Reversibility

Reversal of sterilisation is requested in more than 1% of previously sterilised women and in nearly 5% of those who made their original decision immediately after delivery. When a lady is counselled re: reversibility of the procedure, she should be told that she should consider the procedure irreversible.

The actual success of reversing the procedure is dependent upon:

• the sterilisation technique previously employed - easiest when rings or clips were used
  
• the length of tube destroyed
  
• whether or not the fimbriae are intact
  
• the proficiency of the surgeon

With modern microsurgical techniques and a good surgeon, a subsequent pregnancy may be expected in up to 70% of cases.

In vitro fertilisation is an alternative.

Reference

1. The Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. Male and female sterilisation. Sep 2014 [internet publication].