IVF is an acceptable form of treatment for infertility for those who need are unable to become pregnant through natural conception but IVF is not without risk.
IVF requires the use of high doses of hormones and this can increase the risk of high order multiple gestation pregnancies and, possibly, the risk of certain types of ovarian cancer.
Avoiding the risks of IVF is probably the most important benefit of tubal reversal surgery.
Risks of IVF Treatment
On average the chance of pregnancy after tubal ligation reversal is 60%. This is significantly higher than the average IVF per cycle pregnancy rate of 38%.
Tubal reversal at my center is affordable and is half the cost of a single IVF cycle.
This average cost for a cycle of IVF can range between $10,000 to $14,000. If increased dosages of hormones, donor eggs, or intracytomplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are required then the cost of IVF will increase dramatically.
All patients desire a natural pregnancy.
Obviously, there is nothing ‘natural’ about reversal surgery; however, many patients want to reverse the permanence they were told to expect when having a tubal ligation and avoid the use of high dose hormones required for IVF.
With reversal surgery pregnancy can happen naturally and within the protective confines of a woman’s body.
Tubal reversal allows women the chance to become pregnant every month and more than once.
With IVF, the chance to become pregnant is limited to a single treatment cycle.
For some of my patients, the feeling of regret can be intense after a sterilization procedure. Many feel rejoining their blocked tubes allows them to relieve themselves of their sense of guilt and regret.
Many of my tubal reversal patients express a greater sense of well-being and feel a greater sense of womanhood after their ability to naturally conceive is restored.
