Trying to conceive 6 months post ectopic pregnancy

Preparing For Your Next Pregnancy
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Hi there

I had an ectopic pregnancy in November and lost my right tube. At my 6 week check up with my surgeon he said they couldn’t find any reasoning behind the ectopic. So I have a couple of questions here.

  1. Is it unusual for there to be no reason behind an ectopic pregnancy? Are there any other reasons that could cause an ectopic which a doctor couldn’t pick up?

  2. My other question is: My husband and I started trying to conceive again in March. I guess I am trying to find some solace here, or maybe tips on ways to increase my chances of getting pregnant again. I have a daughter who is almost 3, and when I became pregnant with my ectopic, it was our first try, so I know I am fertile. I am just scared that losing my right tube has dramatically decreased my chances of getting pregnant again. And I want to do all I can to help with my chances.

Thank you for your time.

Jess

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Dear Jess,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,

Although there are risk factors for ectopic pregnancy, many women including myself have non of these and sadly we never find out the answer as to why we experience ectopic pregnancy.

We have some information on reasons for ectopic pregnancy here-

https://ectopic.org.uk/patients/reasons … pregnancy/

Sadly there is no way for preventing an ectopic pregnancy from occurring however, 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. In addition. having regular sex means having sex every 2/3 days throughout the month. Guidance from the UK’s National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence advises that having sex around the time when the woman ovulates causes stress and is not recommended. We here at the EPT suggest having intercourse 2/3 times between days 10-20 of their cycle when trying to conceive.

We also have information on our website on trying to conceive here:

https://ectopic.org.uk/patients/trying-to-conceive/

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.

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.

Sending much love,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards

During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.

If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering or fundraising?

Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters

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

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@Jess_Feeney1

Hi Jess, I had an ectopic and lost my left tube in November and felt just like you. I also have a beautiful daughter and am 39 so I was worried I’d never be able to give her a sibling but actually fell pregnant again last month… More quickly with one tube than my previous 2 pregnancies when I had 2 tubes! Sadly it ended in miscarriage at 6 weeks and whilst we’re devastated to have lost 2 babies in less than 6 months, our recent loss has given me hope that getting pregnant again may not take as long as I originally feared. I just pray that the next time comes soon and is a successful pregnancy this time!

My approach was tracking my cycles through ovulation testing and changes to cervical mucus to pinpoint my most fertile days, also basal body temperature tracking to confirm ovulation date and having daily sex during my fertile period… Which I know the trust doesn’t advise as it can be stressful, but as time isn’t on our side we try our best to maximise our chances!

Hope this helps and best wishes for a future successful pregnancy!

NovemberRain