Hi all,
I finished treatment for my ovarian ectopic pregnancy a few weeks ago and I was told I would need to wait 6 months before trying to conceive again. I had a single dose of methotrexate then unfortunately ruptured and had an emergency laparoscopy.
Anybody else been told to wait for 6 months? All the forums and online advice I have come accross suggest 3 months and can’t help wondering why I was told 6.
Thanks for reading x
Dear Rach,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss,
We at the Trust and many healthcare professionals advise taking folic acid supplements for 12 weeks before trying to conceive following Methotrexate injection, whether you have had one or 2 injections. This is because the Methotrexate may have reduced the level of folate in your body which is needed to ensure a baby develops healthily. The Methotrexate is metabolised quickly but it can affect the quality of your cells, including those of your eggs and the quality of your blood for up to three months after it has been given. The medicine can also affect the way your liver works and so you need to give your body time to recover properly before a new pregnancy is considered. A shortage of folate could result in a greater chance of a baby having a neural tube defect such as hare lip, cleft palate, or even spina bifida or other NT defects. This is why the “wait” and then taking folic acid for 12 weeks before trying to conceive is so important.
This also gives chance for your body to recover from the ordeal of an ectopic pregnancy, it gives your periods to return to a more normal cycle. This can be key when dating possible future scan dates.
I am not sure why your have been told 6 months, so.I would check with your medical team just to be on the safe side.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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How old are u? When I was deciding Mtx vs surgery I was told 6 months also, they said its because I’m 42 and folate is depleted in older women therefore would need the usual 3 month wait after mtx then another 3 on folic acid after that, otherwise high risk of birth defects
I decided on surgery for this very reason. I felt that 6 month wait ruled out any chance at all of us having another baby
I’m 34 so not sure if it was related to my age.
I certainly wish I had chosen the surgery in hindsight, as I ended up having it anyway.
Thanks for replying 
Hi.
I was told 3-6 months post methotrexate.
I started trying 3 months post methotrexate. No earlier than 3 as egg quality and folate levels are lowered by the methotrexate.
As long as you’re taking your folic acid everyday , I don’t see and issue trying from 3 months.
Wishing you the best xx