Ectopic mass after methotrexate

[inhisgallery3]

Need some hopeful advice please

Received my mtx on 14 Feb and HCG reached <5 by 21 Mar. I just had a scan to ensure the mass is fully absorbed but it turned out that the mass is still there it only shrunk in size. Has anyone had the same situation? How long did it take for the ectopic mass to be fully absorbed by the body after mtx?

[EPT Host 20]

Dear inhisgallery,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss.
Unfortunately this is a difficult question to answer. It is not common practice to have scans following treatment for ectopic pregnancy in th UK, so there is very little evidence for now long it takes for a mass to be reabsorbed.
The general consensus is that the 12 week timeframe needed for taking folic acid after hCG levels have reached pre-pregnancy levels before trying to conceive is enough time for any masses to be absorbed.
Sending much love,
Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
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[Aisha94]

I had a scan approx. 2 months after hcg was zero due to continuous pain in the ectopic site. Turned out the mass was still there. However, the doctor didnt really have a definitive answer she said that sometimes it takes different bodies to recover on their own time. And that there’s nothing they could do about it.

[Stef2023]

Hi! I am in a similar boat. I had ectopic in Jan and had a follow up scan in April where mass still visible. They did a blood test to confirm MX treatment had worked and it showed my HCG levels to be 0. So, I am now waiting for a scan they will do with dye to see more whats going on - their main concern is to check if I try to conceive again it won't get stuck in the same place if something still there....! I am in Belgium so I understand elsewhere scans are not conducted... I have to wait for my next period and then contact the hospital who will book me in, as this scan can only be done in the week after your period and before ovulation... my cycles have returned but are very long since the ectopic (37-39 days!) so its all really dragging on and to feel very much 'in it' despite having the pregnancy in January and it will be July before I hear anymore! I have heard from others sometimes if the mass has not been absorbed by the body or poses a threat to future pregnancies they operate to remove....all the best to you! I know its long but we will get there xxxx

[Aisha94]

Interesting. My doctor said that they wouldnt operate on it as it would be a risky procedure. But your point about it getting stuck in the same place is exactly what i thought! but doctors dont give much thought to it, since they only rely on blood tests to confirm that the ectopic has resolved. Please do update on your case further.

[Stef2023]

I will do! All the best xx

[inhisgallery3]

Hi girls, thanks for sharing your stories. Really appreciate them. Although I have my next scan scheduled in two months, I’m apprehensive if it would be fully absorbed by then, but I will remain hopeful! I find it difficult to be around friends who are pregnant now so I try to spend time with friends who are still not eager for baby yet (while I pretend to be amongst one of them). Behind this front, I feel better to be surrounded by them. Whatever works for me I guess.. I will update again in 2 months!

[Stef2023]

Hi everyone. Said I would update after the scan I’ve just had (with dye) they can see that my left tube is completely blocked still (6 months post ectopic) and I have to discuss with my gyno where to go now. I’m really disappointed. I guess as my right tube is fine I can be hopeful but I don’t feel very at the moment xxx

[inhisgallery3]

Checking in after my 2nd ultrasound scan review after 2 months from my previous scan. Happy to say that the radiologist and dr concluded the mass is no longer seen! Really relieved about it, as it was quite unexpected tbh. So let’s all remain hopeful! The next milestone would be a HSG dye test which will likely be in the next 2 weeks.

[Emmapx]

Hi ladies, just came accross this thread and I’m so glad I have as I am in the same boat kinda… basically i had my ectopic nov 22, treated with 1x mtx injection and discharged with hcg level 5 at the end of December.. ever since then my periods have been wild, totally irregular and some cycles lasting 35+ days, I have a lot of pain around the ectopic site as well. The last scan I had before discharge they said the mass was gone but there was a ovary cyst, had a follow up scan a few months later but not internal and it came back as everything ok.. after reading these I think it may me with going for a private internal scan just to check the tubes etc.. can you ladies keep me updated on how you get on please? Sorry for the long message and hope you are all keeping well. Emma xx

[inhisgallery3]

Hi Emma, it wasn’t easy getting through the months of resolution. I kept myself occupied with a few short trips (to make time pass faster), read hopeful books, watch series.
I would strongly recommend to go for HSG test if you are allowed for it!

[Stef2023]

Hi! Me again! In July I had my appointment with the gyno to discuss the blocked tube. The blockage is at the tube entry so given its positioning she said there is nothing they can do surgery wise. However she said, given where the blockage is it is less likely for a tubal pregnancy to be in the same tube if we conceived again. So we took that, I guess as a positive. She told us we are OK to start to try again - I am on my second month TTC.... xxx