One tube removed

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1

Hi just a little brief,

I had an ectopic in January which was treated with methotrexate- come June and I had another ectopic which resulted in surgery and my left tube being removed. The surgeon did say that I have more of chance of having a liable pregnancy now and my right tube appeared to be healthy. My question is if we was to try again would I end up damaging my right tube ? The chances of having another ectopic I’ve read increases each time and with me already having 2 ectopics. I’m scared that I may have a third and damage my tube.

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Hi Wishingonastar12,

I am so sorry that you have experienced these ectopic pregnancies and losses. While I’m not medically qualified to comment on your specific situation, it is very good that your right tube is healthy.

We naturally assume that we will ovulate from alternative ovaries each month (left ovary, right ovary, left, right, etc.) This is not true and varies from woman to woman. Some women will ovulate from the same side each month with occasional ovulation from the other side, while others will ovulate randomly from side to side.

Both ovaries compete each month to produce an egg, and usually, the one that is ‘pulling ahead in the race’ continues while the other one gives up (but not always – sometimes women will ovulate from both ovaries in one cycle or twice from one ovary but these are rare events that explain how we get non-identical twins naturally). It depends on which ovary contains the egg that is at the right stage of development at the point in time when the woman is due to ovulate and has nothing to do with a set pattern. The side we ovulate from does not strictly matter, as an egg from one ovary can travel down the tube on the other side.

In my own case, with ruptured two ectopics, one right tube removed and one cornual, I conceived from my left side tube, twice.

Please be kind to yourself and take all the time you need in trying to conceive. We experience both physical and emotional trauma in ectopic pregnancy, and our physical health often improves first. We are here for you too, for as long as you need.

With many good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

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Hi Michele, thank you for responding- it gives me hope that maybe one day it will happen.

Just the anxiety takes over and the waiting game feels so long.

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Hey there,

I had a very similar experience, with my first EP treated with MTX and my second one resulting in a salpingectomy, both on the same side. I found out a few weeks ago that I was pregnant for a third time. This time, they were able to locate the gestational sac in my uterus at 5.5 weeks, and we got to date the pregnancy and see a little heartbeat two weeks later. I’m now at 9 weeks, so still early, but I wanted to share in case it helps you hope for a better outcome. Like you, I had big fears that my last tube might get damaged/not be better than the first. I had also been told my remaining tube ‘looked good’ after my surgery and to try again and see what happens.

Turned out well for me. I hope it will for you too! I’m here if you want to chat :slight_smile:

Take care,

Cam xo

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Congratulations cam !!! I bet it was the best feeling ever to hear the heartbeat.

Thank you for sharing your story with me and giving me some hope. I was just wondering how long after surgery did you TTC ? Thank you again for sharing with me it does help for me to think it can happen.

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Hey Wishingonastar12,

Thanks :slight_smile: My second EP was treated late Oct 2023 and my period returned by Dec, if I recall correctly. I don’t know how you’ve handled it, but after both EPs, I noticed that while I’d have said we were TTC, I was kind of avoiding havign sex when it mattered because I was feeling scared of another pregnancy. So I’d say we started TTC around March/April, though we didn’t use contraception in 2024. I got pregnant in May.

I hope this helps! I definitely felt an urge to try again to find out if it could work, mixed with lots of fear. I’d give yourself some time if you feel you need it. Such a roller coaster!

Xo Cam

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Definitely is a rollercoaster of emotions. Not sure what is it right or wrong. And I know my anxieties will be through the roof really need to heal before we TTC. Just feel like I’ve not got much time left.

Really happy for you cam, and thank you much for replying to me-

Do feel like I’m going out of mind we have a been referred to a clinic in oct but for the testing to take place I need to be at non pregnancy level for 3 months so in my head I’m feeling like I’m going to be missing opportunities to be told to try naturally.

Lots of love k x

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Hey there,

Yeah I can only imagine - waiting does feel hard when you have no certainty about the outcome… my doctor had told me he would only refer me to a fertility clinic after 6 months of trying. I remember being a bit frustrated at the time in case it would just be a ‘wasted’ 6 months, though for us it did work out in the end. Whatever you do, you’re doing the best you can with the guidance you receive. I really hope things will turn up for you. I know it feels like forever waiting, so be kind to yourself!

Do update me on what happens/if you need to chat about anything. Xo