Another ectopic, what treatment should I do?

Loops · 25 May 2020 15:48

Hello all. I’m newly pregnant (4W+5) and the EPU thinks that it is another ectopic, which will be my 3rd in a year.

I have a daughter who is 2, my 1st ectopic was managed expectantly, it was pretty much over by the time I went to the hospital. The 2nd I had a salpingectomy in January of this year.

Since then I’ve had a hycosy which showed that my remaining tube was clear, but today they think they saw another ectopic - I go back in on Wednesday for a proper diagnosis.

I’m obviously overwhelmed and gutted but I wondered if anyone has chosen between methotrexate and surgery? I would love another child but don’t want this panic of an ectopic if I fall pregnant again, plus the side effects of methotrexate seem severe so I don’t know what course of action to take. Any advice on how to make the decision or your own experiences of the decision that you made? Thank you x

EPT_Host_20 · 26 May 2020 18:45

Dear Loops,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancies and the worrying time you are going through.

Sadly I am not medically trained so cannot give you specific advice on your choices.

If you are diagnosed as having an ectopic pregnancy and are stable, with pulse and blood pressure within normal limits, and there is no heavy bleeding or severe pain, and if there are no signs of dizziness or fainting, the doctor will be able to discuss various treatment options with you. It will depend upon your hCG levels and if there is any fluid in your abdomen on a scan.

Both surgery and methotrexate injection have their pros and cons in terms of side effects and recovery time. I personally had methotrexate injection, the main side effects for me were fatigue and tummy pains but these settled well.

What I would say is that methotrexate has been developed as a less invasive method of treatment than surgery. It maybe comforting to know that studies suggest that the chances of successful pregnancy are not significantly different between treatment methods ie. whether having a tube removed of methotrexate.

We have more advice on treatment options here- https://ectopic.org.uk/patients/treatment/

I would advise speaking through your options with your medical team who will have access to your medical notes and recent test results.

We will be here for you for as long as you need.

Sending much love and warm hugs,

Karen x

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Loops · 26 May 2020 22:05

Thank you Karen. At this point I just want it all over with, and I’m not sure that I can stand going back in to hospital numerous times to monitor my hcg levels, risk or rupture etc, I just want to be done! x

pammy3 · 1 July 2020 19:30

Hi,

So sorry to hear about what you’ve been through. I suffered an ectopic last year (expectant management). Just found out pregnant again now, but have started to have light spotting and can feel twinges in the same place as last year. Having bloods done as scan was too early yet to diagnose 2nd ectopic, but I have a feeling it is.

What treatment did you go for? I feel like I want this bloody tube gone! Also had Hycosy dye test which said tubes were clear, but it seems faulty to me!

Any advice greatly appreciated as want to prepare for the worst and they often make you decide pretty quickly!

x

EPT_Host_20 · 4 July 2020 07:36

Hi Pammy3,

I am so sorry to hear of the confusing time you are going through.

Sadly I am not medically trained so cannot give you specific advice on your queries. The treatment choice would be a discussion between you and your Dr and would depend on your hCG levels, scan findings and past medical history. Please do not feel you should be rushed into making a decision. If you have questions or concerns, write them down so you don’t forget to ask and this also ensures you get all the information you need to make a decision that’s right for you.

For now, I am sending positive thoughts and much love,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards

During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.