Only small sections of your tubes were damaged by sterilization. An evaluation of your partner's fertility Women will usually undergo a diagnostic laparoscopy, a surgical procedure that is done to examine the condition of their tubes. Some physicians will require a special test be performed after the couple resumes sexual relations. The success of reversal surgery depends upon the damage done to the tubes by the sterilization operation. Some sterilization methods destroy more tissue than others.
Clips do the least damage, followed by rings and tying methods.
Electrocoagulation does the most damage and is the least reversible. Although sterilization methods that destroy the most tissue are the least reversible, they are believed to be the most effective means of sterilization. This is why electrocoagulation has been widely used in the United States as a method of blocking the tubes. Successful reversal of vasectomy also depends upon the amount of undamaged tube left after sterilization. Ligation damages less tissue than electrocoagulation.