Tubal ligation or “tying the tubes” is the most common form of permanent contraception for women. Often times, women might regret this decision and desire another child. Studies show that this regret is about twice as likely for women undergoing tubal ligation under the age of 30.

Options for having another child after tubal ligation include In Vitro Fertilization and Tubal Reversal. In Vitro Fertilization involves stimulating the ovaries to produce many eggs and then removing those eggs from the ovaries and joining them with sperm. Uniting the egg and sperm produces an “embryo” which can be placed back inside the uterus where it will, hopefully, implant.

An alternative option is reversing the tubal ligation. This can be done surgically. The success rate of opening, at least, one tube is about 90%. This depends on what type of tubal ligation was originally performed. As long as there is enough of the fallopian tubes left, then tubal reversal can be quite successful. Pregnancy rates following reversal are variable but can be about 70%. Advantages over In Vitro Fertilization include a lower cost, less risk of twins and triplets, and the ability to have more children in the future at no additional cost.

If you or someone you know is interested in tubal ligation reversal, please call our office at 518-482-1007 to schedule a consultation.

Fibroids are benign tumors (or growths) on or in the uterus (womb).  They can cause infertility, heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and painful intercourse. There are multiple treatments for fibroids; some medical and some surgical.  The method of treatment depends on the desires of the individual patient.

Available treatment options include: surgical removal of the fibroids, endometrial ablation, hyterectomy, uterine artery embolization, and focused ultrasound treatment.  While definitive treatment would be hyterectomy, often we can treat fibroids more conservatively.  If a woman desires to preserve her fertility or is experiencing fertility problems, surgical removal of the fibroids is the most appropriate treatment.  Our surgeons are able to accomplish this in a minimally invasive fashion.  If fertility is not a concern, the other options mentioned may be utilized.

For women who desire reproductive capability and any women who wish to retain their uterus, removal of the fibroids can be accomplished in a minimally invasive fashion.  Our surgeons have advanced training in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.  We are able to remove fibroids through small incisions during an outpatient procedure called laparoscopic myomectomy.  In addition, we now offer Robotic Assisted Fibroid Removal with the DaVinci Robot from Intuitive Surgical, Inc.  This state of the art system allows us to operate on larger fibroids and those located in difficult locations within the uterus.

Women who do not desire preservation of fertility may elect other treatment options.  Uterine artery embolization uses particles that are placed within blood vessels which feed the fibroids.  This causes a decrease blood flow and reduction in the size of the fibroids, as well as fibroid symptoms.  This procedure is performed by interventional radiologists.  Other options which are being developed include ‘focused ultrasound’ and radiofrequency ablation.  These techniques are not approved for women desiring future fertility.

Fibroids can dramatically effect a woman’s quality of life by causing pain, pressure, and heavy menstrual bleeding.  If fibroids are causing these problems for you, please call to schedule an appointment and look into getting relief.

If you would like more information or to schedule a consultation please call our office.

Dr. Nicholas Montalto
Albany Gynecology & Fertility
130 Everett Road
Albany, NY 12205
518.482.1007