I had an ectopic resulting in removal of my left tube back in May. I had a period 3 weeks later than went on the contraceptive patch and have had another two periods. I am desperate to start trying again but terrified of a repeat ectopic. Would you say it was safe to start trying again? Have I left it long enough? Anyone wanting to share experiences would be great x
Hi Frantastic
I absolutely understand the mix of emotions that comes with thinking about trying to conceive after an ectopic pregnancy. I had my right tube removed after my ectopic pregnancy and was so scared about what may lie around the corner when we started trying again. There’s that feeling of wanting a child so much but nervousness that it might happen again. You are definitely not alone in your emotions.
We and other medical professionals advise you wait for at least three months or two full menstrual periods before trying to conceive to allow your cycle to return and for there to be a clear Last Menstrual Period date from which to date a new pregnancy - information that is key in ensuring you are not suffering from another ectopic pregnancy in the future. As this timeframe has passed, physically you are able to try to conceive again unless your doctors have specifically mentioned waiting longer for your personal circumstances.
The physical aspect of being ready to try again is just one part of the picture. importantly, both you and your partner need to be ready emotionally as well to try to conceive again and together face whatever may lie in your future. There is no timeframe for this and only you know when you are ready. If this takes a few more weeks or longer then that is absolutely fine.
I hope you don’t mind my sharing part of my experience too. After my ectopic, it took me a good while just to get into a frame of mind where I wanted to be intimate with my husband. After the trauma we had been through (and after waiting for at least two cycles to pass), we decided to keep things relaxed and get our emotional and physical relationship back to where we were. Of course, everyone is different and this approach suited us but it was almost like getting to know each other again and helped take the pressure off any expectations.
I hope that this helps and look after yourself.
Munira
x
If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering?
Email us at ept@ectopic.org.uk. Our helpline is 020 7733 2653 (available Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm).
Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team.
Thank you for your reply. I am so grateful for this website it has been a wealth of information and support for me since my ectopic. I was wondering if you don’t mind me asking whether you successfully managed to conceive after your ectopic and if so how long trying before you did. I’m 30 and don’t want to wait much longer as I feel that time is running out biologically.
Hi
You’re most welcome and please do feel free to ask me any questions you wish.
I am fortunate to say I have managed to conceive successfully after my ectopic pregnancy and during my early scan the sonographers could see the corpus luteum and said I had ovulated from my tubeless side. I had read the stats of conceiving again and the remaining tube picking up the egg from the tubeless side and for me it truly sunk in on hearing personal stories. I hope this snippet from my own experience can similarly give you comfort.
I was 32 when I suffered my ectopic pregnancy and know that feeling of time ticking by, too. We had been trying for a few months when I conceived. We tried to relax as much as we could while we were TTC which I know is easier said than done!!
Anything else I can help with, just let me know.
Love
Munira
If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering?
Email us at ept@ectopic.org.uk. Our helpline is 020 7733 2653 (available Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm).
Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team.
Thank you for all your advice and support this page is brilliant.
I have one final question. I have recently given up smoking using Nicotine repayment therapy as I want to be in the best possible health when I start trying to conceive again and know smoking is a risk factor in ectopic pregnancy. I was not a heavy smoker before and was wondering how long I should be smoke free for before trying again. I will be seeking professional medical advice next week but was wondering in the mean time if you have any idea.
As I said before I am desperate for another baby but after 2 miscarriages and an ectopic I want to do everything I can to prevent another loss. I am thankful to be blessed with a gorgeous 16 month old daughter but am longing for her to have a brother or sister x