Braving second attempt?

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1

Hi, I had a tube removed 2 weeks ago containing my wee Bean. We were trying for 10 months prior and I’d really like to try again asap. The surgeon said my other tube, ovaries, and womb look healthy, so I am optimistic from that. She did say however that top of tub was pinched closed and she needed to open it. Only issue now would be if scar tissue occured from her doing that.

I went to my GP last week to get a sick note for work. When I told her what happened she thought trying naturally was a bad idea and to go straight to IVF. I was gutted. I get to see the surgeon again in Oct, so I’ll ask her.

The Doctors reason was so that I wouldn’t have the trauma of a second ectopic, but from what I’ve read, IVF is prone to ectopic!

Was anyone else advised after ectopic pregnancy to not try naturally? My DH was raging considered Doc did not have much detail to give this advice from. I would have thought trying naturally was the next step, but to monitor HCG levels in first week, then scan at 3 weeks for sac? I really thought IVF was a last resort?

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Hi,

I had surgery to remove my right tube in April and was also advised that all otherwise looked healthy. I was advised to wait 3 months or 2 cycles before trying again, however I was never advised against natural or IVF was never mentioned. 5 weeks after leaving hospital I discovered I was expecting again, all is well and i am currently 19 weeks. I hope this gives you some hope that it is possible to conceive naturally. But if you are concerned maybe discuss it with your surgeon at your follow up appointment.

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Dear The Second one,

I am sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss.

Sadly I am not medically trained socannot give you specific advice on your query.

Usually advice is to try conceiving naturally following a first ectopic pregnancy unless you have been given specific advice not to by a doctor as you are correct in saying that sadly even with IVF there is the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

The chances of a further ectopic after a first in UK is 10%. So that’s 90% chance of the embryo being in right place next time.

While generally it is possible to conceive after an ectopic pregnancy, the amount of time it takes varies from couple to couple. Factors include age, general health, reproductive health and how often you have sex, among other things. It may be comforting to know that 65% of women are successfully pregnant within 18 months of experiencing an ectopic pregnancy and some studies suggest this rises to around 85% after two years.

As a gentle reminder regarding conceiving again, we and many medical professionals advise waiting for two menstrual cycles. It is important to allow time for your body to recover and emotions to surface and be worked through. This is so that you have some comfort that your body is returning to its natural rhythm and you have a last menstrual period date from which to date a new pregnancy - key information in checking you are not suffering from an ectopic pregnancy in the future. The first bleed soon after surgery for ectopic pregnancy is not classed as a period as it is the body’s response to falling hormone levels.

Importantly early scans avail. As soon as you know you are pregnant, contact your local EPU to inform them and book in for an early scan at around six weeks. Remind them of your previous ectopic pregnancy. This self refer route is the best route in our view. Hopefully you will have some comfort to know you are under the radar of medical professionals right away.

Making the decision to begin trying to conceive is an emotional rollercoaster compounded by our sad loss. Again, you are not alone. We here emotional support whenever you need us. There is a specific Preparing for Your Next pregnancy board you can look at too whenever feel ready.

Sending much love,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

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Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

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Wow Kate32! That was quick moving! I’m two weeks in now, I’m so bloated, I couldn’t see me trying so soon. I suppose fear of it happening again will make me wait a wee bit. Congratulations!! It’s great to know there is life after EP. Im hoping once AF comes and goes I’ll feel sexy again! Id say the relief finding out you were pregnant and the first scan knowing all was well was amazing!!! I keep visualizing that.

Thanks Karen, that’s great to know about self referral! I didn’t know I could do that. I really don’t know why my GP was opposed to trying naturally. I’ll check out the next pregnancy board. As much as I’d love to be pregnant straight away, we are going to hold off until Nov. Hopefully I’ll have had 2 normal cycles by then!

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Thank you The second one. It was a big shock as we never planned on trying again especially so soon. I would stick with advice and wait as it is alot mentally and emotionally to take in. I am still struggling with nerves and feeling anxious now even after a number of scans. I hope you get your gorgeous little baby when you feel ready. Good luck.

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Thanks Kate32 :smiley:

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I am going through exact same thing! First ectopic I lost my right tube, this time it was my left, right near ovary in the same place as first.

I saw my consultant today and she said she wouldn’t advise against it naturally as such, just that my chances were high and if I went Ivf I wouldn’t be so anxious, there is ALOT less chance of ectopic. Naturally I would be 20% and IVF 5%