Hi, I suffered an ectopic pregnancy June 2021 and had surgery and had a tube removed. Although when I initially found out I was upset, I wasn’t too bothered as we weren’t trying (I know this is awful) however we have spoken about beginning to start trying now which is making me feel more bothered and upset now about my last ectopic than I did at the time. I also have concerns that it is going to happen again and I lose my other Fallopian tube. I have also just seen a comment on a social media platform that the combined pill can cause ectopic pregnancies. Is this true? I never knew this, I was on the combined pill for 10+ years and now I’m concerned that this is the reason it happened and therefore more likely to happen again.
Dear Hei51,
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. 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.
There are a number of factors that can increase risk of ectopic pregnancy but the majority of women who have experienced ectopic pregnancy have none of these risk factors.
It is documented that some methods of contraception may potentially increase risk but as you can see the combined contraceptive pill is not on this list as is not an increased risk factor as far as we are aware.
Intrauterine Device (IUD): Intrauterine devices (coil) prevent pregnancy in the womb but is less effective in preventing pregnancy in a Fallopian tube.
The ‘mini-pill’ (progesterone-only pill): This type of contraceptive pill alters the ‘motility’ of the Fallopian tube i.e., the ability for an egg to move through it.
Emergency contraception: It is possible to become pregnant in the same cycle after trying to prevent pregnancy with emergency oral contraception.
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.
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 Preparing for your Next Pregnancy board you can look at too whenever feel ready.
Sending much love,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
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