Live delivery outcome after tubal sterilization reversal: a population-based study

ObjectiveTo determine the cumulative incidence of live delivery in women who underwent reversal of tubal sterilization.DesignPopulation-based retrospective cohort study.SettingHospitals in Western Australia.Patient(s)All women aged 20–44 years, with a history of hospital admission for tubal sterilization, who subsequently underwent reversal of sterilization during the period 1985 to 2009 in Western Australia (n = 1,898).Intervention(s)Data regarding reversal of sterilization and prior tubal sterilization were extracted from routinely collected administrative hospital separation records, until commencement of IVF treatment.Main Outcome Measure(s)First live-delivery rates.Result(s)There were 969 first live deliveries observed during the study period. The overall cumulative live-delivery rate was 20% (95% confidence interval [CI] 18–23) within the first year after reversal, 40% (95% CI 38–42) at 2 years, 51% (95% CI 48–53) at 5 years, and 52% (95% CI 50–55) at 10 years. The 5-year cumulative live-delivery rate was significantly lower in women who were aged 40–44 years (26%) compared with younger women (aged 20–29, 30–34, and 35–39 years) (50%, 56%, and 51%, respectively).Conclusion(s)Women undergoing reversal of sterilization before they reach age 40 years have at least a 50% chance of delivering a live baby within the next 5 years. Up to that age, there is no significant difference in live deliveries. The live-delivery rate halves after the age of 40 years.