Pregnancy after bilateral tubal ligation

Thanks to IVF, Nicole was able to become a mother despite having endometriosis and having both fallopian tubes removed.

Nicole and Steven were high school sweethearts and married when they were adults with careers of their own. Like many couples, they wanted to start a large family with children. Nicole was confident because her family always told her that women of color would not struggle with fertility issues because it was inborn. She just had to relax and wait for it to happen naturally.

But after a year of trying to conceive without success, Nicole and Steven decided to see a fertility specialist for treatment, even though they were worried that the cost would be too much to bear and would add to their debt. “Cost is a barrier for many parents seeking fertility treatment, even though they have insurance and other options to help with treatment,” Nicole said.

In January 2020, the couple underwent tests and opted for intrauterine insemination (IUI). They had two unsuccessful IUIs. Then the Covid-19 pandemic hit, forcing them to reconsider. They wanted to pursue more aggressive treatment, but spent several months researching how they could afford the hospital bills and remaining positive as they approached their IVF journey.

Nicole and Steven happily prepare to welcome their son Alexander. Photo: Illume Fertility — Nicole and Steven happily prepare to welcome their son Alexander. Photo: *Illume Fertility*

In November 2020, Nicole had her eggs retrieved, which produced six healthy embryos, but she and her husband opted to freeze them instead of transferring them fresh because tests showed blocked fallopian tubes. A few months later, Nicole underwent surgery to remove both fallopian tubes. However, things did not stop there, she was diagnosed with endometriosis. Instead of being disappointed and sad, Nicola felt relieved to know why she and her husband had struggled to conceive for all these years.

After the successful surgery, Nicole focused on resting, taking care of herself and recovering before undergoing the first frozen embryo transfer in March 2021. The two weeks of waiting were described by Nicole as the longest period of their lives. Finally, luck smiled on the couple when the first embryo transfer was successful.

"I burst into tears of joy the first time I saw my son's tiny heartbeat during the ultrasound. Infertility treatment can be both exciting and challenging for many infertile patients, but holding the long-awaited baby in my arms is always wonderful," she said.

Nine months later, Nicole and Steven were delighted to welcome their healthy son, Alexander, into the world. They are now enjoying every moment of parenthood. They plan to return to the fertility clinic this summer for another embryo transfer in the hopes of having another child.

Nicole and Steven plan to give their son a sibling this summer. Photo: Illume Fertility — Nicole and Steven plan to give their son a sibling this summer. Photo: *Illume Fertility*

Looking back on her fertility journey, Nicole advises couples to trust their doctors and do everything in their power to make themselves feel comfortable and at peace, whether that means talking openly with others or choosing to keep the treatment process private. She also suggests that women find something to make themselves happy and stay positive, such as participating in recreational activities, exercising, dating friends, traveling ... instead of just thinking about fertility treatment.

Nhu Y ( According to Illume Fertility )

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