tubal blockage is the means by which a woman has her tubes tied. When she decides to have them untied, she must go through a tubal ligation reversal. By this surgical method, the tubal blockage is removed.
While it is very possible to find out you have tubal blockage even though you have not had your tubes tied, this article will discuss the voluntary method. This is usually called tubal ligation, although the vernacular is having your "tubes tied".
Although several methods are used to create tubal blockage, there is no actual tying of your fallopian tubes like tying your shoes. For tubal ligation, you will find rings and clips being used as one method. Put simply, a ring or clip is applied to the tube very tightly in order to cut off the blood supply and which may eventually cut the tube at that point.
In the Pomeroy, Parkland and Irving methods, part of the tube is cut and removed in order to provide the tubal blockage. What is done to the remaining cut ends is what determines which method is actually being used. For instance, in the Irving method, the part of the tube still attached to the uterus is sutured to the back side of the uterus.
In bipolar and monopolar coagulation, the tube is burned by an electric current carried by forceps. With monopolar coagulation, more of the tube is "burned" due to the current spreading further into the tube tissue. With bipolar coagulation, which is the most popular laparoscopic method of tying tubes today in the US, a tubal ligation reversal procedure will give you about a 60% success rate of becoming pregnant again.
The next method of tubal blockage is done by removing the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube. This is the part nearest the ovary that captures the egg as it is released from the ovary. With that end cut off and as the end seals up, there is no way for the egg to enter the fallopian tube. Fortunately, this method is not often used.
Lastly, is a new method of tubal blockage. This is more a mechanical process whereby a spring like device called the Essure device is inserted into the fallopian tube through the uterus. Part of the device sticks out into the uterus and part sticks into the fallopian tube. Once in place, the device expands to fill the space in the tube and creates scarring around it.
This is a major case of tubal blockage that requires a major tubal ligation reversal surgery called tubouterine implantation. Not only must the device be removed from the tube, it must also be removed from the uterus. The remaining good portion of the tube is implanted into the uterus through a new opening.
As a new sterilization method, there have not been many Essure tubal ligation reversal surgeries conducted to this point in time in order for us to know what the success rate will be. There have been only a handful, if that many, reversals of this type of tubal blockage done at this point.
Whatever type of voluntary sterilization you have had, if you have changed you mind, you do have a chance of becoming pregnant again. Just seek at the best qualified tubal ligation reversal surgeon you can. Get your tubal blockage removed and bring that new bundle of joy home.