How soon can you TTC after an ectopic

Preparing For Your Next Pregnancy
1

Hi,

I had my first pregnancy which turned out to unfortunately be ectopic and I had emergency surgery to remove my right tube as it ruptured. I am 11 days post surgery and ovulating. My consultant told me I can try again as soon as I feel ready which I do but to preferably wait until my first period as this makes things easier to know how far along I will be if I were extremely lucky enough to conceive.

What I am wondering is, how soon can you have sex following this kind of surgery, as my husband is anxious to do so more than me. I feel really flat at the moment not being able to feel like we are trying TTC and like I’m wasting time. I have wanted a baby for so long and my first pregnancy was cut so short and quickly.

Any advice or words of hope would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

2

Hi Stephy90,

While there is no clear, researched evidence on how long a woman should wait to try to conceive after having treatment for ectopic pregnancy, we and other medical professionals advise you wait for at least three months or two full menstrual cycles (periods) before trying to conceive for both physical and emotional reasons.

Physically, this timeframe is to allow your cycle to return and for there to be a clear Last Menstrual Period (LMP) date to be able to date a new pregnancy from. The LMP date is what is used to decide when to scan a pregnancy; information that is invaluable in ensuring you are not suffering from another ectopic pregnancy.

The first proper period you have after an ectopic pregnancy is likely to be heavier than usual and the second more like your usual period. A normal period would suggest you are hormonally ready to be able to try to conceive. Having two periods can also give an idea of menstrual cycle length, which may be different for a few months after your ectopic before settling back into its usual rhythm.

This wait allows the internal inflammation and bruising from the ectopic and any associated treatment to heal.

In addition to the physical aspects of ectopic pregnancy, many women also feel an intense emotional impact. Taking time before trying to conceive again enables the necessary process of grief to surface and be worked through. The emotional recovery that is often needed can be significant and many underestimate this aspect. Some studies suggest that women who conceive immediately after treatment for ectopic pregnancy are more at risk of suffering a subsequent ectopic and, as painful as it is to think about, the incidence of miscarriage (which is not linked to an ectopic pregnancy) is 1 in 5 pregnancies, so taking that extra bit of time enables you some emotional recovery to feel strong enough to face whatever is coming next should there be further bad news.

However, you can start taking folic acid now. It is recommended to take folic acid for at least 12 weeks prior to conception.

We understand how nerve-wracking this all can be. We are here for you, for emotional support too, and these Boards are a safe space for you. We here for as long as you need.

With good wishes,

Michele

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