Methotrexate treatment

Main Board
1

Hello, I have a question regarding symptoms with methotrexate treatment. I was given one shot on 27th Jan for an ectopic pregnancy. In the first week I had pain and began to bleed which I was told was normal. Since then my HCG has lowered week by week and I have bled on and off since without much pain. Last week I was told my HCG was 17 and I have just started bleed again, but with bad cramping. It has eased but I’m still tender. Is this normal? Do you tend to bleed and cramp when HCG gets to non-pregnant levels? Thanks.

2

Dear Suzie,

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

I personally found my bleeding and abdominal pain worsened as my hCG levels lowered. I think this bleeding is still treatment related but could possibly be a period as most women find that their first period arrives at some time in the four weeks after their hCG levels have fallen to below 100 mIU/mL. According to a study for women who had methotrexate treatment for an ectopic pregnancy in a Fallopian tube, periods generally return to normal after an average of 24 days (range of 24–38 days) from the pregnancy ending, which is why I feel your symptoms may be more likely to be treatment related.

It should settle soon but if it gets heavier or pain worsens or you are concerned concerned, please seek medical advice.I

Sending much love,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards

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

Take a look at our newsletters 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

Thank you x

4

I was still bleeding at a hcg of 16 which was when I was discharged from the hospital. I continued to bleed another 2 weeks.