Reproductive outcome after sterilization reversal in women of advanced reproductive age

Objective: Our objective was to assess the clinical outcome of tubal revers al in women of advanced reproductive age. Methods: A multicenter retrospective chart review of 153 patients who under went a tubal ligation reversal was carried out. Patients were evaluated acc ording to age. All patients had documented ovulation and a partner with a n ormal semen analysis by WHO criteria. Outcome measures included rates of cl inical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, and live birth, and the time to conception. Results: Clinical pregnancy rates were significantly lower in women greater than or equal to 40 compared to younger groups. The time to conception was significantly shorter for women <30 compared to women greater than or equa l to 35. No pregnancies occurred in women greater than or equal to 42. Conclusions: Our data support the judicious use of sterilization reversal f or infertile women with no malefactor through their early forties. Women gr eater than or equal to 42 years should be especially counseled as to the ve ry low success rates.