Hi, I was looking for some advise please. I have received two rounds of Methotrexate and I thought I only have to wait 3 months since my last injection to start trying again. However the doctor said to me because I have had two doses, I now need to wait 6 months. I was looking for some clarity please because I am so eager to start trying as soon as possible xx
Hi NS,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss. I’m not medically qualified to comment on your specific situation but I wanted to provide some general guidance from the Trust.
Some medical professionals think that because they have administered a second dose of Methotrexate, they must also double the recovery time for the body. However, even in a second dose of Methotrexate, the dosage is still much lower than for treatment of other conditions and is still metabolised by the body very quickly, therefore the advice is the same regardless if you have had one or two injections.
With Methotrexate, you should wait until your hCG levels have fallen to below 5mIU/mL (your doctor will advise you when this is through blood tests) and then take a folic acid supplement for 12 weeks before you try to conceive. This is because Methotrexate may have reduced the folate level in your body, which is needed to ensure that a baby develops healthily.
Methotrexate is metabolized quickly, but it can affect the quality of your cells, including those of your eggs and your blood, for up to three months after it has been given. The medicine can also affect the way your liver works so you need to give your body time to recover properly before a new pregnancy is considered. A shortage of folate could result in a greater chance of a baby having a neural tube defect such as hare lip, cleft palate, or even spina bifida or other NT defects. This is why the “wait” and then taking folic acid for 12 weeks before trying to conceive is so important.
From the bottom of my heart, please be kind to yourself through your recovery. We are here for you whenever you need it.
With good wishes,
Michele
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
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Thank you so much. I can’t begin to tell you how useful this forum has been for me. This is my second ectopic in 6 months and I have really struggled this time round. Reading comments and questions on your website has given me so much peace of mind. Thank you so much to you and the team for what you do xx