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Methotrexate for Ectopic
Can you tell me the waiting period after a methotrexate shot for an EP? My doctor mentioned 3 months and then 6 months. I have had only 1 dose, (1 shot in each cheek) My HCG level was 43, 14 days after an egg retrival for a 3 day transfer with IVF. I am hoping it is not 6 months as my FSH level at last check a few months ago was 11.7 and it has been quickly rising over the last year from 6.2. Also could this EP be a result of my stage 4 endometriosis for which I had extensive surgery over a year ago. Thank you
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
HI!
The half life of methotrexate is in the range of 12 hours. Therefore, it should have been completely cleared from your system by approximately 24 hours. In light of this, I don't think that there is really any reason to wait beyond one cycle to try again for pregnancy.
Yes, your endometriosis is very likely the culprit--it has probably caused scarring of the fallopian tubes, and that is what resulted in the abnormal implantation. There is a rather high baseline ectopic rate with IVF anyway, and the reason is not clearly understood.
If your RE has a good reason to wait longer than one cycle, you should definitely listen to his/her opinion, but I don't think there is much indication to wait 6 months certainly!
Good luck!
Dr B
The half life of methotrexate is in the range of 12 hours. Therefore, it should have been completely cleared from your system by approximately 24 hours. In light of this, I don't think that there is really any reason to wait beyond one cycle to try again for pregnancy.
Yes, your endometriosis is very likely the culprit--it has probably caused scarring of the fallopian tubes, and that is what resulted in the abnormal implantation. There is a rather high baseline ectopic rate with IVF anyway, and the reason is not clearly understood.
If your RE has a good reason to wait longer than one cycle, you should definitely listen to his/her opinion, but I don't think there is much indication to wait 6 months certainly!
Good luck!
Dr B
My doctor also said there really was no reason to wait and that we could try the very next cycle if we wished.
Wow I think waiting 6 months to 1 year is rather extreme. When I had the injection I was told I only had to wait 3 months.
Hi i too had my first ectopic nearly 4 years ago the diagnosis pregnancy with unknown location.. i did the methotrexate treatment for 5 days after which my doc said we could not try for 6 to 12 months.. we waited more than 12 months unfortunately we had another ectopic which resulted in my losing a tube... i would wait the 6 months let your body fully recover and get all the drugs out. good luck
Thank you so much. I will ask him about it. I wonder if I should have more surgery
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