Hello,
I sadly had surgical management (removal of one tube) for an interstitial ectopic earlier in the week. I haven't yet spoken with the consultant who performed the operation so was hoping I could get some advice from people who have unfortunately experienced this before.
How long should it be before I start bleeding and how long does the bleeding last?
how long before you get a negative pregnancy test?
do you need blood tests to track your hCG levels and do they need to go back to zero? How long does this take?
when can you start trying to get pregnant again?
is there anything else you think is helpful to know/expect?
Any advice at all is incredibly welcome.
Thank you
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Surgical management for (interstitial) ectopic - experiences?
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Re: Surgical management for (interstitial) ectopic - experiences?
Hi Anna78,
I'm so sorry to hear that you have suffered this ectopic pregnancy and loss. While I'm not medically qualified to comment on your specific situation, I will do my best to help. First, I want to say that these boards are filled with women and men who understand your situation. We are all bound by our ectopic experiences. Second, I want to encourage you to write down any and all questions you have for your doctor and make sure you are able to ask them. It's very important to understand everything going on for you right now.
The bleed that occurs in the first week or so of treatment for an ectopic pregnancy is not your first period. It is the bleed that occurs in response to falling hormones associated with the lost pregnancy. The first proper period you have after an ectopic pregnancy may be heavier than usual and the second more like your usual period. A normal period would suggest you are hormonally ready to be able to try to conceive. Having two periods can also give an idea of menstrual cycle length, which may be different for a few months after your ectopic before settling back into its usual rhythm.
The Trust recommends waiting three months to conceive. While there is no clear, researched evidence on how long a couple should wait to try to conceive after having treatment for ectopic pregnancy, we and other medical professionals advise that it may be best to wait for at least three months or two full menstrual cycles (periods) before trying to conceive for both physical and emotional reasons. Physically, this timeframe is to allow your cycle to return to normal and for there to be a clear period to date a new pregnancy from. The date of the first day of the period is what is used to decide when to scan a new pregnancy; information that is invaluable in ensuring you are not suffering from another ectopic pregnancy.
In addition to the physical aspects of ectopic pregnancy, many people also feel an intense emotional impact. Taking time before trying to conceive again enables the necessary process of grief to surface and be worked through. The emotional recovery that is often needed can be significant, and many underestimate this aspect.
You should be sure to take a folic acid supplement for 12 weeks before you try to conceive.
I know this is a lot of information to process, and we often want to get back to "normal" as quickly as possible. I encourage you to continue to be kind to yourself and take your ttc in your own time and as feels best for you.
With good wishes,
Michele
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
The EPT is awarded the PIF TICK as a Trusted Information Creator, the UK-wide quality mark for healthcare information
*************************************************************************
If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.
Further information is available on our website.
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
We provide a call-back support line: 020 7733 2653. We are able to provide support in multiple languages including British Sign Language.
Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list.
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
*************************************************************************
I'm so sorry to hear that you have suffered this ectopic pregnancy and loss. While I'm not medically qualified to comment on your specific situation, I will do my best to help. First, I want to say that these boards are filled with women and men who understand your situation. We are all bound by our ectopic experiences. Second, I want to encourage you to write down any and all questions you have for your doctor and make sure you are able to ask them. It's very important to understand everything going on for you right now.
The bleed that occurs in the first week or so of treatment for an ectopic pregnancy is not your first period. It is the bleed that occurs in response to falling hormones associated with the lost pregnancy. The first proper period you have after an ectopic pregnancy may be heavier than usual and the second more like your usual period. A normal period would suggest you are hormonally ready to be able to try to conceive. Having two periods can also give an idea of menstrual cycle length, which may be different for a few months after your ectopic before settling back into its usual rhythm.
The Trust recommends waiting three months to conceive. While there is no clear, researched evidence on how long a couple should wait to try to conceive after having treatment for ectopic pregnancy, we and other medical professionals advise that it may be best to wait for at least three months or two full menstrual cycles (periods) before trying to conceive for both physical and emotional reasons. Physically, this timeframe is to allow your cycle to return to normal and for there to be a clear period to date a new pregnancy from. The date of the first day of the period is what is used to decide when to scan a new pregnancy; information that is invaluable in ensuring you are not suffering from another ectopic pregnancy.
In addition to the physical aspects of ectopic pregnancy, many people also feel an intense emotional impact. Taking time before trying to conceive again enables the necessary process of grief to surface and be worked through. The emotional recovery that is often needed can be significant, and many underestimate this aspect.
You should be sure to take a folic acid supplement for 12 weeks before you try to conceive.
I know this is a lot of information to process, and we often want to get back to "normal" as quickly as possible. I encourage you to continue to be kind to yourself and take your ttc in your own time and as feels best for you.
With good wishes,
Michele
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
The EPT is awarded the PIF TICK as a Trusted Information Creator, the UK-wide quality mark for healthcare information
*************************************************************************
If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.
Further information is available on our website.
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
We provide a call-back support line: 020 7733 2653. We are able to provide support in multiple languages including British Sign Language.
Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list.
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
*************************************************************************
