Spire Dunedin, in Reading, is now able to offer private Reversal of Sterilization for women with the addition of Mr Alex Swanton, Consultant Gynaecologist, and Specialist in Reproductive Medicine & Surgery.
Female sterilization is considered to be a permanent form of contraception. The operation usually involves cutting, sealing or blocking the fallopian tubes so that eggs cannot be transported into the uterus where they might be fertilised. A female sterilization reversal operation attempts to reconnect the fallopian tubes.
Female sterilization can be reversed, but it is a difficult process and there is no guarantee that you will be fertile again after the operation. The operation is done under general anaesthetic through a bikini incision. The ends of the tube are trimmed to remove damaged tissue and then reconnected.
Issues to be considered beforehand
- The quality and quantity of partner sperm. If the sperm quality is poor then IVF can be a better option to proceed with
- Sterilization method: The longer the length of the fallopian tube after reconnecting them increases the chance of pregnancy.
- The condition of the fimbria in the tubes.
- The sooner the reversal takes place after the original operation, the greater the chance of future pregnancy.
- The age of the women at the time of reversal.
Advantages and disadvantages to reversal of sterilization
- Natural conception will occur if the reversal is successful, as opposed to medically assisted if IVF was used.
- Reduced rate of multi pregnancy with a natural conception.
- Success rates depend on a number of factors, but are between 50-70%, whereas, IVF offers 20-40% per treatment cycle.
- It cannot be guaranteed to be successful.
- The length of time to know the outcome can be up to and beyond a year, the chances of getting pregnant increase with time, whereas, IVF you can find out two weeks after the embryo transfer.
- Family planning may be required for all future pregnancies.