Hi everyone 
,
So glad to have found this site, it is a great comfort!!
My partner and I are both 26 and had been TTC number 1 for 18months! I was on my second cycle of clomid when I found out I was pregnant in April. Unfortunately it ended in an ectopic which resulted in me having to have methotrexate at the beginning of may.
I was told not to TTC for 3 months after the injection. I doubled up on my vitamins until my hcg levels went back to 0 and then carried on as normal afterwards.
We are able to start trying again next month and I’m just wondering how likely it is that I will conceive quickly? I’m dreading it taking another 18 months.
I’ve heard once you become pregnant once it’s easier to conceive again. I don’t know whether this is true? Am i likely to become pregnant quicker this time? How log should I expect to wait!
I’m so nervous about it happening again but want to start TTC again as soon as possible!! Thanks
Hi Sunshine
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss after the rollercoaster that you have been on. You are welcome here with us for as long as you need and we will do our best to help however we can.
To answer your question, after being treated with Methotrexate, you should wait until your hCG levels have fallen to below 5mIU/mL and then take a folic acid supplement for 12 weeks before you try to conceive. This is because the Methotrexate may have reduced the level of folate in your body which is needed to ensure a baby develops healthily. The Methotrexate is metabolised quickly but it can affect the quality of your cells, including those of your eggs and the quality of your blood for up to three months after it has been given. The medicine can also affect the way your liver works and so you need to give your body time to recover properly before a new pregnancy is considered. A shortage of folate could result in a greater chance of a baby having a neural tube defect such as hare lip, cleft palate, or even spina bifida or other NT defects.
The time it generally takes to successfully conceive after an ectopic pregnancy varies considerably from woman to woman. This can be affected by factors including age, general health, reproductive health and how often you have sex (intercourse). Overall, 65% of women are healthily pregnant within 18 months of an ectopic pregnancy and some studies suggest this figure rises to around 85% over 2 years. I wish I could give you more definitive answers but unfortunately, we don’t have access to your medical records to comment on your circumstances, but I hope that I can offer comfort in saying that it is usually possible to conceive.
I absolutely understand those conflicting feelings you are describing - on the one hand, we count down the days until we can start trying again while at the same time having concerns about what might be lurking around the corner. I felt the same way after my ectopic pregnancy and importantly there is help with the next pregnancy both practically with an early scan at around six weeks to check that the embryo is in the uterus and also emotionally with us here where you can ask us any questions and express your feelings in a safe, supportive arena.
Sending you lots of good wishes and do let me know if I can help any further.
Munira
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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.