by Words of Art

Created on: January 23, 2009

Many women who feel they have all the children their hearts and homes can hold choose to have their tubes tied. This procedure is referred to as a tubal ligation and involves cutting the fallopian tubes and tying off the ends, effectively breaking the connection between the ovaries and the uterus. This permanently prevents any new pregnancy from occurring.

Occasionally, the fallopian tubes can regenerate and reconnect on their own, allowing for an unexpected pregnancy. This phenomenon is not common and rarely occurs. A new procedure is now being performed on some women that is less invasive and less traumatic than the typical tubal ligation surgery. It is known as Essure, and involves your doctor placing a tiny metal coil into each of your fallopian tubes. The tubes then develop scar tissue around the coil, effectively blocking sperm from meeting egg. Essure can be done in your doctor's office during a regular visit, and does not require anesthesia or an extended recovery time.

For many reasons, there are women who decide years down the road that they want to have another child. When that happens, it is possible to reverse a tubal ligation. It is a surgical procedure, and is not always one hundred percent successful, but it can offer the possibility of conceiving again. If you've had your tubes tied and are interested in a reversal, talk to your doctor about your options and the success rates.

As a last resort, if reversal is not successful, in-vitro fertilization is a process that goes around the fallopian tubes altogether. The egg and sperm are merged in a test tube and fertilized embryos are released directly into the uterus. This procedure is not without its own risks and you should research it thoroughly before making your decision.

If you've had your tubes tied and you think you are pregnant, make sure your physician closely monitors your pregnancy. You will be at increased risk for an ectopic, or tubal pregnancy due to scar tissue. This is a condition that requires immediate surgery so be on the lookout for increased pelvic pain or bleeding during the early days of your pregnancy.

It is possible to become pregnant if you've had a tubal ligation. Work closely with your doctor to accomplish pregnancy if that is your goal. Do your research and know your risks and options before choosing a course of treatment. Expanding your family is a big decision in any case, but you know what's right for your body and for your family.

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