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Anyone conceived whilst DH taking methotrexate?
My partner is on methotrexate for psoriasis as this is the only med that gives him a little relief, although he still suffers badly. (He takes 7 tablets once a week of 2.5mg each 17.5mg in total). We managed unexpectedly to get pregnant last year, but sadly there were many complications and I had a D&E at 19 weeks. We have been ttc since Nov 09, but no joy as yet and as we are both 40 this year we are concerned that time is not on our side. I was just wondering how many women got pregnant with their partners on methotrexate - did you need extra help due to sperm mobility? Were the pregnancies and babies healthy? Also how long did it take to conceive? Any advice would be gratefully received.
What has your ob-gyn said about it? I have never heard that methotrexate can travel into the sperm and then affect another person in any way.
Not much information out there and we have seen a few medical professionals who seem to contridict each other thats why I thought I'd ask on here. we've been told that in the uk only 7 reported conceptions with Metho in males of which only a couple resulted in healthy babies. some say it just affects sperm mobility and therefor fertility whereas others say that it could cause birth defects. very confusing and frustrating for us both, so if anyone has any info please let me know.
Do you think your complications arose due to the metho your husband used? What did the dr's say?
I have done alot of reading on this as my husband takes 20 mg a week for psoriatic arthritis. He doesn't want a second child, however.. (and I do) So there is all this info not to take the metho for 3 - 6 months before conception for males. But after doing more research, it seems it is theoretical ; possibly the drug companies wanting to protect themselves from lawsuits if there ever was a problem.
I called a council on drugs in pregnancy and they said that no drug will cause birth defects taken by the male - that either the sperm will be healthy enough to conceive or not. However, it could cause a miscarriage - probably early. This stance seems alittle exteme, but it was a reputable council called the Terengeotic society or something - i can't find it again at the moment.
Basically, there have been very few studies on the subject, but no evidence supporting that it does cause birth defects. Also, google the Motherisk and metho in males links. There is a study of men on low dose metho for psorosis- it doesn''t specify what low does is - who had their sperm studied and it was normal.
Also, I have a medical book at work that speaks of a 34 yr old male who fathered a healthy baby on metho.
Most of the damage seems to occur when a pregnant women takes metho at a crucial early developmental stage. Then the birth defect results are very bad, if the baby survives at all.
So it seems that if your husband is willing to have a baby, maybe he could find some alternative drug to go on just until you get pregnant just to be on the safe side?
Best of luck to you.
I have done alot of reading on this as my husband takes 20 mg a week for psoriatic arthritis. He doesn't want a second child, however.. (and I do) So there is all this info not to take the metho for 3 - 6 months before conception for males. But after doing more research, it seems it is theoretical ; possibly the drug companies wanting to protect themselves from lawsuits if there ever was a problem.
I called a council on drugs in pregnancy and they said that no drug will cause birth defects taken by the male - that either the sperm will be healthy enough to conceive or not. However, it could cause a miscarriage - probably early. This stance seems alittle exteme, but it was a reputable council called the Terengeotic society or something - i can't find it again at the moment.
Basically, there have been very few studies on the subject, but no evidence supporting that it does cause birth defects. Also, google the Motherisk and metho in males links. There is a study of men on low dose metho for psorosis- it doesn''t specify what low does is - who had their sperm studied and it was normal.
Also, I have a medical book at work that speaks of a 34 yr old male who fathered a healthy baby on metho.
Most of the damage seems to occur when a pregnant women takes metho at a crucial early developmental stage. Then the birth defect results are very bad, if the baby survives at all.
So it seems that if your husband is willing to have a baby, maybe he could find some alternative drug to go on just until you get pregnant just to be on the safe side?
Best of luck to you.
ps
do you have more info on the 7 reported conceptions in the Uk that resulted in a few healthy babies? Did the others conceive and have miscarriages? what happened?
do you have more info on the 7 reported conceptions in the Uk that resulted in a few healthy babies? Did the others conceive and have miscarriages? what happened?
We weren't told a lot of detail but 2 or 3 had healthy babies and 2 opted for an abortion (we weren't given the reason why), 1 had a mc and i don't know about the other sorry.
