Hello all! This forum has been great help but I want to tell you my story and ask for some advice. I was diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy about two weeks ago. I’ve been in the hospital for a week. Finaly the doctors decided to perform a laparoscopic surgery and save my Fallopian tube. There aren’t many cases like this. Most of you lost your tube during the procedure. It’s been 10 days since the surgery. I’m feeling quite well. Of course I’m worried about my future pregnancies. I found many articles about the procedure, symptoms etc but not so many about the healing process. Can you help me figure out some things. I have some minor crumps and pains in my ovaries (mostly the one where the pregnancy was). I had my stitches removed today. I’m healing ok. When can I start any sexual activity? I mean masturbation, intercourses with condoms anything like that? Can I break anything inside my body during intercourse? When can I start drinking small amounts of alcohol? When should I see my doctor again? Thank you for your answers and support.
Hi,
I had laparoscopy on 13/12, the tube wasn’t raptured, so it stayed. Dr said he would’ve taken it out as chances that it was already bad (thus the ectopic there) are high. I had no methotrexate either, we are doing expectant management. My numbers are dropping, next blood test is on 24/12. My wounds are healing and and rarely sore. I do have some twitches and pulls every now and again, but they said as long as pain can be managed with paracetamol and no heavy bleeding or light headed I should be ok. I think best to wait with sex or working out until your hcg goes below 5 and you get the clear. If you had methotrexate you can’t drink for a while, but if you aren’t on medications or could have a glass or to (I did last night!)You should see your doctor for blood tests and ask him about next step when your hcg is down.
X
Dear pestka,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
With a salpingotomy (ie removing the pregnancy and leaving the tube), there is a very small risk that some of the pregnancy remains in the tube and you should have blood tests to monitor hCG levels as they decrease and see the pregnancy is fully resolved. In a very small number of cases, treatment with methotrexate may also be required (or a further operation needed), if the hCG levels are not decreasing.
Because of this it is important to take things easy until your hCG levels drop to pre pregnancy levels ie below 5mIU/mL.
Regarding intercourse, we advise avoiding anything that increases intra-abdominal pressure. You should take things very easily in the early weeks of treatment and doctors often suggest allowing the body to recover and the first period to arrive before having penetrative sex again - which is around six weeks.
Some couples, however, feel they want to have sex before this time and, ultimately, the decision about when to have penetrative sex again is a very personal one for you and your partner and should be based on when you both feel ready. I absolutely understand wanting to get back to normal on a number of levels - I did too after my ectopic pregnancy - although it is important to bear in mind that your physical recovery needs time especially during your treatment and to allow for your body to heal.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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I resumed sex at hcg 73. I didn’t have surgery though
My hcg gone down to 10 from 400 in 10days, expectant management. My period came as usual/expected, like nothing happened!! I’m well surprised! My scabs are still really thick and itchy, so I think we are going to wait a bit more, I need to see the dr and I want to be ‘discharged’ before we have sex.