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

Dear Stephy90,

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

Experiencing an ectopic pregnancy is a huge ordeal and you are in the early stages of recovery. Your body needs time to heal from your surgery which is in itself a gruelling task. You have also had to process the loss of your baby and been through an immense rollercoaster of emotions - all of this will take time to come to terms with.

You should take it very easily for about six weeks after surgery. Your body will be using its energies to heal internally. It is normal to feel physically and emotionally exhausted during this time and please do be kind to yourself. Recovery can take time and some days will be better than others, one day you maybe ok and the next you maybe in discomfort or more emotional. This is perfectly usual and the healing process will go back and forth in this way for however long you need. It is important to listen to your body’s signals and pain and feeling tired are your body’s signs to tell you to rest. We suggest keeping a healthy balanced diet, drinking lots of water and resting. Once your wounds have healed, very gentle exercise such as a short walk can help, but please do take this slowly.

I think the best advice would be to resume a physical relationship when you feel physically and emotionally strong enough to do so however as you have mentioned, before you can have a period you have to ovulate. It is possible to ovulate within 14 days after surgical treatment so it is possible to become pregnant without having a proper period first if you are not using some form of contraception.

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.

Above all be kind to yourself and allow time to grieve, to heal both physically and emotionally.

Sending much love,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering or fundraising?

Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

The latest EPT newsletter is out now! You can take a look at the Winter edition and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters

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

3

Dear Stephy90

First of all I’d like to say I’m sorry for your loss. Going through an ectopic is an incredibly difficult thing to have to endure and can play havoc on your emotions and physical and mental wellbeing.

I’m 8 weeks post OP of having keyhole to remove my right tube after finding out I was pregnant. My husband, like yours, was very reluctant to resume physically intimacy even though I felt ready. I think it was a week after op that we resumed. There’s some discomfort, not pain, the first couple times but it very quickly fades. Just make sure it’s comfortable for you both and remember to speak to him and how he feels and his reasons as to why he’s reluctant. I did with my husband and it brought us a tad closer because we communicated about how it affected him and what he felt which I think is often overlooked because they weren’t the ones to have to physically go though what we have. We’ve been ttc again ever since and I have had a normal period since my op so I’m glad that it’s gone back to normal. Definitely no harm in ttc when you feel ready to. Fingers crossed for you xx

4

Dear Deanna,

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

I am glad you feel comfortable physically and emotionally to start TTC again, however I hope you don’t mind me mentioning as a gentle reminder, that 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

If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering or fundraising?

Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

The latest EPT newsletter is out now! You can take a look at the Winter edition and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters

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

5

Hi Deanna and Karen,

Thank you both for your responses I appreciate the advice.

I accept that I need to wait until I am both physically and emotionally ready to TTC again but I feel frustrated as it’s just like I’m waiting around, especially in the current circumstances.

Thank you for responding Deanna as it’s nice to hear from somebody who has personal experience as I don’t know anyone personally who has been through this so I struggle to talk to people who can relate.

My husband and I have since been intimate and your right Deanna, although a little uncomfortable at first that did quickly pass. It has definitely brought us closer and made us stronger as a couple too. If you don’t mind me asking, I am just wondering how long after your surgery you had your first period? I ovulated a week and a half later and I am still waiting my period 2 and a half weeks after that!

I hope for both of us that the wait is not to long and we both have healthy pregnancies and babies.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you too.

Steph xxx