I had a heterotopic pregnancy end of last year (twins where one was ectopic) that resulted in my right fallopian tube being removed.
This month I ovulated on the right side. If I were to fall pregnant this month ( too early to do a test) and it was ectopic, could I feel it on the right side or only the left?
Might seem like a silly question but would like to manage expectations and put any worries aside
Dear Jollywolly,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy losses,
That is a very difficult question to answer. You would think it would be your left side, however some people don’t experience much pain or it can be just generalised tummy discomfort or you can experience referred pain, where the pain is experienced in a different location to the actual source of the pain. What I’m saying is, don’t wait for pain to be on a specific side. If you experience tummy pain and there is a chance of pregnancy, please seek urgent medical advice. Don’t forget to book in for an early pregnancy scan at around 6 weeks with any subsequent pregnancies. It may make you feel more reassured, knowing you are under medical supervision in the early stages.
Also, when a person has only one fallopian tube and both ovaries, they are still able to get pregnant from an egg at the opposite ovary as an egg from one ovary can travel down the tube on the other side. The fallopian tubes are not attached to the ovaries and, at the point of ovulation, some very delicate structures called the fimbriae begin to move gently creating a slight vacuum to suck the egg toward the end of the tube it is nearest to (like lots of little fingers waving and drawing the egg towards it). So, if you have only one tube then there is only one set of receptors working and one set of fimbriae creating a vacuum and so the egg is much more likely to find its way to that tube, whichever ovary it is produced from. Conservative estimates suggest that an egg produced on the tubeless side manages to descend the remaining tube around 15 to 20% of the time.
The chances of a further ectopic after a first in UK is 10%. So that’s 90% chance of the embryo being in right place next time.
While generally it is possible to conceive after an ectopic pregnancy, the amount of time it takes varies from couple to couple. Factors include age, general health, reproductive health and how often you have sex, among other things. It may be comforting to know that 65% of women are successfully pregnant within 18 months of experiencing an ectopic pregnancy and some studies suggest this rises to around 85% after two years.
Making the decision to begin trying to conceive is an emotional rollercoaster compounded by our sad loss. Again, you are not alone. We here emotional support whenever you need us.
Sending much love,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
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If a person has only one fallopian tube due to a surgical removal (such as for an ectopic pregnancy or other medical reasons), the side on which they feel symptoms can vary. The presence or absence of symptoms on a particular side doesn’t necessarily correlate directly with the side of the remaining fallopian tube.
Pain, discomfort, or other symptoms related to the reproductive organs can occur on either side of the body, regardless of whether there’s one or two fallopian tubes [url removed per Trust policy]
. It’s important to note that various factors can contribute to pelvic discomfort or pain, including menstrual cycles, ovulation, gynecological conditions, and other underlying health issues.
If you’re experiencing any unusual or persistent symptoms, such as pain, discomfort, abnormal bleeding, or changes in your menstrual cycle, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate guidance and treatment if needed.