Hi all,
I am looking for some successful stories following emergency surgery.
I initially had methotrexate injection however 4 weeks after the injection my tube ruptured and I required emergency surgery and my tube was removed.
There was no reason for my ectopic and it was my first pregnancy. I do not no anyone who has experience an ectopic pregnancy (apart from the lovely people in here). I’m just hoping to read some positive stories to cheer me up!
Dear Yas2017,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
Personally I had methotraxate injection following my ectopic pregnancy, but I did go on to have healthy pregnancies and can provide general advice regarding ttc after 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. Studies suggest the chances of pregnancy are about same irrespective of type of treatment - Expectant management or medical management or surgery.
Generally, when a person has only one fallopian tube and both ovaries, they are still able to get pregnant from an egg at the opposite ovary as an egg from one ovary can travel down the tube on the other side. The fallopian tubes are not attached to the ovaries and, at the point of ovulation, some very delicate structures called the fimbriae begin to move gently creating a slight vacuum to suck the egg toward the end of the tube it is nearest to (like lots of little fingers waving and drawing the egg towards it). So, if you have only one tube then there is only one set of receptors working and one set of fimbriae creating a vacuum and so the egg is much more likely to find its way to that tube, whichever ovary it is produced from. Conservative estimates suggest that an egg produced on the tubeless side manages to descend the remaining tube around 15 to 20% of the time.
Importantly early scans avail. 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.
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.
Making the decision to begin trying to conceive is an emotional rollercoaster compounded by our sad loss. Again, you are not alone. We here emotional support whenever you need us. There is a specific TTC board you can look at too whenever feel ready and you may find women have posted positive experiences on this board.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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