I had an ectopic in May and was back to 0 in mid-September. We have been cleared to try again, and I am excited but terrified. I was treated with 2 rounds of methotrexate and kept my tube. I had an hsg last month and both my tubes appear to be open. My obgyn says I can try again naturally (plus Femara), but my fertility doctor recommended IVF because he feels the risk of repeat ectopic is greater if we try naturally (plus I’m about to be 37, so age not on my side). I have an 18 month son who was conceived from the ectopic side, so I’m not sure what happened this time around except that maybe we tried too soon- I was still nursing a couple times a day and we caught the first egg postpartum, so maybe my hormones weren’t quite right. Has anyone conceived successfully from the same side your ectopic was on? Looking for success stories to ease my mind… I’m so worried that even though my tube appears ok it could still be damaged and/or dysfunctional.
Dear Amalia2150,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
It is normal to feel anxious about the future. We experience a mix of emotions from wanting to try again to being petrified of what may lie ahead. We never forget but we can learn to accept what happened. It is a slow process that might be weeks or months ahead. In time, we can get to a place where we feel comfortable trying again. When this is, is individual for each person. There is no timeframe for recovery, take each day as it comes.
It is natural to be worried after everything you have been through. Sadly even with IVF there is the risk of ectopic pregnancy. However it is important to remember that help is available and your doctors should book you in for an early scan at around six weeks to check that the embryo is in the right place. Hopefully you will have some comfort to know you are under the radar of medical professionals right away.
Studies suggest the chances of pregnancy are about same irrespective of type of treatment - Expectant management or medical management or surgery. 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.
Sending much love and positive thoughts
Karen x
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Hi Amalia2150
I was also diagnosed with an ectopic in May and have kept both tubes. I actually remember seeing your posts when we were both going through it at similar times.
I’ve also been given the clear to try again and completely understand how you feel.
I was wondering why your fertility doctor thought IVF might be better?
I’m in the UK and was only told that I have to try again before anything further is looked into. I also have one child already so not sure what happened this time.
I’m hoping all goes well for us both! X
Thanks Karen - I’ve mainly hung on the other board but had been googling to see if my chances were at a deficit due to expectant management, I was picturing increased scarring due to how long it went on etc. It’s good to know the chances are no less than had I had methotrexate or surgery - thanks