Tubal ligation sounds like a relatively permanent decision. This is the process that most people refer to as “getting your tubes tied.” What happens, though, if you were to have a tubal ligation and change your mind?
Would you have dashed your chances of ever having a child?
We’re going to discuss your options today. Specifically, we’ll discuss tubal ligation reversal, the surgical procedure that might be your best bet for getting fertility back after a tubal ligation. Hopefully, the information below can help you understand your path forward if you’re reconsidering having children.
Let’s get started.
What Is Tubal Ligation Reversal?
When someone undergoes a tubal ligation, their fallopian tubes go through one of a few different processes. Tubes are either tied, blocked, or cut. All of these methods prevent eggs from moving through the fallopian tubes from the ovaries.
Alternatively, tying tubes prevents sperm from making its way through the ovaries toward the egg. The menstrual cycle isn’t affected by the procedure, but moving forward with these methods permanently prevents pregnancy.
The odds of getting pregnant after tubal ligation surgery are around one in 1,000 for the first year, then somewhere under 10 in 1,000 after the first five years. It seems impossible for sperm and egg to meet through a blocked fallopian tube, but as Jeff Goldblum says in Jurassic Park, “life finds a way.”
That said, you can have the procedure reversed if you’d like to. When you do so, you reinstate your fertility and can have children as easily as you would have if you’d never had the surgery.
This is called tubal ligation reversal surgery. This requires a check-up with a doctor for examination, a one-hour procedure, roughly ten days of recovery, and a follow-up with your doctor.
Costs Of The Surgical Procedure
The cost of tubal reversal surgery is anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on where you have the procedure done. The state you’re in and the quality of the doctor will play a role in that cost.
The fortunate thing is that many surgeons offer discounts and different payment plans for patients to work with.
On the other hand, insurance rarely covers the expense of tubal ligation or tubal reversal. It’s not typically seen as a necessary operation, so you may have a hard time getting your insurance company to compensate you for it.
That is unless there’s a medical reason that requires you to have the reversal surgery. The specifics of your plan should detail your concerns about tubal reversal, although you may have to talk with your provider to see if it’s covered.
In any case, most surgeons take this into account and offer numerous payment plans and financing options for patients to work with.
Looking To Get Surgery?
If you’re starting to make those “surgeon near me” searches, we’re here to help you out with more information. It never hurts to get more insight into the surgical procedure, recovery, and its risks.
Explore our site for more valuable medical tips, procedures to consider, and other ways to enhance your lifestyle.
