IVF After Tubal Ligation: Is It Possible? Your Expert Guide

Picture this: the fertilization cycle.

It’s another ordinary month, the ovaries have crowned the “egg of the month”.🥚

Now, it’s ready to make its journey down the fallopian tube, wait for the sperm and, if it’s a no-show, the egg continues traveling down the uterus, getting carried away with the menstrual cycle.

Except… what if the egg encountered a block? 🤔

The egg of the month is ready, but it’s met with a big “No Entry” sign at the fallopian tube. 🚫

This is what happens with tubal ligation.

Also known as ‘getting your tubes tied’, tubal ligation, in a way, is a permanent form of birth control.

But, some couples may decide to have children after a tubal ligation…

So, is tubal reversal the only way then?

Actually no, thanks to IVF. 😲

But… is IVF possible, even after having your tubes tied?!

We hear you — there’s lots to explore with this topic, so we’re delving into that today and solving the mystery. 🔎

In this article: 📝

Can you have IVF if your tubes are tied?

Good news… 🗞️

Yes — you can do IVF if your tubes are tied.

In fact, IVF is one of the most common fertility treatments for women who have undergone tubal ligation.

That’s because, with IVF, the eggs are retrieved from the ovaries fertilized in the lab and the embryo is implanted in the uterus.

So, the tubes aren’t involved in the fertilization or the implantation process.

Can you do a natural IVF after tubal ligation?

Natural IVF is similar to the traditional one, just without fertility medication.

In traditional IVF, fertility medication is used to grow more than one egg, to enhance success rates. 🥚

But if you opt for natural IVF, that one “egg of the month” is monitored via ultrasound continually and then retrieved, fertilized in the lab, and grown into an embryo.

Since the process is similar to traditional IVF and does not involve fallopian tubes, natural IVF can also be done if your tubes are tied.

Can eggs be fertilized after tubal ligation?

Naturally, no.

But with IVF, yes. 🙌

(It’s like IVF has the cheat code to fertilization once your tubes are tied. 😅)

Naturally, sperm need to reach the egg to fertilize them, which isn’t possible with the fallopian tubes tied.

But in IVF, the sperm and egg are incubated together in the lab where fertilization occurs.

So, yes — eggs can be fertilized with IVF, after tubal ligation.

How successful is IVF after tubal ligation?

So, here’s the deets on success rates…

Even after tubal ligation, your IVF success rates are similar to that of someone in your age group who hasn't had their tubes tied.

Say whaaaat?! 😲

You heard us right.

Having your tubes tied doesn’t affect IVF success rates.

IVF success rates are usually around 30-60% before age 40.

The things that do affect it though are factors such as age, and medical history.

For example, this study on IVF success rates in people with tubal ligation found that younger women in their 20s to mid-30s had slightly higher success rates compared to women in their 40s.

🔍 Get up to speed: IVF Success Rates 📈

How long after tube removal can you start IVF?

Well… not long. ⏰

If you are considering IVF after tubal ligation, it is generally recommended to wait at least 1-2 weeks to a month before starting treatment.

This allows your body time to heal from the surgery and for your menstrual cycle to regulate post tubal ligation.

🔍 Get organized: IVF Process Timeline 📅

How much does IVF after tubal ligation cost?

So, the good news…

IVF after tubal ligation costs as much as a normal IVF cycle.

So no, there’s no extra procedure or fees around tubal ligation.

The cost of IVF itself can vary based on the country, number of cycles, clinic chosen, any additional tests, and so on.

In the US, IVF cycles can cost from $12,000 to $14,000 for one cycle.

And in the UK, IVF cycles can cost anywhere from £5000 or more.

So, thankfully, it’s a huge NO to any extra charges if you’ve previously had tubal ligation.

🔍 Read more: How Much Does IVF Cost? 💰

Will insurance pay for IVF after tubal ligation?

Now, the not-so-good news…

The honesty pill is a little hard to swallow with this one. 🥹

Insurance coverage for IVF after tubal ligation is very rare.

Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the costs (such as medication or tests) associated with IVF, while others may not cover any of the costs, especially if it's a voluntary tubal ligation.

We also recommend checking in with your insurance provider to determine what coverage you have for IVF treatment.

So yes, IVF after tubal ligation is definitely a bit heavier on the pocket.

Which is better: tubal reversal or IVF?

So, it’s time to weigh up the pros and cons. ⚖️

Tubal reversal is a surgical procedure that reverses the tube ligation, to conceive naturally.

While IVF is a fertility treatment that you can do even after tubal ligation.

If you go for tubal reversal after tubal ligation:

• You will undergo surgery under general or local anesthesia.
• You likely need a couple of weeks to rest and recover.
• You can only try conceiving naturally after you wait a few months.

But, recovery also depends on the length of the repaired fallopian tube as well as the amount of scarring from the procedure.

If you go for IVF after tubal ligation:

• You’ll be able to start an IVF cycle in 1-2 weeks or a month.
• The success rates are not affected by the tubal ligation.
• There is no surgery needed.

🤔 When to choose tubal reversal over IVF:

Tubal reversal can be the better choice if:

• You are in your mid-20s to 30s.
• There are no complications from tubal scarring or post-reversal.
• Your male partner has no sperm-related issues.

🤔 When to choose IVF over tubal reversal:

IVF can stand out as a better choice if:

• You are 35 and above: Since female fertility starts declining from your 30s, a reversal may not be the best option.
• If your medical history includes pregnancy complications: The type and location of tube ligation can affect recovery, as well as any complications that might arise during pregnancy. If you are older and are at risk of complications, a tubal reversal may not be the best choice.
• Your male partner is having challenges with their fertility: If your male partner has fertility issues, such as lower sperm count and motility, it can serve as a barrier to natural conception after tubal reversal.

Ultimately, it's your personal decision on what you want to choose.

Being informed of the pros and cons only helps the process, and makes that discussion with your healthcare provider easier.

Both processes come with their benefits, and the best option for you will depend on your unique journey and medical history.

Remember, through your whole TTC journey, you don’t have to go through it alone.

There's always someone to talk to about your IVF and tubal ligation experiences or questions on Peanut.

Join the conversation today. ❤️