Last august I had a hysterosalpingography (dye is injected into the uterus and monitored with an xray machine to ensure tubes are clear) as part of fertility investigations, which showed lovely clear fallopian tubes. However, now, having had an ectopic pregnancy, and treated with MTX there is a chance that there will be a blockage from the remnants of this pregnancy lingering in the tube. As a non medical professional, it would therefore make sense to me that I would be offered another hysterosalpingography in a few months time to check for any blockage now. When I mentioned this to my consultant yesterday he seemed genuinely shocked that this might be something logical to do, but agreed that it would make sense.
Has anyone here had one of these done after MTX? Or have you heard of it being done?
In the UK, women aren’t routinely scanned or offered additional investigations to see if a mass is still present before ttc again.
Following methotraxate injections, we and many healthcare professionals recommend to 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 generally also allows time for any mass to be naturally reabsorbed.
It is generally possible to conceive after an ectopic pregnancy. The time it takes to conceive successfully after an ectopic pregnancy varies considerably from couple to couple. This can be affected by factors including age, general health, reproductive health and how often you have intercourse (sex). Overall, 65% of women are healthily pregnant within 18 months of an ectopic pregnancy. Some studies suggest this figure rises to around 85% over two years.
Sadly, it is not possible to stop an ectopic pregnancy from happening. Importantly, help is available with future pregnancies with an early scan at around six weeks gestation to check that the embryo is in the right place. We are here too for emotional support, as and when you need us. We also have a specific board, Preparing for your next Pregnancy which you can look at as and when you feel ready- http://www.ectopic.org.uk/talk/viewforum.php?f=3
Sending much love,
Karen x
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Thanks Karen. I spoke to my gynae and GP about this as I suffer badly from anxiety and both have agreed that if it will alleviate some of my anxiety I can get an ultrasound a few months after the hcg levels are less than 5 to see if the mass is still there, and then a hsg to check tubal patency before ttc again. I’m very lucky that my GP knows me well, and knows my history both with mental illness and the fertility problems we have encountered.