IVF after tubal ligation – cost, success rates & what to expect

If you’ve had a tubal ligation procedure and are now considering starting or growing your family, you might be sorting through a mix of super personal feelings and practical questions.

This kind of specific situation is exactly where advice is best sought from the experts, so we’re back partnering with The Prelude Network®, the largest and fastest-growing network of fertility clinics across the U.S. and Canada, for the quick guide to the key things you can expect.

Here’s exactly what to know about IVF after tubal ligation, including costs, success rates, and what the process actually involves.

Can you do IVF after tubal ligation?

Absolutely. This is because IVF works around the fallopian tubes entirely.

Over to Dr. Ido Feferkorn, reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist at The Reproductive Medicine Group – a leading group of clinics in the Tampa Bay area and part of The Prelude Network® – for the medical detail.

“The first IVF baby, Louise Brown, was born because her mother had “blocked” tubes (in her case not because of ligation),” explains Dr. Feferkorn. “In IVF – since the oocytes (eggs) are taken directly from the ovary, fertilized in the lab and the resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus – in essence the tubes are bypassed.”

That’s one of the reasons IVF is a commonly suggested next step for those who’ve had their tubes tied but now want to try for a pregnancy.

What about mini IVF?

A tubal ligation doesn’t stop you from being a candidate for different IVF protocols, including mini IVF (also known as minimal stimulation IVF).

“The choice of protocol depends on many factors, but a history of tubal ligation does not affect the choice of protocol,” says Dr. Feferkorn. 

In fact, he adds, “The fact that most women who underwent tubal ligation have a history of pregnancy and childbirth is considered a good prognostic factor.”

Mini IVF typically:

• uses lower doses of medication
• aims to retrieve fewer eggs
• may be a good fit for some people based on age, ovarian reserve, or preference

Your doctor can help guide the right approach for your unique fertility profile.

Can you get pregnant with IVF after tubal ligation?

Yes – and your chances are just as good as they’d be without a tubal ligation.

This is because IVF doesn’t rely on your fallopian tubes at all. As long as you’re ovulating, and have acceptable egg quality as well as a healthy uterus, the process remains the same.

What do success rates look like?

“Tubal ligation does not decrease your success rates with IVF,” Dr. Feferkorn confirms.

Factors like your age, ovarian reserve, and overall health will be more relevant to your personal outcome than the fact that you’ve had your tubes tied.

How successful is IVF at 40 after tubal ligation?

By age 40, success rates for IVF do tend to be lower than for those in their 20s or early 30s – but again, that’s due to age, not tubal ligation.

It’s worth speaking with your clinic in detail about testing options (like AMH and antral follicle count) to understand your ovarian reserve, as that’s a key factor in IVF planning at this stage.

What does IVF after tubal ligation cost?

Now, moving away from the process specifics, let’s dive into the key question of cost. 

There’s no separate price for IVF after tubal ligation – the procedure itself is exactly the same. 

Costs for a single IVF cycle in the US typically range from $12,000 to $20,000, depending on:

• your clinic
• location
• what’s included (like medications or embryo freezing)

Some people may also consider tubal ligation reversal as an alternative. 

However, this is a separate surgical procedure and comes with its own cost – often ranging between $6,000 and $15,000 – and there’s no guarantee it will lead to pregnancy.

For many, IVF is the more straightforward, less invasive option – especially if time is a factor.

Will insurance pay for IVF after tubal ligation?

Insurance coverage for IVF is complicated, and whether your plan includes treatment after a tubal ligation can depend on your state, insurance provider, and individual policy. 

Here’s what to know:

• 21 states have some form of fertility coverage laws
• Not all of those states require coverage for IVF specifically
• Some plans exclude coverage if you’ve had voluntary sterilization, like a tubal ligation
• Others (including some employer-sponsored or private plans) do offer IVF benefits regardless of your history

Coverage rules are evolving, so it’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider directly or ask your fertility clinic to help run a benefits check.

The bottom line

In sum, IVF after a tubal ligation is the same as any IVF cycle – there’s no extra surgery or special protocols. The process works around your tubes entirely, and success rates are based on your individual fertility profile, not your ligation.

Costs are similar to any other IVF procedure, and coverage depends on your insurance plan and state laws. It’s a good idea to talk with your clinic about financial options (start with The Prelude Network®’s handy overview here) if you’re concerned about affordability. 

Ready to explore your next steps? The Prelude Network® can help connect you to experienced fertility specialists who understand your situation and can guide you with clarity and support.

Offering the very latest and best in treatment options, science, and patient care, learn more about their services and find a clinic near you here. 

Want to hear more from experts at The Prelude Network®? Read this next: After embryo transfer: day-by-day symptoms, confirmed and debunked