Did you know that the cost of raising a child to 18 is more than a quarter of a million dollars? In a few years, the cost is projected to reach almost $300,000. This is just one of many reasons why people choose not to have children and get their tubes tied.
But, what if you get a tubal ligation and change your mind? Maybe your career has become more stable or the notion of raising kids has grown on you. Is it too late, or is a tubal ligation reversal possible?
For the complete answer to this question, read on! We’ll be going over everything you need to know about the tubal ligation reversal procedure.
An Overview of Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation is commonly known as “getting your tubes tied.” It’s considered a permanent form of sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are sealed off. When the tubes are sealed, the eggs can’t descend from the ovaries and sperm cannot travel to meet them.
A tubal ligation can be an outpatient procedure. However, a surgeon can also perform a tubal ligation at the same time as a C-section or childbirth. In these cases, it will be an inpatient procedure.
First, the surgeon will make a small incision and use carbon dioxide to inflate the abdomen. This allows the surgeon to navigate more easily. A laparoscope and small camera are then inserted.
There are several types of ligation: The tubes can be cut, cauterized, removed, or tied. They can also be blocked with clips or small rings.
Tubal ligation is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, which makes it more effective than birth control pills, condoms, IUDs, and other forms of birth control. Some people worry that their tubes will untie or reconnect, but that’s not the case. You can read more about it in this article linked here.
The procedure can also decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. However, tubal ligation doesn’t prevent sexually transmitted infections. It also won’t affect your menstrual cycle, so you’ll still experience normal periods.
Tubal Ligation Reversal
Tubal ligation is a form of permanent sterilization. For that reason, your doctor will consult with you before the procedure to make sure you’re positive. That said, tubal ligation reversal is possible, though it can be difficult and results aren’t guaranteed.
During the Procedure
The reversal procedure can be either inpatient or outpatient. First, general anesthesia is administered. Similar to the ligation procedure, the reversal is conducted with laparoscopic equipment to make it as non-invasive as possible.
The surgeon begins by making a small incision in the abdomen and inserting a tiny camera and surgical equipment. Then, they will repair the tube with small, dissolvable stitches. All in all, the procedure takes about three hours.
Once they have connected the tubes, your surgeon will inject colored dye into one side of the tube. If the dye doesn’t leak out, the tubes have been successfully reattached.
If your case is more complicated, the surgeon might conduct a mini-laparotomy or a minimap. In a minimap, your doctor will make a slightly larger incision in your abdomen. They’ll then remove the ends of the fallopian tube and reconnect them outside the body.
This allows the surgeon more control over the procedure and gives the procedure a higher chance of success.
Does Ligation Reversal Work?
The outcome of a tubal ligation reversal isn’t guaranteed. The age of the patient and the type of ligation performed to have a great impact on the results.
The younger the patient is, the more likely the procedure is to succeed. And, in some cases, the doctor will only be able to attach one fallopian tube.
There are a few types of tubal ligation that can be reversed more easily than others. The more fallopian tube that you have left, the more successful the procedure will be. So if your surgeon used clips or rings, a reversal has a great chance of success.
However, if parts of the fallopian tubes were cauterized or removed, the procedure will be more difficult.
Even if the procedure succeeds, it can still be difficult to get pregnant. In these cases, or in cases where only one fallopian tube can be reconnected, you might need medical assistance to get pregnant. In vitro fertilization (IVF) can help you build your family if a reversal doesn’t work.
How Much Does a Tubal Ligation Reversal Cost?
In the US, the average cost of the tubal ligation reversal procedure is about $8,500. However, costs can be higher and lower, depending on your situation.
Insurance usually doesn’t cover tubal ligation. However, it’s worth checking with your provider. In addition, some hospitals may offer a payment plan.
Because a reversal can be expensive and results aren’t guaranteed, it’s best to have a few consultations with your doctor beforehand. This allows your doctor to check if the procedure is the right fit for you.
If it’s not, you could consider skipping the procedure and opting for IVF instead.
Take Control of Your Future
If you’ve had a tubal ligation but still dream of growing your family, know that there’s still hope. A tubal ligation reversal, while a complicated procedure, offers you the chance to take control of your reproductive health. Make an appointment with an expert and explore the possibilities for your future!
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