is in vitro fertilization. Clearly do your homework well and
feel very comfortable with your decision and physician. The
procedure is usually expensive and often not covered by insurance.
An all-inclusive cost is $5000 to $10000. A small number of
centers are doing the procedure through the laparoscope, which
may be less expensive and avoid a major operation. While an
excellent procedure, there are only a small number surgeons
performing the procedure at present Please make sure your
surgeon is well experienced and is performing a relatively
large number of these procedures. Know his/her honest success
rate. The best seldom charge more. Success rate for pregnancy
may be 50-75% over the first year after surgery. There will
be a risk of ectopic pregnancy (10%-25%) after the procedure
and a need for additional contraception after a pregnancy.
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