Do I need to wait a cycle to TTC after expectant management?

Preparing For Your Next Pregnancy
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My ectopic has been remedied through expectant/conservative management - my HCG did drop naturally over several weeks and never got too high.

A scan when my HCG had dropped to 23 showed a 16mm something on my right tube.

I am lead to understand that after my HCG drops to zero (or under 5), it is likely that much of this will have passed (I have actually been bleeding the entire time - 35 days now), OR my body will reabsorb the little that is left over.

My question is: how long does this re-absorption take? I want to start TTC right away, however I’m worried that if there is any trace of anything left in my R tube at all, that I will have another ectopic in that tube.

The reason I would love to get pregnant next cycle is that our due date would then be my Husband’s Grandmother’s 100th birthday, and as she is so precious to us that would feel so special.

Am I kidding myself or will I absolutely have to wait another full cycle after hitting zero?

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Hi GogoZ,

I am so sorry to hear that you have experienced this ectopic pregnancy and loss. It can be a confusing time and leave us with many questions. Unfortunately, I’m not medically qualified to speak to your specific situation. However, the reabsorption process is different for each woman. It is important to continue having blood tests until your levels are under 5.

At that point, it is fine to start trying to conceive. You may want to wait for another cycle in order to be better able to time the pregnancy, as it can take some time for periods to re-establish themselves, and their timing may be different. The likelihood of future ectopic pregnancies is around 10% in the UK. That means there’s a 90% chance of correct placement. However, it’s also important to remember to take it in your own time. It’s impossible to schedule a pregnancy, even if we desire to. You may find that emotions surface, and I encourage you to be compassionate with yourself as you ttc.

We are here for you throughout and for as long as you need.

With good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

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

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Hi,

I am going through this process at the moment too after finding out my pregnancy was ectopic last Tuesday. Hcg levels at 162 as of today. Can I ask what levels you started with? Mine was 319 on Tuesday.

As for your scan - our nurse told us that ectopic pregnancies often never completely go away on scans and may show as an ‘imprint’ on your tube, sort of like a mark of where they used to be. I had asked the question about whether we’d get a scan to confirm everything had cleared once hormone levels are at zero, and she said no for that reason.

Sian

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Thanks for that Michelle.

That’s really interesting Sian!

My highest level was only 168 at that was on 08/04. Then my last known level was 16 on 28/04.

I have a blood test at the hospital booked again for 05/05 but wouldn’t you know it - first day of no bleeding and no spotting - and I’ve tested positive for the 'Rona.