Dear Amandat8,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
Our main concern regarding sexual intercourse following treatment with methotraxate is penitration as sadly, there is still the chance of rupture with low or declining hCG levels. 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 medical treatment and to allow for your body to heal.
I hope you don’t mind me mentioning your holiday, you did not elaborate on your mode of travel or how far you were travelling. We would not recommend travelling far from your EPU until your hCG levels are at pre pregnancy levels due to the continued risk of rupture with low or declining levels.
If you are travelling abroad prior to being discharged from your EPU and have travel insurance, I would recommend informing your travel insurance company to insure your insurance remains valid should you need to use it.
As a gentle reminder regarding ttc following Methotrexate, you should wait until your hCG levels have fallen to below 5mIU/mL (your doctor will advise you when this is through blood tests) and then take a folic acid supplement for 12 weeks before you try to conceive. This is because the Methotrexate may have reduced the level of folate in your body which is needed to ensure a baby develops healthily. The Methotrexate is metabolised quickly but it can affect the quality of your cells, including those of your eggs and the quality of your blood for up to three months after it has been given. The medicine can also affect the way your liver works and so you need to give your body time to recover properly before a new pregnancy is considered. A shortage of folate could result in a greater chance of a baby having a neural tube defect such as hare lip, cleft palate, or even spina bifida or other NT defects. This is why the “wait” and then taking folic acid for 12 weeks before trying to conceive is so important.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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Further information is available at www.ectopic.org.uk
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I’m just not sure if the flexing of muscles from an orgasm is safe or not. My hormone levels hve been dropping, but I’m not sure where this weeks numbers are and I’ll be tested at least once more before we leave.