How to Get Pregnant After Tubal Reversal Surgery

At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology in Los Angeles, we proudly offer a wide variety of fertility treatments.  Some of these treatments include:

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) based therapies; clomid, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, natural ovulation, and donor sperm

IVF based treatments; Natural IVF, Mini IVF, ICSI, PGD, egg freezing, egg donation and surrogacy

Reproductive surgeries; hysteroscopic septum resection, polypectomy, myomectomy and tubal reanastamosis.

For patients who have undergone a tubal ligation reversal (tubal reversal), there are some specific guidelines to follow in order to optimize the chance for conception.

Timed intercourse

Beginning with the first normal cycle after surgery, patients can start trying to conceive.  To become pregnant, sperm need to be present in the reproductive tract at the time of ovulation.  There are two main strategies to accomplish this goal.

1.     Frequent sex- Intercourse every other day between cycle days 8 and 16 should cover the ovulation window for most women. By limiting intercourse to every other day, one decreases the chance of having too few sperm present if ovulation occurs late in the cycle. 

2.     Ovulation predictor kit- For those who do not have the time or energy to have sex every other day for 10 days, ovulation predictor kits present a more efficient alternative.  These urine based tests can be purchased at any local drug store usually in packs of 5 to 30.  Patients should begin using the kits with their second morning urine starting on cycle day eight and test every morning until they have a positive result.  Once the test is positive intercourse should occur that day and then next. 

If after 6 months of timed intercourse conception has not occurred, it is time to make sure that the tubes are still open.  A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a radiological test where dye is injected into the uterus and tubes.  If the tubes are open, the dye flows out through the ends and can be seen by X-ray.  Additionally, if not already performed, a semen analysis should be obtained at this point. 

Tubal reversal surgery is an excellent option for women who have had a tubal ligation and desire more children.  If you have questions about tubal reversal surgery or any other fertility treatments, feel free to contact us.