IVF After Ablation & Tubal Ligation: Is it Possible?

Question
I am currently 27 years of age with 4 children. However after my 4th child I had a tubaligation and an ablation. It has been about 1 1/2 years since and I now am getting remarried. My partner and I want children but, it is impossible for me to conceive. Do you think I am a candidate for IVF? I was told that with an ablation it isn't recommended or possible. How successful will an IVF be? Could you please give me a bit of advice? I am hoping there is a way.

Answer
Hello Fayleah,

I guess I would need some clarification before I could give you an exact answer.  When you say "ablation" do you mean that the tubes were ablated or you had an endometrial (uterine) ablation?

If you had an endometrial ablation, then it is not possible for you to become pregnant by IVF or any other means.  An endometrial ablation basically destroys the inner uterine cavity, which is not repairable.  Therefore implantation would not occur.  You would need to use a "surrogate" in that case (someone who carries the child for you) and IVF to retrieve the eggs.

If you are referring to a tubal ablatin, where the doctor burned the tubes, then IVF is your only option to get pregnant, but a very good option at your age.  In our clinic your chances of pregnancy would be 63% per attempt.  I am hoping that this is what you are referring to and not the latter.

I hope this helps,

Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com

Monterey, California, U.S.A.