Private HSG (before trying again)

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1

Hello!

I was under expectant management for a diagnosed ectopic pregnancy in early April. Luckily, I’m feeling well and have started my cycle again. My first period came after 3 weeks of my last bleed (uterus lining) and now I’m with my second period which came after 19 days.

As I’m thinking to start trying again, I was wondering if (a) any of the members have experience using a private clinic for HSG in London and (b) if there’s are any downsides to HSG other than infection, meaning if it could affect your cycle and conceiving again.

I’m currently waiting for a pelvic scan in July at the hospital. However, I’m considering trying again before then and wanted to ask if:

If the mass in my left fallopian tube has not yet dissolved, can you still conceive?

Thanks very much!

2

Hi MoonLove,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss. I’m not medically qualified to comment on your specific situation but I wanted to provide some information from the Trust.

Testing post-ectopic pregnancy isn’t common practice in the UK as, unfortunately, tubal patency tests cannot provide complete peace of mind. Even if a tubal patency test shows an open Fallopian tube, it does not show whether it will work – only a normally located pregnancy can show that at least one Fallopian tube worked. The test is not 100% accurate, as the fallopian tubes can go into spasm during the test and appear blocked, even though this is not the case. This can cause unnecessary anxiety if the fallopian tube is affected by spasms but, in fact, is actually working normally. The test cannot determine what the internal villi of the fallopian tube look like.

Sadly there are no tests that can guarantee we won’t experience an ectopic pregnancy again, but 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.

It is important to remember to wait for 3 months before trying to conceive and as soon as you know you are pregnant, contact your local EPU to inform them and book in for an early scan at around six weeks. Remind them of your previous ectopic pregnancy. This self-refer route is the best route in our view. Hopefully, you will have some comfort to know you are under the radar of medical professionals right away.

Please know that we are here for you for as long as you need.

With good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

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