Hi, I found out I was having an ectopic pregnancy after nearly two months of bleeding. I went to the doctors 3 times in those two months to be told it was “my hormones” due to coming off the pill in December. I googled symptoms for weeks and finally came across Ectopic pregnancy, so I took a pregnancy test, which was positive. I went to A&E that day, was told it seems like a normal pregnancy, of course I held onto this even though I knew something was wrong. I had a scan the following day and was told the ectopic pregnancy was in my left tube and the surgeon operated within the hour to remove my tube and the pregnancy.
Took me a while to recover but just glad Im okay… it’s been 4 weeks now and no sign of my period, I’m desperate for my cycle so I can start trying to conceive. I just wanted to know did anyone try to conceive after their first period post surgery? Or wait for period two before trying again? How long does it usually take for most women to have a period post surgery?
Xxx
Ukstake
Dear Ukstake,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
Your periods can take a while to re-establish - they can re-start anything between two and ten weeks after surgery and most women find that their period arrives sometime around week six or seven after surgery.
The first period may be more painful or less so than usual, heavier or lighter, last for longer or shorter than usual – there really is no set pattern. You should be able to manage the discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief and should not be soaking a pad in less than an hour. If this is not the case, you should seek medical attention
Please note that the first bleed after an ectopic pregnancy is not classed as a period - it is the body’s response to falling hormone levels as you are sadly no longer pregnant and shedding of the uterine lining that had build up which involves bleeding.
We and many medical professionals advise waiting at least two menstrual cycles before trying to conceive again.
This “wait” is to allow your cycles to resume and have a last menstrual period date from which to date a new pregnancy - important information for checking for ectopic pregnancy in the future. It also allows time for your emotions to surface and be worked through after your ordeal.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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I’m sorry for your loss. I had an ectopic in Feb and lost my left tube on the 4/2/17 I then had bleeding from the 6th- 14th which wasn’t heavy but I needed a pad. My period didn’t return until 38 days after the surgery and I had cramping throughout my first cycle but it wasn’t very heavy. I have had 3 cycles since my surgery and they have all been light