$Unique_ID{BRK02121}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Possible Pregnancy After Tube Tying}
$Subject{pregnant tubes tied fallopian tube ovaries uterus ovum eggs ovary
sperm fertilization fertilized egg endometrium tubal ligation pregnancy}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Possible Pregnancy After Tube Tying


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QUESTION:  Is it possible for a woman to get pregnant while her tubes are
tied?  Is it possible for them to come loose after a number of years?  I had
my tubes tied more than ten years ago, but now have missed a period, something
that has happened before.  However this time I do have some other disturbing
signs, and am beginning to wonder.  I would appreciate any information you can
provide me with.

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ANSWER:  While your problem is clear, it is also apparent that your
understanding of the procedure of "tube tying" might profit from a few
explanations.  The "tubes" are in reality the fallopian tubes.  The open,
upper end of the tubes lie over the ovaries, one on each side of the body,
ready to receive an egg when it is produced.  The tubes' lower ends enter the
uterus, and the tubes provide the passageway for the ovum or eggs to proceed
from the ovary to the uterus.
     In many cases fertilization takes place when the sperm meet the egg in
the fallopian tubes, after which the fertilized egg makes its way down to the
uterus, where it imbeds itself in the lining of that organ (the endometrium).
The process of tying the tubes (tubal ligation) prevents the eggs from meeting
the sperm, or even entering the uterus.
     During the procedure, each fallopian tube is "tied" in two places using
clamps, clips, a band, or sealed with an electric current.  The tube itself is
then severed between the "ties" to prevent any healing process from reopening
the passageway, which would permit passage of the egg.  Thus it is not a
question of the tubes (or their ties) becoming loose.  Yet despite the
completeness of the operation, a tube may reopen and statistics show that
about 1 woman out of every 100 who have the procedure still may become
pregnant.  And you just might be that one.
     Your obvious course of action is to get tested to see if the results
indicate a pregnancy.  With all the reliable home tests now available, you can
run this test for yourself, without resorting to a doctor's visit.  However,
if you do test positive, you should check with your doctor as soon as
possible for the care you need early in a pregnancy, to protect your health
and the health of the baby.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.