For many individuals, undergoing a tubal ligation — or having one’s “tubes tied” — is the right decision to make. But about 30% of patients will regret the decision down the line, opting for a tubal reversal so that they can try to conceive. And while pregnancy after reversal is possible, many patients are left with questions about how to get pregnant after tubal ligation.
In particular, many ask “how soon after tubal reversal can I try to conceive?”
It can be a complex question, so let’s break it down but looking at how tubal reversal procedures work, how soon afterward you can try to get pregnant, and what factors might affect your chances of success.
How Tubal Ligation Reversal Works
When you had your tubal ligation, your surgeon either blocked or removed a section of the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from becoming fertilized and developing into pregnancies.
How a reversal is performed depends on the type of ligation performed. Tubes that are clamped or blocked tend to have the highest rates of successful reversals, with cut or burned tubes requiring more intensive procedures to reverse.
How Soon After Tubal Reversal Can I Try to Conceive
You don’t need to wait long after a successful tubal ligation to try to conceive. Most patients heal from the procedure in about a month. Once healed, you have the green light to start trying.
Some lucky patients will get pregnant within the same cycle as their reversal procedure. And most will be able to get pregnant within the same year.
Remember, though, that everyone is different. Your age and health can affect how long it takes for you to recover as well as your odds of getting pregnant. So don’t lose heart if it takes you a little bit longer.
What Are the Chances of Pregnancy After Tubal Reversal?
A number of factors can affect your chances of getting pregnant after a successful tubal reversal.
Your overall health is one of the most prominent factors. It’s a good idea to have a full physical before trying to conceive so that your doctor can advise you on lifestyle changes you can make to improve your odds. And since it takes two to tango, you should also have your partner order a semen analysis to determine their fertility as well.
And in a note pertaining to tubal reversal specifically, the length of the fallopian tubes you have left after the procedure will also affect your chances. To learn more about how ligation and reversal affect this factor, check out this post.
Improving Your Chances of a Successful Pregnancy
It’s fair to ask “how soon after tubal reversal can I try to conceive”. But a better question would be “what can I do to increase my chances of getting pregnant”.
And the best thing you can do to improve your odds is to cultivate healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise and good nutrition. For tips on how to lead a healthy lifestyle and improve your odds of a successful pregnancy, be sure to follow our latest health news and guides.
