If you’ve had your tubes tied and your family feels complete, you might assume that the door to future pregnancies is closed forever.
But once you start thinking about becoming a gestational surrogate, a new question appears: Can I still be a surrogate if I’ve had a tubal ligation?
Yes, you can still be a surrogate if you had your tubes tied. Tubal ligation prevents natural conception, but it does not prevent you from carrying a baby through gestational surrogacy. Because IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes entirely, women with tied or even removed tubes can still have healthy, full-term surrogate pregnancies.
If you’ve carried healthy pregnancies in the past and feel called to help another family grow, surrogacy may still be completely possible for you.
Here’s what you need to know about tubal ligation, how it affects your eligibility, and what the journey looks like for women in your situation.
What is Tubal Ligation?
Tubal ligation (often called “getting your tubes tied”) is a form of permanent birth control.
During this procedure, the fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or sealed to stop eggs from traveling from the ovaries into the uterus. Without access to the tubes, sperm and egg can’t meet, which prevents natural conception.
It’s one of the most common sterilization procedures because it’s quick, minimally invasive, and requires only small incisions.
Most tubal ligations are performed laparoscopically, using a tiny camera and surgical tools to close the tubes without major surgery or long recovery times.
While tubal ligation permanently stops natural pregnancy, it doesn’t affect your ability to carry a pregnancy. The procedure blocks the path for egg and sperm, but it does not change the health of your uterus.
Tubal Ligation vs. Tubal Removal: What’s the Difference?
Many women use the terms tubal ligation and tubal removal interchangeably, but they’re actually two different procedures, both of which can raise questions about whether pregnancy is still possible. The good news is that neither procedure prevents you from becoming a gestational surrogate.
Here’s how they differ:
Tubal Ligation (Tubes Tied)
Tubal ligation involves blocking or sealing the fallopian tubes so eggs and sperm can’t meet. The tubes are still in place, but they’re just closed off. Because the uterus remains completely healthy and functional, tubal ligation has no impact on your ability to carry a pregnancy created through IVF.
Tubal Removal (Salpingectomy)
In a salpingectomy, one or both fallopian tubes are completely removed. This is sometimes done after ectopic pregnancy, repeated infections, or as part of a sterilization procedure. Even with the tubes removed, the uterus is still intact, meaning an embryo can be transferred directly into the uterus during IVF.
Can You Be A Gestational Surrogate If Your Tubes Are Tied?
Yes, you can still be a surrogate if your tubes are tied. Gestational surrogacy doesn’t require the use of fallopian tubes. To be a surrogate, you physically only need a healthy uterus. You do not need your ovaries or tubes, since the egg will be coming from the intended mother or an egg donor.
Health Conditions That May Affect Eligibility
Certain health conditions may prevent you from becoming a gestational surrogate. These medical factors relate to the safety of pregnancy and are evaluated to protect both you and the baby.
Most agencies and fertility clinics look closely at your past pregnancies and overall health history. Here are some conditions that may affect eligibility:
Pregnancy-Related Conditions
- Preeclampsia or toxemia: A history of severe pregnancy-related hypertension may increase the risk of complications in a future pregnancy.
- Preterm labor or delivery: Delivering significantly early may raise concerns about your ability to carry safely.
- Incompetent cervix: If your cervix opened prematurely in a past pregnancy, additional evaluation may be needed.
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension: Consistent high blood pressure during pregnancy may make surrogacy unsafe.
Uterine or Reproductive Health Concerns
- History of multiple C-sections: Many agencies allow up to three C-sections, but more may raise medical risks.
- Significant uterine abnormalities: Conditions like large fibroids or scarring may interfere with embryo implantation or healthy fetal growth.
General Health Conditions
- Autoimmune disorders: Some conditions may affect pregnancy stability or increase health risks.
- Uncontrolled chronic illnesses (such as diabetes or hypertension): These conditions must be well-managed to support a healthy pregnancy.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, substance use, or high caffeine consumption also affect eligibility.
