Hi to you all,
this is my concern:I'm 43 yr old, I have children,I'm divorced. Had a tubal ligation in January 2007, supposedly tubes were cauterized. Extremely regular with my periods. I have a partner and we are sexually active. Now, I'm 2 weeks late in my period and growing concerned. I fear the possibility of pregnancy. I can benefit from your knowledge and/or experience in this arena, whether is personal experience or someone you know of.., what are the possibilities of pregnancy after a tubal ligation? Have you or someone you know gone through that? How does it happen? Any feedback is much appreciated. Thank you.
I don't personally know of anyone going through this but here is a link with posts from other women who have.
http://www.babycenter.com/400_is-pregnancy-possible-after...
It can happen. I know of 2, but I worked in a women's clinic, so my percentages are skewed. ;) Percentage wise, a copper IUD has a lower fail rate then a tubal, but BOTH are extremely low.
Sometimes the tubes actually grow new channels, sometimes the cauterized ends "heal" and they grow back together. Other times the egg actually floats a distance between the tubes and manages to make it's way back in.
It's far more likely that one of the following is making you late:
- Dieting
- Exercise
- Stress
- Coming into contact with an "alpha" (some women have dominant menstrual cycles, & if you're in frequent contact with them, your cycle will alter to mirror hers)
- Infection
- Illness
- Menopause
Regardless, pregnancy tests are cheap for the mental well being they offer. You're already "late", so you don't even have to worry about waiting. Were I you, I'd head to the store and grab a test.
You need to take a pregnancy test right away. If it's positive you need to see your ob immediately because it is possible to get pregnant after tubal ligation. However, it is more likely that you would have a tubal pregnancy, which is not a viable pregnancy and can be very painful and an emergency if it ruptures. Best of luck! The other alternative is menopause....
Is it also possible that you are starting to go through menopause?! I know you are still young, but it IS possible, some woman start younger than others. OR, since you are only 2 weeks late, it is also possible than some other factor is making you "late". Many things can cause a delayed (or even a missed) period. Such as; stress, sudden weight loss/gain, illness, etc... Either way, you may want to call your doctor for ease at mind. Good luck and let us know how everything goes ;)
If you take a home pregnancy test and are negative, you might be pre-menopausal. You should go to the doctor either way.
If not pregnancy, it may be an early sign of premenopause.
Had a friend who did get pregnant after having her tubes tied. However, it was near the 5 year mark when you're supposed to be checked to make sure nothing has come loose.
Hi M.,
Although rare, it is possible. I babysat for an RN who'd had her tubes tied. Needless to say, her doctor (or his insurance company) paid for her pregnancy and childbirth costs. She was in the middle of a divorce and ended up raising the baby (and two older children herself).
When my boyfriend had his vasectomy they told him there are occasions where the body finds ways to "heal itself" (so he was cut, cauterized and metal caps placed to restrict reconnection!). Even thought it's possible, it's quite RARE.
I'd try a home pregnancy test ASAP. At 46 I'm starting perimenopause, but my always 28 day clockwork cycle slowly shifted to 21-24 days over the course of the past few years. It sounds like you don't leave your reproductive choices in anyone else's hands. I hope it's just stress. It sounds like two weeks late is very irregular for you, so it seems prudent to see your doctor if you don't start soon. If nothing else they can confirm that everything is okay and give you peace of mind. Probably better to have a real answer than to worry and jump to conclusions.
Best,
N.
Possible but not likely..... A home pregnancy test will set your mind at ease and being 2 weeks late you will more than likely get accurate results.
You could be losing estrogen and becoming peri menopausal. I had a "feels like it" experience after my tubal, and it was nothing.
Dear M., Highly unlikely but a tubal ligation is 99% not 100%. More than likely you are starting the change. You can go to the drug store and get one of those home testing kits. A good source is your GYN OB if you do not like the one you have or do not have one get another. Don't panic! By the time you read this you will probably start.
Nurse P
Hi, my name is Alicia I'm 42 and had tubal ligation after my second child (2005) and had experienced sometimes with a late period and never pregnant again, I know the fear I had it too, but usually is just a false alarm, although could happen, if you remember when you signed the papers at the doctors office or hospital before the procedure, you release them from an accident after the surgery. In my case it's only been false alarm. Just take a home pregnancy test and see.
Good luck
Yes, it is possible. My cousins friend concieved about 1 1/2 years after her tubal ligation. I too, fear that I can get pregnant, but my tubes have been tied about 21 years. I'm still regular, but have been known to be late a couple of times over the years. If it's meant to be you'll have another baby---it's in Gods hands.
I had my tubes tied 28 years ago and was always regular. What you may be experiencing is peri menopause. It is normal for periods to be late at 43 yrs old. Our bodies are changing. I have not had one for six months & I am 49. My periods have been irregular since my late thirties & my doc said its perfectly normal. C.K.
Yes, it is possible. Just take a test and stop torturing yourself!
I'm a midwife and this happens WAY more often than you think! The older you are and the longer it's been increase you odds.
If it DOES happen, you won't usually need a repeate tubal. It's just a million to one kind of thing! It's a child that was supposed to be yours... :-)
