Female fertility is controlled by reproductive hormones. An imbalance in these may cause an inability to ovulate (release an egg) called anovulation.  Anovulation may lead to symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, or possibly a woman may not ovulate due to a hormonal imbalance.  This cyclic balance between hormones is needed for fertility in women. (more…)

Accurate functioning of fallopian tubes

Accurate tubal function involves:

1.  The fimbria of the Fallopian tube picking up the egg

2.   Transportation of the egg through the Fallopian tube by the cells that line the inside of the tube

3.  Fertilization of the egg by a healthy sperm which can penetrate the egg’s protective covering

4.  Transfer from the fallopian tube into the uterus where the embryo implants

If implantation occurs in the tube, this results in a tubal pregnancy.

For the above processes to occur, the tube must be open. Many patients have undergone a tubal ligation procedure which has closed the tube. Tubal reversal is a challenging surgery that can be done by an experienced surgeon that allows one to regain the previous anatomy and physiology of the healthy tube.  After a tubal reversal, fertility prognosis is based on accurate functioning of the tubes. Other infertility factors may also be present which may hinder conception. (more…)

About 20-25% of all cases of infertility are related to tubal factor infertility. Tubal factor infertility may be due to one or more of the following reasons:

1. Completely blocked fallopian tubes, either one or both, by scar tissue inside the tube or by prior surgery such as tubal ligation
2. Tubal scarring without blockage of the tube but with damage to the cells that line the inside of the fallopian tube
3. A disturbance in the architecture of the tube such as with a hydrosalpinx (water-filled tube) or scar tissue outside of the tube which distorts the tube (more…)

What will be different with periods after a tubal reversal?

It all depends. Every patient has a different experience after a tubal reversal.

The very first menstrual cycle after tubal reversal could come early, or more probably, late.  It is not unusual for the first menstruation after your tubal reversal to be heavy and painful. (more…)

An alternative to tubal reversal is in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Which method is better for regaining fertility?

Whether or not IVF or tubal reversal is better must be based on individual factors and workup.

IVF is a nonconventional method and involves the daily administration of fertility injections.  The patient’s response is checked over a 2-4 week period, together with frequent visits for further management.  At the appropriate time, the eggs are harvested from the woman by placing a needle through the vagina and into the ovary.  (more…)

The chances of conceiving after having a tubal reversal are considerably better than with IVF, with a 70 to 80% safe success rate for those women who are under 40 years of age.  Most women are able to conceive naturally within a year of their surgery. (more…)

What makes you fit for having a tubal reversal?

Patients need to be more aware of the fertile possibilities of tubal reversal before going for a tubal reversal.  The factors that go into whether a tubal reversal is right for you are: (more…)