Another important qualification for gestational surrogates who choose Hatch is that they have had at least one healthy, full-term pregnancy in the past. So if you’ve had a tubal ligation but have never carried a pregnancy to term and delivered a healthy baby, you won’t be eligible to be a gestational surrogate.
In terms of our other health requirements, you must be:
- Between 21 and 42 years old
- A non-smoker, non-drug user who maintains a healthy lifestyle
- Willing to abstain from drinking any alcohol during a pregnancy
- A healthy weight/height ratio, with a body mass index (BMI) of 32 or less. Use this calculator from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to determine your BMI
- Willing to give up or lower caffeine and soda intake for the duration of the pregnancy as prescribed by your OB/GYN
- Able to get a note from your OB/GYN that says you are a good candidate to be a surrogate
- Free from other health conditions that can be exacerbated by pregnancy
- Not directly exposed to second-hand smoke (including both tobacco and marijuana)
These are just the health-related qualifications for becoming a surrogate. You can view our full list of gestational surrogate requirements on our website.
Does Tubal Ligation Affect IVF Success?
No, tubal ligation does not negatively affect IVF success. In fact, IVF was designed specifically to bypass the fallopian tubes, which means the condition of your tubes has no impact on whether an embryo can implant or develop.
During IVF, the embryo is created outside your body and then transferred directly into your uterus. Because your fallopian tubes aren’t involved in the process, having them tied, clipped, or even removed doesn’t change the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
What does matter for IVF success in surrogacy is:
- The health of your uterus
- Your overall reproductive history
- Your ability to carry past pregnancies
- Your OB/GYN’s approval
- A stable, healthy lifestyle
If your doctor confirms that your uterus is healthy and capable of supporting pregnancy, your tubal ligation will not reduce your chances of carrying a successful surrogate pregnancy.
Get Started on Your Surrogacy Journey
If you’re hoping to become a gestational surrogate and you’ve had your tubes tied, you’ll be glad to know that your dream can still happen. If you have any questions about becoming a surrogate, the surrogacy process, compensation, or anything else, we’re happy to answer them.
Since 1991, Hatch has helped bring 3300+ babies into the world. We work with all intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors no matter their sexual preference, relationship status, ethnicity, location, etc. Our personal experiences and years of expertise provide us with the perfect balance of business and passion. Contact us for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogacy After Tubal Ligation
1. Do I Need To Reverse My Tubal Ligation To Become a Surrogate?
No. You do not need a tubal ligation reversal to be a gestational surrogate. IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes entirely, so it doesn’t matter whether your tubes are tied, blocked, or removed.
2. Can I Be a Surrogate If Both of My Fallopian Tubes Were Removed?
Yes. A salpingectomy (removal of the tubes) does not affect your ability to carry a pregnancy. As long as your uterus is healthy and you meet the standard surrogacy requirements, you can still qualify.
3. Does Tubal Ligation Make Pregnancy Riskier for Surrogates?
Not typically. Tubal ligation affects the tubes only, it does not change how your uterus functions. Your medical team will still review your history for safety, but the ligation itself usually poses no added risk.
4. Will Tubal Ligation Affect Embryo Implantation?
No. Embryo implantation happens in the uterus, not the fallopian tubes. Because IVF places the embryo directly into the uterus, tubal ligation has no impact on IVF success or implantation rates.
5. Can I Still Qualify If I Had Complications in Past Pregnancies?
It depends on the type and severity of the complications. Conditions like preeclampsia, preterm labor, or multiple C-sections may require additional review. Your OB/GYN and agency coordinator will help determine whether surrogacy is safe for you.
6. How Long After a Tubal Ligation Do I Need To Wait Before Becoming a Surrogate?
Once you’ve fully healed and meet the standard requirements, such as being at least 9 months postpartum (or 12 months after a C-section), you may qualify. Tubal ligation itself doesn’t require a long waiting period.