TTC after ectopic - no success

[TTCafterectopic1]

Hello,

Name changed for this. I have a 3 year old toddler, and we have been trying to get pregnant since they were 1. We got pregnant earlier this year after almost two years of TTC and were so happy, only to find out it was ectopic and I had surgery to remove it. Have now been trying for two months and I'm so downhearted. It took so long to get pregnant this time, v with our toddler (took three months), and for it not to be viable. Started a new period a couple of days ago and I'm really struggling to see how we will keep trying. I'm over 35 and really want to minimise the age gap so taking a break isn't really an option. Now I'm down one fallopian tube too.

I don't quite know what I'm posting for... stories of hope? Other people who have had success? Stories of how long it took to get pregnant after ectopic?

It isn't helped that there are studies showing that if you get pregnant more than 6 months after an ectopic it is more likely to be another one, in comparison to getting pregnant soon after.

Thanks for sharing any experiences or words of wisdom...

I don't have a success story but in a similar situation. The only thing I can say is that every pregnancy is different and hormones change all the time.
My 1st pregnancy DD took 6 months at 35, my ectopic was first try at 37 and now I've been trying 10 months since the ectopic. I'm also down one tube. I've booked for a Hycosy next cycle to check my remaining tube and an AMH test.

The chance of a second ectopic is about 10-15% so still more likely not to be and I think the fact that we've had a successful pregnancy before must mean that one of our tubes was ok then and probably still is now.

Thanks for getting back to me, and sorry to hear you're having a similar experience. It's pretty rubbish! Have you gone privately for these tests or are they NHS?

They're private and costing us £500. I was told to wait one year on NHS as I've had a successful pregnancy before so more likely to get pregnant again. But was worried there would then be a waiting list, and I don't think the stress of wondering whether my remaining tube is Ok is helping. The Hycosy will also flush out the tube and improves chances of pregnancy by 30% apparently so that's a bonus. I also wanted AMH checked to have an idea of how many eggs I have left, though we haven't had major issues conceiving until the ectopic so it's probably not that bad.

When I had surgery they told me my remaining tube looked perfectly healthy. However they removed a massive cyst from the side with the remaining tube. I've only ovulated twice from that side with the tube in those 10 months ( I get ovulation pains so know which ovary ovulated) so that could have something to do with it, the tube will pick up from both sides but won't always reach the other side.

If you are based in London, would you mind letting me know who you're going to see for the tests please? I was advised to try for six months and then give IVF strong consideration. Trying to think the way you are - that one tube must be working well and just keep trying, but it's so disheartening!

I had an ectopic and one tube removed in Jan 2023 when I was 38. We waited 3 period cycles afterwards which were a bit sporadic and started TTC in May. We conceived in September, I'd just turned 39. It wasn't ectopic again thankfully, it's twins 💖😊

@TTCafterectopic1 I'm based out in the SW and it was NHS gynae that recommended waiting 12 months.

I'm surprised they are pushing you towards IVF so soon without even checking the remaining tube first, especially when it can take much longer to conceive at our age.

Also, I'm sure I read it takes the average healthy person 6-12 months to conceive anyway. Also I keep being told by doctors that 6 months for my first was relatively quick.