No. There is no convincing evidence to support the development of abnormal menstrual patterns following sterilization. Pre-procedure pregnancy or the use of the combined OCP may have masked irregular menstrual cycles.

Can a tubal ligation be reversed?

Yes. Reversal of tubal ligation requires specialized surgery that may be very expensive. Some women are not suitable candidates because of the way the sterilization was performed (if too much tube was damaged or if the fimbriated ends of the tubes were removed). Sterilization reversal carries the usual operative and anaesthetic risks of major abdominal surgery as well as the risk of failure and ectopic pregnancy.

Tubal ligation (also called female sterilization) seals the fallopian tubes so that the egg and sperm cannot meet. The procedure may be done either laparoscopically (in which viewing and operating instruments are inserted into the abdomen through small incisions), or by minilaparotomy (where the surgeon uses a small incision to open the abdomen and seal the tubes).

The tubes may be sealed using cautery (burning the tubes), with specially designed clips or rings, or by cutting a portion of the tubes.

This procedure has no effect on the ovaries, which produce the hormones that control menstruation and menopause. Thus, it has no effect on when menopause occurs.

For many years it was believed that tubal ligation may cause menstrual irregularities including increased bleeding, bleeding between periods, and menstrual pain ("post-tubal ligation syndrome"). However evidence does not support the existence of "post-tubal ligation syndrome".

A large study published in 2000 reported that there was no difference in hormone levels and little difference in menstrual cycle characteristics after a tubal ligation. Women who have had a tubal ligation are no more likely to have menstrual irregularities than those who didn't have the procedure.

Tubal reversal is the process of reconnecting cut tubes to restore a woman‚Äôs fertility after tubal ligation. There are many reasons why women often decide to have their fallopian tubes retied. It has been found out that a high percentage of women eventually regretted their decision to have their tubes tied, although only a smaller percentage actually go through the procedure of having their tubes connected back together.

Some of the most common reasons why women would eventually want their tubes retied are the following.

A change in perspective
Some women made their decisions to have their tubes tied right after giving birth to their last child. With the experience of labor and delivery still very fresh on their minds, it is very easy to choose tubal ligation as a way to avoid that kind of discomfort and pain again. However, with the many techniques to lessen the pain of delivery today, extreme discomfort and pain is only a minor problem. Also, the desire for another child may outweigh any fear of pain.
A death of a child, especially an only child or the only boy or girl, could cause the woman to think of the possibility of having another child.
Improvement in financial circumstances
One of the most common reasons for having one‚Äôs tubes tied is because of the high cost of raising another child. Changes in financial circumstances for the better may often lead the couple to think that they can afford to have another child.
Change in marital status
When some women remarry, they might desire to have a child with their new husbands. If the couple wishes to have their biological child the best option may have to be having the woman‚Äôs tubes retied.

Tubal reversal can be done as an outpatient procedure, although this is not covered by most medical insurance plans. The procedure may not be successful in all cases, which is the main reason why women are given ample to time to think about having their tubes retied in the first place. A successful tubal reversal does not guarantee a pregnancy.

This is the umbrella term used to refer to all the procedures done to reconnect fallopian tubes which were cut during tubal ligation. A tubal ligation reversal is often done if the woman wants to get pregnant after having her tubes tied.

The Procedure

There are many ways by which a tubal ligation reversal can be done, but most tubal ligations procedures are performed using microsurgery. This surgery, called a microsurgical tubotubal anastomosis, is one method with the least amount of bleeding and tissue damage. Using a microscope to enlarge the operating field, the surgeon reconnects the tied tubes with the use of very fine needles and sutures. A stint is placed inside the tubes to prevent them from closing back again, and both ends are reconnected. The tissues are kept warm by warmed irrigation fluids to prevent further tissue damage. The procedure is short, usually taking one hour to one hour and thirty minutes at the most. With microsurgery, the woman can be discharged from the hospital in the same day and recuperate at home. Rest is often prescribed for 5 to 10 days and the woman is prohibited to engage in any strenuous activities to promote healing of the operated area.

A typical tubal ligation reversal procedure is not covered by most health insurance plans and may cost you up to $7,000 to $8,000. This includes the surgeon’s fees, hospital fees, anesthesiologist’s and surgical nurse’s fees, among others.

Reasons for a Tubal Ligation Reversal

Many circumstances may lead a woman to have this decision, including the death of a child, a change in marital status, an improvement in financial status, or simply a renewed desire to have more children. The chance for a change of heart about having one’s tubes tied is one reason why women who are considering having a tubal ligation done should make the decision with great care. It has been shown that women who eventually regretted their decision to have their tubes tied were

Young (early to middle twenties) at the time of the operation
Had few or no children
Made the decision to please her partner
Made the decision due to financial reasons

Risks Associated with Tubal Ligation Reversal

As with any other kind of surgery there are risks associated with tubal ligation reversal. The woman may be at risk for allergic reactions to surgical drugs and anesthesia, bleeding and infection during and immediately after the procedure. Women who have had tubal ligation reversals are also at a greater risk for ectopic pregnancies later on.

Success Rate

The rate for a successful pregnancy is at 75% for women who had their tubes tied back together, although the chances for a successful pregnancy decreases as the age of the woman increases. Other factors which may affect the chances for a successful pregnancy include the length of the reconnected tubes and the type of tubal ligation performed.