Hi everyone
A couple of days ago I had surgery for my second ectopic pregnancy. The surgeon managed to save my tube, which I’m very obviously very grateful for, but I’m a bit confused as to what to do next. In addition to my two ectopics I have also had two miscarriages, and wonderfully I also have a daughter who is turning one next week. The very first time I was pregnant it was ectopic and I lost my tube so each subsequent pregnancy was through my remianing tube and I know that in at least two of my pregnancies the embryo made it to my womb (though I suspect the second of the three was ectopic and resolved itself naturally as we had got to the stage of talking methotraxte before my levels began to drop). I guess with that track record I thought my remaining tube was fine so this pregnancy being ectopic was more of a shock than it should probably have been.
Anyway, I’m 39, very keen to have another child, and to get myself through to the other side of all of this as soon as possible, but I’ve received very inconsisent advice over the last couple of days:
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On Friday the midwife who runs the EPU at my local hosiptal told me that even if my tube was saved I would have little chance of getting pregnant through it after surgery and IVF was my best option.
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The gynecologist I saw before my surgery on Monday morning said that if they saved my tube I should definitely try again naturally before IVF as I had ‘over a 50% chance’ of the tube working.
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The surgeon who carried out the op said my tube looked fine and she thought I had an 85% chance of being able to conceive naturally.
So, quite a lot of contradictory advice. I know that if I opt for IVF the first thing they will do is remove my tube, so I guess I feel I might as well try again and if I get pregnant naturally and it’s ectopic I’ll just have to have the same op as I’d have to have pre-IVF anyway. On the other hand, I’m currently a bit scared of going it alone for the sixth time. This time it took 4 weeks from when I got pregnant to the opertating theatre and I’m not sure I can go through that again in the near future. I’m not getting any younger, though, and we need to press on as on top of my ectopic risk I’m also prone to miscarriage.
This is probably far too much info for anyone else to process (I’m so sorry for rambling on) so I guess it would initially just be great to hear if anyone else has got pregnant through a tube that has been saved post-ectopic. After that I think I’d better book myself an appointment with a specialist!
Thanks everyone. Wishing you all the very best of luck for happy, healthy pregnancies.
Sarah x
Hi Sarah_S,
I’m so sorry to hear of the ordeal that you’ve gone through. It is a rollercoaster and I understand your confusion after everything you’ve been through. I also understand your concern and I’d have a lot of questions circulating too, with so many different opinions.
You are right that it can be possible to conceive with one Fallopian tube, and in your case would depend on health of remaining tube. It should be Is of some comfort that your surgeon has said remaining tube looks healthy from their examination. As the last opinion you’ve received, arguably the surgeon is best placed to comment, given that they are the only one of the three who has actually conducted an examination of the tube in question.
To seek further clarity, I would arrange a follow up appointment and can ask key questions about health of remaining tube, any obvious reason for ectopic pregnancy, and how long should you should try to conceive before seeking further medical help. Ask as many questions as your needed to obtain info on which to base right decision for you.
With good wishes,
Michele
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Hi Sarah,
I have a similar story. First ep last year, right tube removed, second one this year August, tube saved. Waiting for my hsg test, which is planned in December. No children, 38 years old.
I have 3 doctors who deal with me and everybody gives different advice:
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The doc who operated me when I had the first ep, said there is still chance of having a natural successful pregnancy and he encourages us to try.
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Doctor who operated me now, says try definitely one more time, as the tube was clear and they do not know why it happened. The third time might be lucky and it could be successful but allowing me to try only 6 months due to my age and if not successful within 6 months, we go for ivf. But they have not suggested that they would operate me before and take out the tube before we start ivf.
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Third doctor says that there is no point even to try, as the operation has damaged the tube and although in theory there is 75% chance for successful natural pregnancy, he still does not believe it will happen and it will result in third ectopic. He also says that he does not even think that I will get pregnant within 6 months after ectopic and therefore thinks we should choose ivf already now.
So, I am same as you. Do not know what should I do. Should I got straight for IVF or should I try again.
Would be glad to hear the stories, where someone has succeeded and had a natural happy ending pregnancy, when the tube was saved.
Unfortunately, I know people who have had a third ectopic, after the tube was saved and that scares me a lot.