Hi, I’m not too sure what the point in this post is but wanted to write down my thoughts in a space where people truly understand without judgement. I had an ectopic 6 months ago which resulted in surgery. Only now have we felt ready to try again which in itself comes with a whole host of emotions and worries. Our closest friends have recently told us they were pregnant and did this via a video call by sharing a scan pic. I had an inkling anyway but their announcement has just left me feeling so flat and angry again that I have one tube. It goes without saying Im happy for them I just wish this was done via text. In general I think people assume because you appear happy on the outside you are fine and “over” what happened when really you have no choice but to try to move forward with life despite it still being so painful and something you think about everyday x
I’m so sorry. I have recently had an ectopic as well and also lost my tube. I don’t think anyone can comprehend how terrible it is unless they have gone through it. I also don’t think people should be showing you scan photos etc given all you have gone through. It’s so hard and a mix of grief and fear. I’m really sorry.
I don’t have any advice but you’re not alone and I’m so angry and worried about ttc with one tube too…I hope you get the best luck xxxx
Dear Pinkrose,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss and I do think your friends were insensitive there.
As Tulip has mentioned, I don’t think people truly understand what it is like to experience ectopic pregnancy and the concerns and fears we have about future pregnancies.
Tulip, I am sorry to hear of your loss also.
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.
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
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@Tulip2025 thank you for your reply and Im so sorry for your loss too❤️ ive never felt so many emotions at one time and it has been so painful being first pregnancy too. Wishing you lots of luck too when you are ready to ttc again xx
@EPT_Host_20 thank you Karen. Do you know if the remaining tube always picks up the egg from the tubeless side? I know it can move between ovaries but just wondered what happens to the egg if it doesnt get picked up that month or does it always? x
Dear pinkrose,
To answer your question, 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. If the egg doesn’t get picked up, it will be reabsorbed into the body.
I hope this helps,
Karen x