Pregnancy after Having Your Tubes Tied?

If you’ve had your tubes tied (otherwise known as tubal litigation) or are considering the procedure, you may be wondering if there is any chance of still getting pregnant. Overall, tubal litigation is a highly effective means of contraception. However, there is still a chance of pregnancy.

Chance of Natural Pregnancy

Tubal litigation is about 99.9% effective, which means that a small number of women who have had the procedure still get pregnant naturally. Occasionally, as the fallopian tubes heal, a small opening called a fistula can remain. This opening can allow sperm to reach and fertilize an egg. Unfortunately, women who conceive after having their tubes tied have a high chance of ectopic pregnancy. This is because the egg can become blocked in the partially healed tube. If you have had your tubes tied but begin to experience signs of pregnancy (such as missing your period), you should talk with your doctor as soon as possible.

Tubal Litigation Reversal

If you have had your tubes tied but decide you would like to have a baby, you may be able to naturally conceive after undergoing a reversal procedure. Not all women are eligible for tubal litigation reversal surgery; usually it is only possible if you had your tubes closed with rings or clips. Even for eligible women, the procedure does not have a 100% success rate. However, if you would like to get pregnant naturally after having your tubes tied, a reversal procedure is your best option.

In Vitro Fertilization

For many women who have had their tubes tied, in vitro fertilization (IVF) represents the best chance of getting pregnant. An IVF procedure removes the woman’s eggs, fertilizes them with the man’s sperm, and then surgically inserts the eggs into the woman’s uterus. Unlike other methods of artificial insemination, IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get pregnant naturally after having your tubes tied?

Yes, though it's rare. Tubal ligation is approximately 99.9% effective, meaning a very small number of women may still conceive naturally. This can occur when a tiny opening called a fistula forms as the fallopian tubes heal, allowing sperm to reach and fertilise an egg.

Can I get tubal ligation reversal on the NHS?

Unfortunately, tubal ligation reversal is not typically funded by the NHS, as sterilisation is considered a permanent form of contraception. Most women seeking reversal surgery will need to pay privately, with costs ranging from £3,000 to £6,000 depending on the clinic and complexity of the procedure.

Is IVF available on the NHS after having tubes tied?

NHS funding for IVF varies significantly by area, and having had your tubes tied may affect your eligibility. NICE guidelines recommend that women under 40 should be offered three cycles of IVF, but individual Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) set their own criteria, and voluntary sterilisation may be considered a disqualifying factor in some regions.

What are the signs of ectopic pregnancy after tubal ligation?

If you've had your tubes tied and experience

pregnancy symptoms along with sharp pain on one side of your abdomen, vaginal bleeding, or shoulder tip pain, seek medical help immediately. Women who conceive after tubal ligation have a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt NHS treatment.

How long is the waiting list for tubal reversal surgery in the UK?

Since tubal reversal is almost always performed privately in the UK, there isn't typically a waiting list as with NHS procedures. Most private fertility clinics can arrange a consultation within a few weeks, with surgery scheduled shortly after if you're deemed a suitable candidate.

What's the success rate of tubal ligation reversal in the UK?

Success rates for tubal reversal vary depending on factors such as your age, the type of original sterilisation procedure, and how much healthy fallopian tube remains. Generally, pregnancy rates after reversal range from 40% to 80%, with women under 35 who had clips or rings having the best outcomes.

Should I choose tubal reversal or IVF if I want to conceive after sterilisation?

This depends on several factors including your age, fertility health, and how your tubes were originally tied. The HFEA recommends discussing both options with a fertility specialist, as IVF may offer better success rates for women over 37 or those whose tubes were extensively damaged during the original procedure.