“I have had 2 ectopic pregnancies. I want to concieve again. How can I prevent another one?”
I have had 2 etopic pregnancies in the last 2 years which has left me very scared and worried. I want to conceive again. How can I prevent another etopic pregnancy from occurring for me?
13 Answers
it is difficult to predict if and when an ectopic pregnancy may happen. If it is a natural pregnancy, then per your history, there may be a tubal condition. (As a note, assisted pregnancy has an inherent risk of ectopic) Hysterosalpingogram-HSG is recommended to ascertain the potency of the tubes.
The best way to avoid an ectopic pregnancy is to do IVF treatment. With invitro fertilization (IVF) treatment the embryo is placed into the uterus, thereby avoiding the tubes.
I don’t think you have any control over it.
You cannot prevent another ectopic pregnancy. The risk is in the margin of 20 to 40 percent.
If your ectopics were on the same side, and the other tube was normal, you could get the bad tube laparoscopically removed prior to trying. If the other tube had compromise, then you are at risk. You could pursue IVF, and get tubes removed prior, or attempt pregnancy and if another ectopic, remove the bad affected tube.
There is no way to prevent another ectopic pregnancy. You are definitely high risk for another ectopic. You should consider in vitro fertilization.
There is no straight answer to your question, “How can I prevent another ectopic pregnancy from happening?” It depends on several things, and your history, specifically -Did you have an ectopic in the same tube both times? Did you have a surgery to remove ectopic pregnancy or did you just get the injection - Methotrexate? Are your fallopian tubes both patent? Did you have any chemical pregnancies diagnosed as possible ectopic pregnancy?
My advice to you is to find an OB/Gyn and schedule an appointment for “Preconception Counseling” and have a detailed discussion based on your medical history and prior ectopic pregnancies. Ask a lot of questions, do your research, get previous medical records, and have them available at the time of your appointment.
Good luck!
My advice to you is to find an OB/Gyn and schedule an appointment for “Preconception Counseling” and have a detailed discussion based on your medical history and prior ectopic pregnancies. Ask a lot of questions, do your research, get previous medical records, and have them available at the time of your appointment.
Good luck!
You should consider evaluation of tubal latency by your gynecologist.
Having 2 consecutive ectopic pregnancies is very unusual in a woman with a normal pelvis. You need to discuss with your gynecologist some of the possible causes such as endometriosis, pelvic infection, adhesion, and genetic anomalies of the pelvic organs. If not already done, a laparoscopic evaluation of pelvis could be done (you likely had this done to treat the ectopics, but a repeat exam may be helpful to assess things in the non-pregnant state and dye can be instilled into the uterus during the procedure to assess the patency of the fallopian tubes. When you do get pregnant, closely following blood levels of the pregnancy hormone Beta HCG and ultrasounds can help to pick up another ectopic early when minimally invasive treatment can remove the ectopic and lessen any scarring of the tubes. There is really nothing that you can take or do to prevent ectopics. It's most likely a structural issue affecting tubal patency and function.
Why did you have ectopic pregnancies? What was done to treat them? Have you had a hysterosalpingogram to see if the fallopian tubes are clear, damaged, or obstructed? See an OB/GYN who knows about fertility concerns and get this checked out before you try again. Three times is NOT the charm with ectopic pregnancies!
Chunjai P. Clarkson
OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist)
Your risk for another ectopic is increased. It would be best to consult your Obgyn for a pre-conception discussion. Be sure to see your doctor early after a positive pregnancy test so that hormonal levels and ultrasounds can be done to determine whether you have a normal intrauterine pregnancy.
You can consider in vitro fertilization. (IVF)
There is nothing you can do to prevent ectopic pregnancy. Having fear about it is genuine, but take a deep breath and believe in GOD. You should be ok.
