The tubes grow back together or a new passage forms (recanalization) that allows an egg to be fertilized by sperm. Your doctor can discuss which method of ligation is more effective for preventing tubes from growing back together.

How common is it for tubes to grow back together?

In general, about 95 out of every 100 women who get their tubes tied will never become pregnant. But in some cases the tube(s) may grow back together, making pregnancy possible. The risk of pregnancy is higher in women who have a tubal ligation at a young age.

Can you get pregnant without fallopian tubes?

Usually an egg has to travel from the ovaries into the fallopian tube to get fertilized, before continuing down to the uterus. Without the tubes it should be nearly impossible to get pregnant, unless the woman uses in-vitro fertilization, which Kough says she didn't do.