Remnants of Previous Ectopic 5 mos Later

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Hi all… I’ll just start with my background first… I took a pregnancy test 10/10/21 and it was positive. I started spotting which led into full on bleeding on 10/24/21, and went in for an ultrasound 11/2/21. At the ultrasound, a 2.5 mm mass was discovered in my left Fallopian tube. I was immediately given 2 doses of MTX in my legs (one in each leg), and started weekly blood tests to monitor my hcg levels. On 11/2/21, my hcg was 1556, and it dropped to 0 on 11/26. The NP at my obgyns office called and gave me the go ahead to TTC again, exercise and start taking prenatals, which I have been doing all 3. I have had 3 periods since, and just started my 4th period yesterday.

On 2/21/22, I went in for an ultrasound because I’ve been having cramping during ovulation and painful periods. It was discovered in the ultrasound on Monday that there is still a mass in the same spot on my left ovary as my previous ectopic. My ob said that if my period starts on time (which it did) then it’s likely just “remnants” from my last ectopic in November. I have another ultrasound scheduled in 1.5 weeks.

My questions:

  1. Is it normal for there to still be remnants in my Fallopian tube from the ectopic pregnancy nearly 5 months ago?

  2. Is there a way to clear my Fallopian tube without surgery?

  3. Is the “wait and see” approach appropriate here?

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mmmmwood:
Hi all… I’ll just start with my background first… I took a pregnancy test 10/10/21 and it was positive. I started spotting which led into full on bleeding on 10/24/21, and went in for an ultrasound 11/2/21. At the ultrasound, a 2.5 mm mass was discovered in my left Fallopian tube. I was immediately given 2 doses of MTX in my legs (one in each leg), and started weekly blood tests to monitor my hcg levels. On 11/2/21, my hcg was 1556, and it dropped to 0 on 11/26. The NP at my obgyns office called and gave me the go ahead to TTC again, exercise and start taking prenatals, which I have been doing all 3. I have had 3 periods since, and just started my 4th period yesterday.

On 2/21/22, I went in for an ultrasound because I’ve been having cramping during ovulation and painful periods. It was discovered in the ultrasound on Monday that there is still a mass in the same spot on my left ovary as my previous ectopic. My ob said that if my period starts on time (which it did) then it’s likely just “remnants” from my last ectopic in November. I have another ultrasound scheduled in 1.5 weeks.

My questions:

  1. Is it normal for there to still be remnants in my Fallopian tube from the ectopic pregnancy nearly 5 months ago?

  2. Is there a way to clear my Fallopian tube without surgery?

  3. Is the “wait and see” approach appropriate here?

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Hi mmmmwood,

I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve suffered an ectopic pregnancy and loss. It is both an emotional and physical trauma and can leave us with many questions. I am not medically qualified to comment on this particular situation but am glad that you are being looked after.

In regards to MTX, the ‘reabsorption’ can take weeks and sometimes months to be complete and is monitored through beta hCG blood tests. It is true that in some instances, the fallopian tube may remain blocked by the pregnancy tissue which can take some time to shrink and, occasionally, it may not shrink and will leave a blockage in the tube by way of a small cyst. As far as I understand, ovarian cysts are very common, are usually harmless and often do not show any symptoms. Ovarian cysts do not normally affect fertility and most women who get a cyst find that it is usually small and will go away by itself. This type of cyst should not affect your ability to conceive.

It’s very important to continue looking after your symptoms. If any symptoms occur that are concerning to you, please reach out to your GPs or at A&E. Your health is most important right now. We know that recovery is not straightforward, and we are here for you as long as you need.

With good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

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