L.Z.
Hi M. - I am attaching the answer I gave another woman a couple of weeks ago, since it's exactly the same question you asked. This is a really meaningful issue for me since I, too, wish I had never had my tubes tied and would like another child as well. One thing I will say is that it's interesting to be to see a lot of women post this question here on Mamapedia and on other message boards... I really wish doctors had to offer counseling or something to intervene before a woman makes this decision... anyway, feel free to message me if you have other questions.
I had a tubal ligation in 2007 and have regretted it deeply for the past year or so. I have looked into the reversal option and IVF in terms of having another child, and my husband and I have met with two different doctors at fertility centers near us. Both pretty much had the same thing to say - it does depend on how the ligation was done (clips have the best chance of reversal, then traditional cutting second best, and burning the ends has the least chance of reversal). The upside is that you can try as much as you want for as many times as you want, no meds as with IVF, etc. The downside is a much higher risk of ectopic pregnancy that could result in losing a tube, and of the procedure not being successful at all, which does happen often. I have done a lot of research on this and there is a place in NC called Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, where ALL they do are TR's so they are specialized in it. However, after reading blogs and their message boards almost daily, we decided not to go that route. I am 35 already and I don't want to spend the money on a surgery that might not work only to spend more money on IVF (insurance doesn't cover either after you have had a TL). It also seems, from what I read on the message board, that MANY women try for over a year and still don't have success, and many have ectopics as well. There are definitely success stories, yes, but if I wasn't already 35 I might consider this more. I guess it can be tough since your tubes are not the exact same length throughout, so rejoining them sometimes does not work due to the different widths they are on different parts of the tube.
You can definitely email me if you want more info. or for support... this is such a tough thing and I feel for you. I never thought I'd be in this place of wanting another baby and seriously leaning towards IVF. Every single day I regret the tubal and I think about that moment when my youngest was just delivered and my OB asked me if I was sure I wanted the TL... ugh. I don't know the details of your position but I know the pain and regret that I feel, and it's not fun at all. I wish you luck with whatever you decide.
