HCG does not go down after tube removal

My left tube was removed 8 weeks ago after an ectopic pregnancy.

My HCG has not been checked along the way: During the past two weeks it went from 300 to 88 (while having strong bleeding) but has now stagnated on 89 for the last week (no more bleeding).

Since we’d like to conceive soon again i really want to avoid MTX, but considering the values I’m assuming I don’t have another chance?

My doctor believes that we just wait and it solves my itself, but is this even possible? Have you experienced that it can naturally go down after stagnating on such a level 8 weeks after surgery?

Dear Tano

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,

Following ectopic pregnancy, it can take a few weeks for hCG levels to fall to non pregnant levels, how long it takes is very individual as it depends upon how high they reached and our unique physiology.

Your surgery was a 8 weeks ago and it is possible that blood tests are still showing hCG from ectopic pregnancy. However, as I am not medically trained I am unable to comment on exactly why they seem to be stagnating and you are doing right thing in speaking to your doctors.

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.

Sending much love,

Karen x

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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