Hello there! Thank you for this lovely space. I had a miscarriage in January at 6 weeks and somehow found out I was pregnant in April - it wasn’t right, I thought I had a period and so much blood! I’ve been okay with it and when the unit found the ectopic my levels were only at 350 HCG, they had fallen so they said they’d see me weekly and gave me expectant management as my option. Yesterday my levels had risen - they are still low, 250, however they gave me the option of surgery yesterday. The scan shows it has not broken down and is around 2.5cm. I am 37 and am in two minds about trying again as I’m scared of being an older mum. Has anyone had experience of levels going up but still dropping and resolving through at home management? Thank you so much! I’m at a loss as to whether to lose a tube. I have another blood test and scan on Tuesday and will make a decision then but if anyone can give any guidance I’d really appreciate it. Thank you.
Dear katie,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss.
Do your EPU offer methotrexate treatment at all? This is called medical management is given as an injection. Methotrexate stops the pregnancy developing any further and it is gradually reabsorbed by the body, leaving the Fallopian tube intact. Methotrexate is most effective in early ectopic pregnancy, usually when the pregnancy hormone ‘beta hCG’ level is below 5000 mIU/mL.
We have more information on treatment options here, but I would discuss methotrexate with your medical team as as alternative to surgery, if it is appropriate for you.
https://ectopic.org.uk/treating-an-ectopic-pregnancy
Best wishes,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards
If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.
Further information is available on our website.
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653
Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team
Thank you for your reply. I’ve asked about the injection and they have said no because of the side effects.
Dear Katie,
Sadly methotrexate is not suitable for everyone,
We cannot give individualised medical advice but I would speak with your medical team about the pro’s and cons of both treatment routes.
Best wishes,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards
If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.
Further information is available on our website.
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653
Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team