By registering on our forum, you can view and contribute to more topics on ectopic pregnancy. Your details are confidential and we do not send unsolicited emails. For your confidentiality, you can choose your own forum name to protect your anonymity if you so wish. If you register, there is no obligation to post; you can simply take comfort from the words of others. It is entirely up to you whether you post a message or read others' experiences or do both.

Trying after methotrexate

This is a welcoming place for you to ask your questions and share your knowledge and experiences of ectopic pregnancy.
To keep this as a safe space, before being able to post freely, an administrator will need to activate your account and authorise your first post.
Post Reply
HisMercy
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2020 7:01 am

Trying after methotrexate

Post by HisMercy »

Hello all. Today I am discharged following my methotrexate treatment with my blood hcg being 9. I am told that I don’t require folic acid since I cannot try again for three months after discharge.

Initially I was told I cannot try again three months from the injection dose but now I’m told something conflicting. I am confused. I was counting days and this has only added to my worry. Can I start taking folic acid and when can I start trying again?

LauraG
Posts: 46
Joined: Thu Dec 03, 2020 11:13 am

Re: Trying after methotrexate

Post by LauraG »

I was told 3 months from the date the injection is given.

Withlovesaz
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:49 pm

Re: Trying after methotrexate

Post by Withlovesaz »

Hi HisMercy,

I was in the exact same boat as you. I was discharged in November when my numbers also dropped from 141 to 9. I was advised by everyone to wait 3 months from the date of the injection except one nurse who said 3 months from the day my levels fall to 0. I spoke with a consultant and 2 other nurses after this and they both confirmed it’s safe to start trying 3 months after the date of injection.

It is advised to start taking folic acid straight after your levels have dropped to 0. I waited 2 days after I was discharged as they were on 9 at point of discharge. 2 days after I started taking folic acid and I am counting my 3 months from the date I started taking folic acid - this is my personal preference as I want to make sure my folate levels are back up before trying to conceive again.

It’s been 7 weeks and I am yet to have a period, hoping it comes soon so I can feel like my body and cycle is returning somewhat back to normal.

Wishing you all the best x

HisMercy
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2020 7:01 am

Re: Trying after methotrexate

Post by HisMercy »

Thanks so much. I'm 38 with no children. I've had a miscarriage early last year and this ectopic. It's depressing and feel so low.

EPT Host 20
Posts: 3155
Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 10:58 pm

Re: Trying after methotrexate

Post by EPT Host 20 »

Dear HisMercy,
I am sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
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 the Methotrexate may have reduced the level of folate in your body which is needed to ensure a baby develops healthily. The Methotrexate is metabolised quickly but it can affect the quality of your cells, including those of your eggs and the quality of your blood for up to three months after it has been given. The medicine can also affect the way your liver works and 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.

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
***************************************************************************

Post Reply