Painful periods

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1

Hi,

I had an ectopic pregnancy surgically removed including my left fallopian tube in at the beginning of September. I think I’ve just started my second period today (light and pretty late also - day 45 of my cycle) and it’s been really painful for the past couple of weeks while waiting for my period to start, cramps, painful bloating, twinges and back pain.

I’m really struggling tonight and I’m just wondering if anyone else had really painful periods for a while afterwards? And anything that helped them cope? I was warned the first one would be but this is wiping me out :disappointed:

We really want to try again but I feel like my hormones are all over the place and I’m worried this will contribute to further issues and even another ectopic if I don’t balance them out. They said my ectopic was unexplained but I can’t help but think if there was a cause. I was taking the LH strips this past month and I never got a dark line, is it possible I’m not ovulating properly? :disappointed:

Thankyou x

2

Hi Daisy,

I am so sorry to hear you suffered an ectopic pregnancy and loss. Our recovery is not straightforward and takes some time - both the physical and emotions. I want you to know that there is nothing you did to cause the ectopic pregnancy nor sadly, anything we can do to prevent them. I searched for causes for my own and needed to come to peace with realising there are often no answers. In future pregnancies, you will also be able to self-refer to the Early Pregnancy Unit to have early scans, which can offer some reassurance.

It can be very normal to feel pains after ectopic pregnancy. As I’m not medically qualified, I cannot comment on your situation. However, women on these boards have reported many different types of sensations. Sometimes it’s related to their surgeries, pain from adhesions, or scar tissue which forms as part of the recovery process. Still, it could also be because of ovulation pains, as many women feel ovulation pains when they did not before. It might also be a result of heightened awareness after your ordeal.

To assist, you could keep a pain diary too - when you experience the pain and where, its intensity and anything that helps like rest or pain relief, and noting when your period starts. The diary might help communicate any continuing symptoms to your GP as well.

Regarding trying to conceive, the Trust advises couples to wait at least two full menstrual cycles or three months before trying to conceive again. This allows time for your body to heal and emotions to surface and be worked through. However, you can start taking folic acid now. It is recommended to take folic acid for at least 12 weeks before conception.

We know how hard this journey can be. These boards are filled with women and men who understand. We are here for you for as long as you need.

With good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

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Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards

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