Hello, new here. I had a tube removal in January and never missed a period apart from then. I’m now 21 days late for mine but getting negative tests. I’m worried about if there’s less hormone levels because of my missing tube and the doctors say to just take tests until either a positive test or a period shows. Has anyone else had this issue?
Dear Lotus bloom,
Periods can be delayed for any number reasons including stress and weight loss. I would continue to test using early morning urine samples and if you do not have your next expected period please speak to your doctor again.
If you experience and abdominal pain, unusual bleeding or feel dizzy and unwell, please seek urgent medical advice.
Sending much love,
Karen x
Dear Lola,
I am so sorry to hear of the worrying time you are going through.
Unfortunately I am not medically trained in the use of that medication so I cannot give you advice on this and would suggest asking your medical team or GP.
Not knowing what is happening to our bodies can be extremely overwhelming and you have friends here who understand.
When there is a positive pregnancy test but no evidence of pregnancy on a scan this is know as a Pregnancy of Unknown Location (PUL). It is important to understand that a PUL is not a diagnosis; it is a label given until the final location of the pregnancy can be identified with certainty. In the event of a PUL, blood will be taken to measure serum progesterone and hCG and the hCG test repeated 48 hours later. The doctors would also want to repeat the scan. Until the location of the pregnancy is known definitively or the serum hormone levels have decreased to below pregnancy levels, there is a risk of complications associated with an as yet undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy. Whilst I do not wish to alarm you, for every 100 pregnancies labelled as a PUL about 10 will subsequently be found to be ectopic; but not all of these will need treatment. If treatment is required, (methotraxate injection or surgery) this will depend on the results of blood tests and scans and I would discuss this further with you Dr.
We would gently remind you to not undertake any strenuous exercise or lifting or housework while you are.being investigated. While I do not want to alarm you, there remains the risk of rupture even with low or declining hCG levels and you should seek urgent medical advice with any worsening bleeding or abdominal pain or you feel dizzy and unwell.
I am sorry that I cannot provide you with more precise details but I hope all becomes much clearer over the forthcoming blood tests and scans.
We are here for you for as long as you need,
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
During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.
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
Thank you for the reply,
It’s frustrating not knowing what’s going on but hopefully there’s some answers soon
I’ll keep doing tests and calling the doctors if it stays the same
