Tubal ligation is a type of surgery that closes or blocks women's Fallopian tubes so their eggs cannot enter the uterus and sperm cannot travel up the tubes to the egg.It's meant to be a permanent form of female contraception, but sometimes people change their minds, so tubal ligation reversal surgery can be used to get pregnant.If tubal reversal is right for you, you need to know your age, type of previous procedure and overall health.Depending on your situation, surgical success rates can be as high as 80% or as low as 40%.
Step 1: Don't wait long.
Time is of the essence when you're convinced you want to reverse a tubal ligation.The less time that has passed since your "tubes were tied," the better the surgery will be.The reversal surgery won't be successful if you're older.When you and your partner decide that it's the right decision to have a reverse tubal ligation, call your doctor.Women who get tubal ligations in their 20s are more likely to regret it later in life.Women who get divorces and quickly remarry are more likely to want to stay married.
Step 2: You should consult with your doctor.
If you decide to have the reversal, you need to consult with your doctor on the pros and cons of the surgery.A tubal ligation reversal isn't appropriate for everyone, so your doctor will want to know your age, body mass index, overall health and your type.If your doctor thinks your age and health is appropriate for having a reversal surgery, then they will likely refer you to your gynecologist for a more detailed examination.Women who are younger than 40 years old are the most likely to have tubal ligation immediately after giving birth.
Step 3: There is a thorough gynecological exam.
Your gynecologist will want to confirm the type of tubal ligation procedure you had, examine the extent of damage to your Fallopian tubes, and check the remaining tubAL length if your health and age are appropriate.If you want to get pregnant quickly, the doctor may check other fertility factors, such as your egg quality.There are many tubal ligation procedures, but methods that use clips and rings are the most successful.Burning methods are less likely to be reversed.Women who have small sections of their Fallopian tubes removed are more likely to have successful reversal surgery.The success rate of tubal reversal procedures can be reduced by scar tissue caused by previous surgeries.
Step 4: There are alternatives to tubal ligation reversal.
If your age, physical health and/or condition of your Fallopian tubes isn't ideal for a reverse tubal ligation procedure, then you should consider some alternatives, such as IVF, if you still want to get pregnant.In a laboratory dish, sperm and egg from your partner are combined to create a fertilized egg that can be implanted into your uterus.You don't need tubal ligation reversal or healthy Fallopian tubes to have a baby via IVF.tubal ligation reversal surgery costs between $12,000 and $17,000USD.Adoption and having a surrogate carry your baby are other options if your Fallopian tubes can't be restored to normal function.
Step 5: You can get a referral from a doctor.
If you want to have your gynecologist operate on you, you may have to look for someone else.You can get a referral from your family doctor or gynecologist if you research surgeons who perform tubal reversal procedures.The surgeon's ratings, recommendations and legal history can be found on state medical board websites.Ask the surgeon what kind of reversal procedures they do.You'll need anesthesia for the procedure, so ask who the anesthesiologist is and the credentials of other staff members.Half of the women who request reversal surgeries are turned down because the surgeons think there is little chance of success.
Step 6: Understand how much it costs.
You need to clearly understand the cost.Most insurance policies and government programs don't pay for Reversal surgeries and will not reimburse you.The total cost includes separate fees for the surgeon, the anesthesiologist and the hospital/private clinic.It is difficult to get the final cost because everyone bills separately.If you are experiencing economic hardship, try to get a discount.Don't demand it, just politely ask.Ask about the referral system.If you refer other patients, some doctors will charge you fees.If you're happy with the outcome of the surgery and want to recommend it to friends or family, this can help offset your costs.
Step 7: You can book your procedure at the hospital or clinic.
Depending on what surgeon you choose and their affiliations, you might have your procedure in a local hospital or private clinic.Most women need to stay in the hospital or clinic for at least two days to recover from reversal surgeries, which can take several hours.If your surgeon is able to perform the surgery on a Friday, you should spend the weekend recovering.The time lost from work can be minimized.Don't eat before your appointment.An empty stomach is ideal for surgery with anesthesia.
Step 8: Understand the process.
The surgeon will perform a mini-laparotomy in your lower abdomen to expose your uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries after anesthesia has taken effect.They will attempt to repair your Fallopian tubes withabsorbable stitches after removing the clips/rings.If too much was removed or damaged during the initial tubal ligation, the surgeon may not be able to reattach one or both of your Fallopian tubes.If you have abikini cut near your pubic hair, the scar can be covered with panties and bathing suits.The surgery takes between two to three hours and can be done as an outpatient procedure.The woman can go home on the same day.
Step 9: Recover after the surgery.
Depending on what you do for employment, you will probably need at least a few days to heal before you can return to work.aspirin may promote internal bleeding, so don't use it for pain relief after surgery.You can shower 48 hours after the surgery, but don't rub the incision.Don't bathe in the incision site.After bathing, gently pat your incision area with a soft, clean towel.The stitches will not need to be removed.To be on the safe side, avoid strenuous lifting, lots of turning and sexual relations for about two weeks.As you begin to feel better, resume your normal activities slowly.
Step 10: There is an allergic reaction to anesthesia.
Any surgery that involves anesthesia has a risk of an allergic reaction.Allergic reactions can be mild and involve a skin rash, itching, or difficulty breathing from a closed air passage.It's impossible to anticipate your reaction if you've never had it before, as your anesthesiologist will try to screen you for it and watch you closely on the table.If you're allergic, you will most likely react immediately while being operated on.The anesthesiologist can change the dose to help.The most severe type of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, which can lead to death in about 1 in 5,000 surgeries.If you notice a skin rash, itchiness, general numbness or nausea that lasts for a few days, then you might be allergic to anesthesia and should tell your doctor.
Step 11: It's a good idea to watch out for infections.
Infections are a major risk factor for tubal ligation reversals.It's important to keep your incision clean because modern sterile surgical methods don't lead to internal infections.If you get home from the hospital, you should apply antibacterial cream to your incision at least two to three times a day.There are a number of signs of an external infection.A high temperature, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue and confusion are some of the symptoms of an internal infection.Make a follow-up appointment with your doctor about a week after your procedure to make sure you don't have any problems.
Step 12: If you are pregnant, be alert to an ectopic pregnancy.
Women who have tubal reversal procedures have an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening condition that entails a fertilized egg implanting and growing outside your uterus, usually in a Fallopian tube.Immediate medical attention and removal of the egg from the Fallopian tube is required for an ectopic pregnancy.Missed period, breast tenderness, nausea, and a positive pregnancy test are some of the early signs of an ectopic pregnancy.Vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, lightheadedness and fainting are some of the abnormal symptoms that indicate a problem.You should see your doctor if symptoms persist or get worse.