Hi everyone,
Yesterday I was diagnosed with an EP at 6 weeks following a scan and blood work (hCG 224). I started experiencing unusual bleeding and EP symptoms about a week ago, and currently still have consistent lower back pain (labour-like), and generally tired and not myself.
This forum has been a lifeline and incredibly helpful in the last 24 hours – reading your experiences, though often really sad and I really feel for everyone’s losses.
My consultant has presented me with all three treatment options as my blood work, bleeding, and pain are currently stable. I have a follow-up blood test on Monday and have been given the weekend to decide, and instructions in case I experience audden symptoms of a rupture.
I’m leaning towards expectant management as they think my body has already started the process, but worry about the waiting and uncertainty and it dragging out too long. Methotrexate feels like a quicker option, but I’m concerned about the side effects and potential impact on future pregnancies.
Has anyone else been in a similar situation where they could choose their treatment, or could give some feedback on their experience of treatment optionst or considerations or if you could do things differently what would you have done?
Dear springsummer17,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss.
The three treatment options do vary but there is no difference in rates of successful pregnancies between any of the options, meaning which ever option you choose, you have the same chances of a successful future pregnancy.
Expectant management has the least side effects but can be a long drawn out process.
Medical management with methotrexate can speed up the time for hCG to return to normal but does have side effects such a fatigue, however it is much less invasive than surgery.
With all treatments we recommend waiting 2 periods or 3 months before trying to conceive, with methotrexate, it is important to.wait until hCG levels have dropped below 5 and then take folic acid supplements for 12weeks before trying to conceive.
It is a very personalised choice, if you get the choice for treatment and I would write a list of all your questions and concerns with each of the treatment options and discuss these with your doctor.
We have more information on our website here-
https://ectopic.org.uk/treating-an-ectopic-pregnancy
Best wishes,
Karen x
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