Hello,
I suffered an ectopic on 21st Feb which resulted in losing my right tube. I didn’t initially bleed after the surgery but I did start bleeding 8 days after the op for 8 days - I assume this was my body shedding the uterine lining and not a period. Then another 8 days later I started spotting/having very light bleeding for 4 days which was dark brown not fresh blood, so I assume this was also not a period but likely left over residual old blood? Or could it have been a period?? I’m now 6 weeks post op with zero signs of any period coming and I’ve been doing opks to get a sense of when it may return (although I haven’t done these religiously) and Havant seen anything that even resembles ovulation (which means period is def still weeks away!)
Has anyone else experienced this? Is this normal bleeding? Most people seem to bleed straight away after the surgery not have it delayed? Has anyone else suffered problems with delayed ovulation/period return??
Any advice greatly welcome!
Hi Charlotte215,
I’m sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss, and while I’m not medically qualified to comment on your particular situation, I will do my best to help.
It is very normal to bleed after treatment for ectopic pregnancy. As you mentioned, the bleed that occurs in the first week or so of treatment for an ectopic pregnancy is not your first period. It is the bleed that occurs in response to falling hormones associated with the lost pregnancy. Some women find that bleeding and spotting after treatment for ectopic pregnancy can last up to six weeks.
In addition, many women experience changes to their menstrual cycles after an ectopic pregnancy and it can take some time to settle back into a rhythm that is more usual for you. Periods can be heavier or lighter or more painful than before - as we are so individual there isn’t necessarily a set pattern. Doctors consider menstrual cycles of between 23-42 days to be within normal parameters and, if you find that you are not within these sorts of timeframes, it would be a good idea to speak to your doctors just to be on the safe side.
We’ve had other women on these boards who have had a delay in getting their periods after the initial bleeding. It can take our bodies some time to get back to normal. Your surgery is still quite recent and your body may still be adjusting. However, its always valuable to speak with your GP if you are concerned.
With good wishes,
Michele
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