Sterilization Reversal

Tubal Sterilization is one of the most common methods used for birth control. But if in case you change your mind and want to get pregnant again then you need to go for reversal of tubal sterilization. Popularly called as microsurgical tubal reanastomosis, this procedure is more intense than sterilization itself.

In sterilization, simple processes like clipping, tying, burning and banding of the fallopian tubes are used. Whereas in reversal of tubal sterilization a more careful and delicate approach is required to put the fallopian tubes together. This process is very similar to that of repairing small blood vessels or nerves which a plastic surgeon perform in cases of hand surgery. In this process an operating microscope is used to have a proper view of the tubal anatomy. Thus this process is a tedious one and takes around 2 to 3 hours at the least.

Often laparoscope is used to perform sterilization reversal. The patient after this operation has to stay in the hospital for at least two to three days. The patient is also restricted from doing any kind of lifting or exercising activity for at least two weeks after this surgery. Also the patient would require some kinds of medication to relieve off the pain. After leaving the hospital the patient can get back to normal life activities like driving, walking, stairs, except lifting and exercising. Also there are no restrictions on the diet of the woman.

There are various factors on which the success of this surgery depends. First is the amount of fallopian tube that you have after your sterilization. You need to have at least 4 centimeters of your fallopian tube in good condition. If you have this much amount of fallopian tube left after sterilization then there is around 80 to 85 percent of pregnancy. To determine this accurately you however need the help of a physician.

Also if in surgery burning or cautery is required to place the fallopian tubes to their original place then there are very less chances of a woman getting pregnant. In this case patients need to undergo In Vitro Fertilization or IVF.

Another important factor that you should consider when you are going for reversal of tubal sterilization is your age. Natural fertility rate of a woman decreases with increasing age. Women who are over 40 do have some chances of pregnancy if they are ovulating and having regular menstrual periods.

So, younger women are more likely to get pregnant than older women after reversal surgery. Here you should remember that reversal of tubal sterilization only restores the fallopian tubes but cannot increase the natural fertility rate of a woman.