Hi all, I had an ectopic pregnancy treated with one dose of MTX back early November. My 3 months are fast approaching before it’s safe to try and conceive again however I have still not had a period.
I understand you can ovulate without getting a period but does anyone know if it is safe to start trying again after the 3 months, even if I don’t get my period by then?
Dear Withlovesaz,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
It can take some months for periods to return to normal, some ladies can wait up to 10 weeks post treatment. If it has been longer than this, perhaps speak to your GP although I’m sure it would be for reassurance rather than anything worrisome.
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
Hey I also was treated November time I’ve had bleeding ever since mostly very light but the other week had a lot but was still testing 150 with my hormone level for pregnancy after that blood it had gone down to 90 I’ve herd you have to test negative before you can have a period, I still have some pains some days is this normal?
Dear Elo,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
Your periods can take a while to re-establish and they can re-start anything between two and ten weeks after treatment. Most women find that their period arrives some time in the four weeks after their hCG levels have fallen to 0 if treated with Methotrexate.
The body is a very clever thing and before you can have a period you have to ovulate. It is perfectly possible to ovulate within 14 days after surgical treatment and almost as soon with Methotrexate treatment, so it is important to be aware that it is possible to become pregnant without having a proper period first if you are not using some form of contraception.
I am afraid it is difficult to predict how long it will take for your hormone levels reach non-pregnant levels. As we are all individual, our bodies respond differently to the drug and it depends on factors like how high levels reached and our unique physiology. What I can say is that it can take a number of weeks and, while it can take some time, it is not as invasive a procedure as surgery. It is also encouraging that your levels are falling steadily although I appreciate that it can be a drawn out process. Also, in terms of chances of future successful pregnancies, studies do not show a significant difference between treatment routes, whether surgical, medical using methotrexate or expectant management (allowing time for the body to resolve the pregnancy itself).
Experiencing some pain after an ectopic pregnancy is normal as your body has been through a great deal over the last few months. The pain may be your body preparing to ovulate and many women experience ovulation pain when they did not before their ectopic pregnancy - including myself. You also may have a heightened perception because of the sad loss that you have had to go through.
Above all be kind to yourself and allow time to grieve,to heal both physically and emotionally.
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