Gradually, people are becoming aware of infertility. Couples with conception or fertility problems visit a fertility or IVF centre in Rajouri Garden or their locality to see an expert. At the clinic or hospital, doctors help couples become parents by treating their fertility issues with the use of ART.
What is ART (assisted reproductive technology)?
ART refers to treatments of fertility issues via surgical procedures and medical intervention. It facilitates couples to increase their conception chances and carry out a pregnancy successfully. Here are some examples of ART procedures:
- IVF (in vitro fertilisation)
- ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
- Egg freezing and frozen egg transfer
- Tubal Ligation Reversal
- Surrogacy
What is fallopian tube reversal, or tubal ligation reversal?
Also acknowledged as Tubal Reanastomosis, doctors reconnect the fallopian tubes that were tied, blocked, or cut previously in the tubal ligation reversal. The doctors use laparoscopy surgery to perform this. With this, the transfer of the fertilized eggs into the uterus gets a start again. And females can become pregnant conventionally or via medical intervention such as IVF.
Considerations for fallopian tube reversal
Fertility experts keep a few things in mind before suggesting the tubal ligation reversal to women willing to be moms. Here are some of those things for your knowledge:
- Age – To opt for this process, the ideal age for females is under 40. Its success rate is very low in women above 40.
- BMI and overall reproductive health – A BMI of 32 or lower than it is ideal for fallopian tube reversal. Other factors that may affect your decision to go with this procedure are endometriosis, ovaries, and uterus.
- Tubal ligation surgery type has been done earlier – As a female, you must know damage to the fallopian tubes before having fallopian tube surgery. Doctors will not recommend tubal ligation reversal if your fimbriae (fallopian tube ends) were removed earlier. They come to know it through your previous medical records.
- Present status of your fallopian tubes – On average, the fallopian tubes are 8 inches long. For a successful pregnancy, the tubes must be 4 inches long. Further, the tube ends must be of equal diameter.
Benefits of fallopian tube reversal
Advantages of the tubal ligation reversal are as follows:
- It enables females to conceive naturally
- With reduced surgical intervention, it provides more opportunities for a conception
- It is a more economical and affordable solution in comparison with other ART solutions
- The associated complications are less severe
Risks of tubal ligation reversal
After the completion of fallopian tube reversal, you could have immediate and long-term risks. Some of the associated risks are as follows:
- Infection and bleeding in the surgical area (immediate risks)
- Conception problem even after the surgery
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Tubal block due to the formation of scar tissue
Success rate of the fallopian tube reversal
The success rate of the tubal ligation reversal is 40-80% if you are under 40 and meet all the required criteria. In addition, a surgeon’s skills, knowledge, and expertise play a crucial role in the success of this procedure. As a patient, you should see a highly experienced and skilled doctor to unblock or reverse your fallopian tubes.
Its role in facilitating infertile couples
Both of you should have your fertility evaluation before your female partner decides to have tubal ligation reversal. Laparoscopy for females and semen analysis for males are good options for the evaluation of their fertility. If you cannot conceive naturally, IVF treatment would be a more suitable option for you.
Difference between IVF embryo transfer and tubal ligation reversal
As a couple, both of you should have a good understanding of fallopian tube reversal and IVF embryo transfer. You should be aware of the differences between them and what option will be better for your conception chances.
Usually, you can opt for tubal ligation reversal if you are young enough and have no fertility problems. However, you should avoid it if you (females) are above 40. And you can opt for IVF treatment if you or your male partner are infertile.
What should you do?
As a couple, you should educate yourself about fallopian tube reversal. And for educating yourself, you can discuss it with your doctor and go through the right fertility blogs on the internet or books on reproductive health. Before making any decision whether, in favor of or against it, you should look at every associated point. You will keep yourself safe and save on your reproductive health.
