Tubal ligation is a surgical, permanent, birth control procedure that blocks the fallopian tubes. The blockage prevents the egg from moving toward the uterus for fertilization and the sperm from moving through to the awaiting egg. Tubal ligation reversal is one way that a woman who has had this procedure may possibly become pregnant.
The Tubal Ligation Removal Procedure
Reversal of a tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that is done with the assistance of a microscope and is generally performed in a hospital setting or an outpatient surgical facility. The surgeon removes the portion of the fallopian tube that was blocked in the original surgery and reattaches the two ends to make a complete open fallopian tube once again.
Recovery is relatively minimal and should only take a few days. Most doctors recommend avoiding strenuous activity for the first couple of weeks to ensure that healing is well underway.
Chances of getting pregnant after tubal ligation removal
Tubal ligation removal is a good choice for a woman who wants to regain function of her fallopian tubes and be able to have multiple pregnancies. After a tubal ligation, many women opt for IVF or in-vitro fertilization, which does not require surgery, but instead is a one-time procedure to aid in achieving a pregnancy. However, it does not restore fertility the way that a tubal ligation reversal does.
As for getting pregnant after this procedure, up to 75% of women who have it done are able to achieve a subsequent pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic. The procedure generally leaves the patient with one functioning tube in the long term.
Other factors can complicate the chances of getting pregnant after the procedure, especially if only one tube is left viable, but with the right post-surgery regimen and good information, you can greatly improve your chances of achieving a pregnancy after having the tubal ligation removed.
How to Deal With Scar Tissue After Tubal Ligation Removal
One of the biggest hurdles women face after having a tubal ligation removed is scar tissue. In fact, many of the conditions that affect fertility have a direct link to the presence of scar tissue in the fallopian tubes, uterus or on the cervix. These can include pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis or even a simple abdominal surgery like having your appendix out when you were in high school. Any time there is scar tissue present in the abdomen, it can have a ripple effect on a woman’s ability to conceive and maintain a pregnancy.
Here are three natural therapies that you may want to use to help your body dissolve scar tissue and increase the health of your fallopian tubes…
1. Systemic Enzyme Therapy
Systemic Enzyme Therapy can help the body break down scar tissue that impedes pregnancy. With this type of therapy regimen there is a much better chance of fallopian tube recovery and fertility restoration.
While you might think that the surgery alone is enough to restore fertility, there are real benefits to taking the time to utilize systemic enzyme therapy after tubal ligation removal, prior to trying to get pregnant. The main one, in this case, is the reduction of scar tissue, but also important is its ability to reduce blood clotting (shown to reduce the risk for miscarriage), improve circulation, and detoxify the blood and the body in preparation for pregnancy.
Depending on how severe the scaring, our clients have seen great results beginning at 3 months of use, sometimes sooner. It will be different for every person, depending on the amount of scar tissue present.
2. Abdominal or Fertility Massage
Massage is another natural therapy that could help support fallopian tube health after tubal ligation. One of the greatest benefits of massage is the ability to break up adhesions (scar tissue) and increase circulation, which is important for optimal fallopian tube health.
There are three options for massage when it comes to supporting the fallopian tubes after a tubal ligation. You can find a massage therapist who specializes in abdominal massage (or better yet visit Clear Passage for specialized treatment), you can book a consultation with a Mayan Abdominal Practitioner, or you can learn how to apply Self Fertility Massage at home.
Benefits of Massage for Fallopian Tube Health:
- Massage helps to break up scar tissue*
- Increased circulation aids in tissue elimination*
- Helps to reduce inflammation*
*Note: Do not start massage until you are completely healed from your tubal ligation removal surgery. Check with your healthcare provider before you start using massage.
3. Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil therapy has been used for centuries to help with healing issues in the body and, more specifically, the reproductive system. Regular application of castor oil packs over the affected area has been shown to bring about positive benefits such as a softening of scar tissue and an increase in circulation. An increase in circulation helps speed up the body’s natural healing processes by bringing in fresh, nutrient rich blood while simultaneously restoring damaged tissues. Castor oil packs are best applied prior to performing Self Fertility Massage. Both of these therapies should not be used while you are menstruating or if you think you may be pregnant.
Preparing for pregnancy after tubal ligation removal
The final piece of the puzzle for getting pregnant after tubal ligation removal is to get healthy. Increasing your activity level and improving preconception nutrition to include more protein, whole grains, and dark, leafy greens is a great way to get off to a good start before your baby is conceived. Getting and staying healthy is the best gift you can give yourself and your baby.
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Tubal ligation. Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tubal-ligation/basics/definition/prc-20020231
- Barton-Schuster, D. (n.d.). Castor Oil Therapy for Reproductive Health. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/castor-oil-therapy
- Rodriguez, H. (n.d.). How to Use Self Fertility Massage™ to Boost Your Chances of Conception. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/fertility-massage
- Wurn BF, Wurn LJ, King CR, Heuer MA, Roscow AS, Hornberger K, Scharf ES. Treating Fallopian Tube Occlusion with a Manual Pelvic Physical Therapy. Altern Ther Health Med. 2008 Jan-Feb;14(1):18-23. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18251317
- Rodriguez, H. (n.d.) How to Use Systemic Enzyme Therapy to Increase Your Fertility… Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/fertility-enzyme-therapy
