Mass after treatment

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1

Hi there,

I had an ectopic pregnancy in January and was treated with 2 x methotrexate shots and I attended a bloodtest every week until my HGC level dropped. 6 weeks later my period returned and yesterday I went to see my gynaecologist who did a scan to check everything out. She could still see a mass where she thought the ectopic pregnancy was and has referred me to a hospital to have an ultrasound and also to have another blood test. Has this happened to anyone else before? I am worried what the mass might be - she wants to check it is scar tissue and I am worried what this means and for my future fertility. I am feeling very deflated as I was really hoping yesterday the scan would show everything is OK and I could try to move on from this chapter but now feel very much stuck and now more worried than previously.

Anyone with any tales to tell please do. In need of a pick me up! the hospital also said when I tried to make an appointment that they can’t fit me in until June. I am not happy about the prospect of waiting for this and have raised it with my gyno to see if she can pull any strings. Just all feels very much up in the air!

Many thanks xxx

2

Hey lovely,

I’m so sorry for your loss.

They identified my ectopic on 28th November and confirmed it was gone the last week of Jan. During that period I had several scans because of different levels of bleeding and pain and the whole time the mass stayed the same size, and my doctor said sometimes we have scarring and the mass doesn’t go. When my HCG levels got to 15 they told me to wait 2 weeks and take a pregnancy test, if negative call them and they’ll discharge me. Because they wouldn’t do a scan to check if the mass had gone I went back to my GP and said I had pain (I know I know it’s cheeky but it was the only way I’m taken seriously) and they arranged the scan a week later and it brought such peace of mind. So maybe lay it on a little thicker?

I hope they see you soon! It’s not good for the mind to leave you waiting so long

Xx

3

Thanks so much for replying! I’m feeling so anxious about everything it’s really ruining the Easter weekend! Xxx

4

Dear Stef,

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

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 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.

Sending much love,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

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