Pregnancy After Tubal Ligation

Because the procedure is over 99 percent effective, pregnancy after tubal ligation is rare. In the unlikely event that pregnancy does occur, there is an increased chance of it occurring outside the uterus (this is called ectopic pregnancy). If a patient changes her mind and wishes to get pregnant after tubal ligation, she can undergo a procedure called tubal reanastomosis, in which the surgeon attempts to reconnect the fallopian tubes. This procedure has a 40-80 percent success rate.

 

Tubal Ligation and Pregnancy: An Overview

Following a tubal ligation, it is reasonable to expect that you will be unable to get pregnant. Recent studies show that tubal ligation is successful in preventing pregnancy in more than 99 out of 100 patients. This means that the probability of pregnancy after tubal ligation is less than 1 percent.
 

Ectopic Pregnancy After Tubal Ligation

Although it is unlikely, pregnancy after tubal ligation is still possible. If this happens, it is also more likely that it will occur outside of the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy and must be treated by your doctor immediately to prevent a life-threatening situation.
 

What If I Want to Become Pregnant After Tubal Ligation?

If you do decide after your tubal ligation that you want to become pregnant, it is important for you to know about a procedure called tubal reanastomosis. Tubal reanastomosis is the process of trying to reconnect your fallopian tubes. It is a very complicated, expensive procedure with uncertain results.
 
Published studies report that success rates for reconnecting the tubes are 40 to 80 in 100 procedures. The rate for having a successful pregnancy after tubal ligation pregnancy is even lower. For this reason, it is important to understand that tubal ligation is considered a permanent method of sterilization.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD