Has anyone gotten pregnant without fallopian tubes

If you’ve wrapped up your family planning and would like a highly effective solution to birth control, you might consider a tubal ligation (also called a tubectomy). This rather simple outpatient procedure involves closing off the fallopian tubes to prevent the exit of eggs from your ovaries as well as block sperm from swimming up these tubes to fertilize an egg.

But keep in mind that "getting your tubes tied" isn’t 100 percent perfect. Very few women still conceive even after undergoing the procedure. For more about pregnancy after tubal ligation, including the effectiveness of the surgery and the signs of pregnancy you could spot, read on.

Can you get pregnant after tubal ligation?

Tubal ligation is highly effective, which means the answer to "can you get pregnant with your tubes tied" is almost always no. After a tubectomy, an egg can no longer move down a fallopian tube, so your body takes care of it. With the passage blocked, the egg is absorbed (though you’ll still get your period until menopause).

Because it’s considered a permanent surgery, tubal sterilization is meant for women who are completely sure that they don’t want any more children. While you may have heard of people getting their tubal sterilizations reversed, it doesn’t work in all cases — and it involves a second invasive surgery. If you’re still on the fence about having more kids, you’ll want to opt for another form of birth control.

What are the chances of pregnancy after tubal ligation?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the chance of pregnancy after tubal sterilization is very low. Conception rates within 10 years of the procedure range from 18 to 37 out of 1,000 women, depending on how the tubes are sealed.

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If tubal ligation fails, it’s probably due to scar tissue that was in the way or because an opening developed where the fallopian tubes used to be. 

In recent years, more doctors have recommended salpingectomy, an alternative form of permanent birth control. This procedure removes the fallopian tubes entirely and can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. It also has an even lower risk of pregnancy. Only a few, exceedingly rare cases of pregnancy after salpingectomy have been reported.

Will you notice signs of the fallopian tubes growing back together?

It’s unlikely that you’ll sense your own fallopian tubes growing back together, but this actually happens in very rare cases. The process is called recanalization, which means a new passage in the tubes is created, allowing your egg to meet up with sperm for fertilization.

If you feel anything at all related to a tubal ligation, it’ll be a few uncomfortable post-op symptoms, including nausea, stomach pain, cramps, dizziness and gassiness or bloating. And while it’s uncommon to experience major complications after a tubal ligation, a few are possible, such as urinary tract infections and damage to blood vessels.

What are the signs of pregnancy after tubal ligation?

While it’s rare to conceive after having your tubes tied, keep signs of pregnancy in mind. They’re similar to the ones you’d notice if you hadn’t had a tubal ligation, including:

• Missed period
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea

A skipped monthly after tubal ligation warrants an immediate call to the doctor since it’s possible you might have an ectopic or tubal pregnancy. Women who’ve had their tubes tied are at greater risk of an ectopic pregnancy, which is when a fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus where it can’t grow properly. This condition is urgent since it can rupture and cause severe internal bleeding if left untreated.

Signs of an ectopic pregnancy after tubal ligation

• Unusual light bleeding or brown spotting after a positive pregnancy test
• Vaginal bleeding that happens when you’re not expecting your period
• Sharp belly pain in the lower abdomen
• Lower back pain

When to talk to your doctor

Contact your doctor if you suspect you’ve missed a period after you had a tubal ligation or you notice any signs of pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy isn’t viable, which means it must be treated by your physician, either with medication or laparoscopic surgery. Contact your provider immediately if you notice any symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.

A tubal ligation is almost always a surefire method for ending your pregnancy days, so talk with your doctor if you’re wondering whether this surgery is right for you. And if you think you’ve conceived after this procedure, let your health care provider know right away so you can receive proper care.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

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