Tubal Ligation Effectiveness & Potential Pregnancy - Expert Answer

Question
Is it true that tubes come untied in five years?

Answer
Dear Nicole,

No. Tubal ligation should be considered an permanent, irreversible procedure. Occasionally a woman can still get pregnant, despite having had her tubes tied properly. The tubes can evolve in such a way as to try to heal themselves, and sometimes a tract develops that allows egg and sperm to meet.  But tubal ligation, regardless of whether the tubes are cut, burned, clipped, banded, or tied, is about 99% effective, meaning that about 1% of women will conceive an unplanned pregnancy after tubal ligation. But it is not something that needs to be re-done every 5 years. Once performed - a tubal ligation is considered permanent.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda