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Side Effects of Tubal Reversal

Tubal ligation is when the Fallopian tubes of a woman are tied, clipped, or cut so that the egg may not travel through and the woman does not get pregnant.

Sometimes, though, circumstances change and the woman desires another pregnancy. Tubal ligation reversal is when a surgeon reconnects the Fallopian tubes on a woman so that her egg may travel through, allowing her to get pregnant again.

The risks and side effects of this procedure should be carefully weighed against other options for pregnancy, even if the result is choosing to not have more children.

  1. The Facts

    • Tubal reversal surgery is considered a major operation. Unlike the tubal ligation, which is performed through a tiny laproscopic incision, the reversal requires a much bigger incision of four to six inches through the abdomen.

      The surgery requires three days in the hospital and three weeks at home resting, with no work or household duties.

    Considerations

    • Before attempting to reverse a tubal ligation, the surgeon looks at five factors. If any of these are amiss, the surgeon may recommend not going through with the reversal.

      First, the surgeon looks at how the first procedure was performed. If the tubes were clipped or tied, then there is a good chance the tubes can be functional again. But if the tubes were cauterized and cut short, then the chances of reversal are slim.

      The surgeon also looks at the sperm count of the partner. A low sperm count will make pregnancy unlikely after tubal reversal.

      Other pelvic conditions are also looked at. If the woman has scarring from endometriosis, for example, then the tube reversal is not likely to be successful.

      The age of the woman is also important. After age 38, fertility declines, so a younger woman has a better chance for pregnancy. More significant, however, is the quality of her eggs, which can be tested at the lab.

    Side Effects

    • As with any other major surgery, side effects include a reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, and death.

      There may be other side effects. The organs nearby, like the bowels or bladder, may be punctured or damaged. The patient may get a urinary tract infection. The tubes may scar and not work properly.

    Benefits

    • If the surgery goes well and the tubes heal without scarring, then the chances for pregnancy are 75 percent over a year for women who are age 35 and under with no other medical conditions. This also means that her partner must have a normal sperm count.

      There are other potential benefits, too. Some women have what is known as Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome, which includes symptoms like hormonal imbalances, ectopic pregnancy, and depression. For these women, a tubal ligation reversal may correct these symptoms.

    Other Options

    • Doctors sometimes recommend invitro fertilization (IVF) to women instead of tubal reversal. These factors include the woman: being over the age limit; has excessive scarring or short tubes; has other pelvic conditions; or has a partner with a low sperm count.

      The doctor may decide that potential side effects or risks are not worth the low potential benefit of the surgery and recommend IVF to get pregnant instead. IVF is when sperm and an egg are combined outside of the body, then implanted. This has a higher success rate for certain women than tubal ligation reversal.

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