Reversal Of Sterilization And Conception Success Rates

Women who have been sterilized, or have undergone tubal ligation to use the correct term, often regret their choice later on. Happily, reversal of sterilization is feasible. The number of women who are able to conceive following a female sterilization reversal procedure is encouraging.

Women often cite starting a new family with a new partner as a reason for wanting to reverse the procedure. There are, however, other reasons such as the loss of a child or a change in fortunes. Some women have a female sterilization as a result of succumbing to undue pressure from a partner, not because they believe it is the right choice for them. In such instances, reverse surgery makes sense.

Female sterilization is possibly the most widely used form of contraception and it is certainly effective. A variety of surgical procedures are used to close off the fallopian tubes. This prevents eggs entering the uterus and stops them from becoming fertilized. The most common forms of tubal ligation involve sealing the fallopian tubes with rings or clamps, or quite literally tying and cutting them.

Not all women are suitable candidates for female sterilization reversal. Age, overall health and the form of sterilization carried out will all influence the outcome. It is important to remember that even in cases where the woman's health is excellent, her partner's fertility must also be taken into account.

Tests are carried out to see if the ovaries, uterus and remaining fallopian tubes are in good working order. Detailed medical histories will be taken. Doctors will be interested in the patient's previous experience of pregnancy and childbirth and also any other surgery in the pelvic region that may have left scar tissue.

Usually it is not necessary to stay in hospital and surgery time is rarely longer than a few hours. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. First, the surgeon will check to see that the fallopian tubes are in good enough condition for the operation. If all is well the tubes will be reconnected through a small incision using microscopic instruments. Recovery times are short and typically most women are able to resume normal activities within a matter of weeks, if not days. Follow up treatment will consist of tests, usually three months later, to check the tubes are working properly.

Reversal of female sterilization is most successful in women under the age of thirty-five, they have a seventy to eighty percent chance of conceiving within the year. Women over thirty-five, however, have nearer to thirty percent chance of conceiving. In instances where conception does not occur, couples may consider IVF treatment.