Reversing Tube Ties

Fertility Specialist Kristin Bendikson, MD, discusses the options available for women to reverse sterilization and the effectiveness and determining factors of each method
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Reversing Tube Ties

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Approximately 40 percent of women in this country have been surgically sterilized. The most common form of sterilization is called a tubal ligation. The tube is actually cut in half and the two tubes are actually separated. People refer to this as having your tubes tied. Unfortunately, 10 percent of women will regret this decision and will want to go on an have another baby. There are a couple of different options if this is the case. The first is to have a surgical reversal, to have the tubes put back together. This is a complicated procedure and you need an advanced reproductive surgeon to perform this. It can be done laproscopically. However, most commonly it is done with an open abdominal procedure. The success rates depend on the method that was used to tie the tubes in the first place, how much tube is left -- which you don't find out until you are doing the procedure -- and the age of the woman when she is deciding to have this procedure done. The second option, if you don't want to undergo surgery, is to have in vitro fertilization or IVF. With IVF, you can just bypass the tube and it doesn't matter what length of tube is remaining and you don't have to undergo surgery. One of the issues with surgery is that even after the surgery, the tubes can close, and the woman is at an increased risk for having a tubal pregnancy. With IVF, one of the advantages is, if a woman is advanced in age, it can improve her chances of conceiving anyway.

Fertility Specialist Kristin Bendikson, MD, discusses the options available for women to reverse sterilization and the effectiveness and determining factors of each method

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Kristin Bendikson, MD

Fertility Specialist

Dr. Kristin A. Bendikson joined USC Fertility after finishing her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Harvard Medical School and completing her subspecialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the internationally renowned Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at Cornell University Medical College. During that time, she received intensive training in ovulation induction, in vitro fertilization and fertility surgery, as well as the management of other disorders including recurrent pregnancy loss, endometriosis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Kristin received her undergraduate degree from UCLA and attended the prestigious New York University School of Medicine. Her extensive training and years in practice have prepared her to deal with the most difficult and challenging cases.

Kristin holds the title of Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the USC Keck School of Medicine. She is the currently the principal investigator of several research projects including the study of zygote intrafallopian tube transfer for women of advanced reproductive age, aging of the uterine endometrium and vitamin D and its role in infertility. It is her goal to provide the highest quality care for her patients and to help them fulfill their desire of having a healthy baby. In addition, she strives to guide her patients through what can be a trying and difficult journey by providing them with the support and personal attention they need.

Fertility expert, teacher, and researcher, Kristin is also a married mother of two. She resides in West Los Angeles with her family.

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Transcription: 
Approximately 40 percent of women in this country have been surgically sterilized. The most common form of sterilization is called a tubal ligation. The tube is actually cut in half and the two tubes are actually separated. People refer to this as having your tubes tied. Unfortunately, 10 percent of women will regret this decision and will want to go on an have another baby. There are a couple of different options if this is the case. The first is to have a surgical reversal, to have the tubes put back together. This is a complicated procedure and you need an advanced reproductive surgeon to perform this. It can be done laproscopically. However, most commonly it is done with an open abdominal procedure. The success rates depend on the method that was used to tie the tubes in the first place, how much tube is left -- which you don't find out until you are doing the procedure -- and the age of the woman when she is deciding to have this procedure done. The second option, if you don't want to undergo surgery, is to have in vitro fertilization or IVF. With IVF, you can just bypass the tube and it doesn't matter what length of tube is remaining and you don't have to undergo surgery. One of the issues with surgery is that even after the surgery, the tubes can close, and the woman is at an increased risk for having a tubal pregnancy. With IVF, one of the advantages is, if a woman is advanced in age, it can improve her chances of conceiving anyway.