Tubal Reversal vs. IVF: Choosing the Right Path to Parenthood

Tubal Reversal vs. IVF: Choosing the Right Path to Parenthood : Tens and thousands of couples worldwide are caught unaware when they suddenly discover they are dealing with various infertility issues. The news naturally comes as a setback, and their journey going forward toward parenthood is filled with several indecisions, emotional swings, and rummaging through the internet for accurate advice.

Usually, couples soon identify tubal reversal surgery and in vitro fertilization (IVF) as the best methods to relive their aspirations of becoming parents. However, both these methods have specific merits and drawbacks, which make the decision on deciding the best procedure equally tough. Here, we will pinpoint the crucial differences between tubal reversal and IVF and hope the information will help couples select the right path. Before delving deeper, couples should have a clear understanding of both IVF and tubal reversal. Read on to know more.

The role of Tubal Reversal

Tubal reversal or tubal ligation reversal is a surgical procedure. The surgeon aims to restore the fertility of a woman by repairing the fallopian tubes. When a woman decides to go for a permanent sterilization, she opts for tubal ligation. In the aforesaid method, the fallopian tubes are cut, clipped, or blocked. It is necessary to prevent the passage of eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. During tubal reversal, the surgeon repairs or rejoins the fallopian tubes facilitating eggs and sperm to meet naturally. Therefore, the woman can conceive as many times as she desires without the aid of any medicines.

Advantages of tubal reversal surgery

Tubal reversal surgery offers a wide array of advantages. Thus, it has become of one the most preferable choices for couples worldwide. Here are some of them:

Tubal reversal facilitates natural conception, which is undoubtedly the most acceptable aspect for everyone. Who would want to be involved in the hassles of taking medical assistance when things can be achieved naturally? Also, over the years, improvements in the field of tubal reversal surgery have made it more popular than other alternatives.

The cost of undergoing a tubal reversal surgery is comparatively cheaper than IVF. Still, for some people costs of tubal reversal surgery may be beyond their capacity. However, they can arrange for finances and other possible means to pay for it. Over time, it does not require any additional costs for subsequent attempts of conceiving like in IVF.

Even if the woman does not manage to become pregnant after initial attempts, she can try multiple times later. Since the surgeon via tubal reversal restores her natural fertility, through regular attempts she can be optimistic about succeeding at some point in time.

Cons of Tubal Reversal

Although the comprehensive list of advantages makes tubal reversal the best choice, it has some cons too. It largely depends on how couples react afterward. Having realistic expectations can make the cons less. Here are the details for a better understanding:

Tubal reversal does not guarantee success. Of course, looking at the stupendous success rate, couples feel encouraged, but success is dependent on multiple factors. The most notable among them are the age of the woman and the type of tubal ligation she had undergone. In such cases, the woman has no other option but to go for IVF to increase the chances of her pregnancy.

Being a surgical method, many women experience discomfort and pain. Some of the common side effects include infection, scarring, and damage to the tissues surrounding the fallopian tubes.

IVF and how it works

IVF has no similarities with the tubal reversal procedure. IVF is more of a fertility treatment and it does not restore natural fertility. In the aforementioned procedure, doctors fertilize eggs and sperm outside the body preferably in a lab. The embryos that develop gradually are then re-transferred to the uterus of the desiring woman. Eventually, the implantation results in a possible pregnancy.

Advantages of IVF

Even a few years ago, the success rate of IVF was much lower. But, presently owing to the improvements in medical science, the success rates have increased in leaps and bounds. Therefore, couples who do not fit the bill for tubal reversal can opt for IVF.

IVF offers a controlled environment for fertilizing the eggs. Thus, it is the most suitable for couples where natural conception is not possible.

IVF also offers the facility of pre-implantation genetic testing. It can be a breakthrough for identifying the presence of genetic disorders and choosing healthy embryos.

Cons of IVF:

IVF is unfortunately not affordable by all. Each of its cycles can cost thousands of dollars. In most cases, the woman might require going for multiple cycles to increase the odds of pregnancy. It can put a lot of pressure on the savings of individuals.

Before undergoing IVF, the woman needs to prepare her body. It involves taking several hormonal injections, and medicines, and it can be emotionally taxing. To add to the woes, IVF too does not guarantee success. The consequences can be often devastating.

IVF has a risk of increasing the chances of multiple pregnancies. Understandably, the situation can lead to various complications both for the mother and her children.

Choosing between IVF and Tubal reversal

Well, after learning the pros and cons of both the available methods, couples can now decide on which of these should be ideal. As mentioned earlier, everyone should consider factors like age, the reason that led to infertility, the current state of savings, and emotional health before proceeding with any of these two methods.

Conclusion

If couples prefer natural conception over medically aided conception then tubal reversal is the best option. However, in situations, where couples are marred with complex fertility issues IVF is the better option. There have been instances, where couples have tried both options, i.e. starting off with tubal reversal and then moving on to try IVF. Moreover, the best procedure for a woman can be decided by an expert doctor. Consultations with them and clearing all doubts related to both of the procedures should help couples make a conclusive decision.