Geriatric Pregnancy

Hello,

I started trying to get pregnant around August/September 2020 while being observed by OBGYN. I got pregnant by the end of November and I just experienced ectopic pregnancy on December 14, 2020. I had emergency laparoscopic surgery and my left tube was removed. I’m currently healing. Physically I feel fine, but emotionally it’s like a roller-coaster. I’m going to be 40 in April and I would like to continue trying, of course not until I get the green light from my doctor. Before my ectopic, I had one pregnancy at 38 (nonplanned) which resulted in miscarriage. I have an appointment scheduled with fertility specialist to discuss my options. Any ladies here of similar age with similar experience? Any success stories?

Hi Wisienka408,

I’m so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancies and losses. I know how challenging ttc can be particularly coupled with the sense that we are aging. While I’m not medically qualified to comment on your specific situation, it is good that you have reached out to a fertility specialist to discuss your options.

It’s very normal to have worries about trying to conceive. Many feel that way; I did and still struggle with it. With future pregnancies, it is possible to have early scans to ensure you have the right help in the beginning. It may provide some comfort to know that it is usually possible to conceive successfully after having an ectopic pregnancy, though the time it generally takes varies considerably from couple to couple. Approximately 65 percent of women are healthily pregnant within 18 months of ectopic pregnancy and some studies show this rises to around 85 percent after two years.

On your fertility, the egg from the tubeless side can be picked up by the other Fallopian tube, and that means that fertility is not halved with having a Fallopian tube removed. Conservative estimates suggest that an egg produced on the tubeless side manages to descend the remaining tube around 15 to 20% of the time. This means that rather than your fertility being halved it has been affected by around 30% or, looking at it another way, it means we have around a 70% opportunity of conception with each menstrual (period) cycle.

The Trust advises couples to wait at least two full menstrual cycles or three months before trying to conceive again. This is to allow time for your body to heal and emotions to surface and be worked through. However, you can start taking folic acid now. It is recommended to take folic acid for at least 12 weeks prior to conception. In the UK, the repeat occurrence of an EP is about a 10 percent chance, but looking at it another way, there is a 90 percent chance of the embryo being in the right place.

We understand how nerve-wracking this all can be. These Boards are a safe space, and we here 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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