Thinking about tubal reversal? Consider IVF after tubal ligation instead

Sometimes, women ask Erika Munch MD about tubal reversal surgery. They had a tubal ligation as a form of permanent birth control. However, their life circumstances changed, so they now want to conceive. For these women, pregnancy is possible with tubal reversal or IVF after tubal ligation. Our San Antonio infertility doctor explains why she often recommends the second treatment option.

The disadvantages of tubal reversal

There are stories about women and couples who welcomed a baby after tubal reversal. However, conception doesn’t always happen after this procedure. In fact, only 30-40% of couples will have a baby one to two years after tubal reversal.

Not being able to conceive after this surgical procedure can be disheartening, especially when considering the cost. Tubal reversal can be costly, but insurance often does not cover the procedure.

This may sound discouraging, but our San Antonio infertility doctor offers an alternative. IVF after tubal ligation can produce higher pregnancy rates than tubal reversal. It’s also an excellent way for patients to avoid undergoing surgery.

The process of IVF after tubal ligation

Due to the treatment’s high success rates, our San Antonio infertility doctor often recommends IVF after tubal ligation before suggesting tubal reversal surgery. This highly effective fertility treatment proceeds the same way as IVF does in patients who have not had a tubal ligation.

• Fertility medications. To stimulate the production of multiple eggs in the ovaries, the woman will take medications for 8-14 days.
• Egg retrieval. When the eggs are mature, the woman will take a trigger shot. Then, she will come see Dr. Munch for a short, outpatient egg retrieval procedure.
• Fertilization. In the lab, our embryologists will combine the eggs with sperm from the woman’s partner or a sperm donor. They will then monitor embryonic development.
• Embryo freezing. The embryologists will freeze any healthy embryos that develop after fertilization.
• Uterine preparation. After the woman’s next period, she will start taking medications to prepare her uterine lining for embryo implantation.
• Embryo transfer. Once the woman’s uterus is ready, Dr. Munch will transfer one healthy embryo. She will then monitor the patient for pregnancy.

IVF after tubal ligation is an excellent alternative to tubal reversal for women and couples who want to conceive. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our San Antonio infertility doctor. Dr. Munch will be happy to explain more about this advanced fertility treatment.