To answer your first post (sorry I did this back to front!) I don't think physically my DH taking metho had any affect on my boy, but we wouldn't have known for sure until our 20 week scan and further scans after that. However the lack of information and misinformation was mentally stressing. I bled throughout my pregnancy and felt that I didn't get the reassurance and explanations to help me deal with that aspect. Looking back I could have been a better advocate for myself, but sadly pregnancy for me wasn't a pleasant experience. I was in constant pain and would have no control over on average a small of blood pouring out of me most days of the week, all of which I found hard to take emotionally and not knowing whether metho was doing this at the time made matters worse, this is why I am trying to find others out there.
Just to put some perspective on my situation, I was pregnant before (in my early 20's) and bled then (but not as much) and was advised to have a d&c at 8 weeks, so it is difficult for me to know what is just me and what is down to the metho (if anything). The little literature out there that I have read does seem to indicate that women taking metho is more of a risk, however I have been advised that it does affect sperm motility and quality and surely therefore could cause defects. The only consistant thing we were told is that my DH shouldn't have been able to get me pregnant in the first place!
It is so frustrating the lack of information out there and even doctors I have seen contridict each other, one said that my boy may have been healthy the other said that I would have lost him anyway. I am ttc again and feel that I will be able to cope emotionally more this time and if I am lucky enough to conceive then see how things are at the scans is all we can do. My DH cannot take any other meds as even the metho does not really have much affect on his condition, but does help a little. Thank you for passing on your info and if I find anything else out myself I will let you know.
Just to put some perspective on my situation, I was pregnant before (in my early 20's) and bled then (but not as much) and was advised to have a d&c at 8 weeks, so it is difficult for me to know what is just me and what is down to the metho (if anything). The little literature out there that I have read does seem to indicate that women taking metho is more of a risk, however I have been advised that it does affect sperm motility and quality and surely therefore could cause defects. The only consistant thing we were told is that my DH shouldn't have been able to get me pregnant in the first place!
It is so frustrating the lack of information out there and even doctors I have seen contridict each other, one said that my boy may have been healthy the other said that I would have lost him anyway. I am ttc again and feel that I will be able to cope emotionally more this time and if I am lucky enough to conceive then see how things are at the scans is all we can do. My DH cannot take any other meds as even the metho does not really have much affect on his condition, but does help a little. Thank you for passing on your info and if I find anything else out myself I will let you know.
I mean't to say that our consultant did warn us at the beginning of our pregnancy of a possible risk of defects ranging from cleft palate, missing limbs, spina bifida to brain abnormalities, but couldn't give us any risk percentages and basically told us we would have to wait until week 25 to be able to ascertain if any of these were present and even then we wouldn't know for sure until birth.
Anyone any ideas?
Thank you for sharing your story. Here is a link to an organization in the US that I called regarding metho and conception http://www.otispregnancy.org/
Another link:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2214217/pdf/12790266.pdf
This one has some scary stuff in it but....it does say a 34 year old man fathered a healthy baby on metho.
http://drugsafetysite.com/methotrexate/
So there is no other alternative drug for your DH? Just temporarily?
Another link:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2214217/pdf/12790266.pdf
This one has some scary stuff in it but....it does say a 34 year old man fathered a healthy baby on metho.
http://drugsafetysite.com/methotrexate/
So there is no other alternative drug for your DH? Just temporarily?
Dear Meesha
Thank you so much for these links. I have found them reassuring as we have been told by everyone that metho = infertility (temporarily) which from reading one of the studies isn't necessarily the case. Yes there is a lot of scary stuff too, but a lot of this seems to relate to women and metho not men and metho. It does seem to me that the medical profession seems to have a distinct lack of knowledge in this field and therefore to cover themselves tell the worst case senarios, using the women taking metho as examples. I wish I had this information at the time as I felt throughout my pregnancy that metho was the main focus for them. However I am now determined not to let this happen again. Information is power as they say.
Unfortunately no alternative for my DH as he still is in a lot of pain and discomfort even with the metho, but this is the best drug he has found for him in the last 9 years. I will be doing a lot more reading over the next few days (getting a bit tired now its 4am!), but really am grateful for your help and don't feel as pessimistic thanks to you.
Thank you so much for these links. I have found them reassuring as we have been told by everyone that metho = infertility (temporarily) which from reading one of the studies isn't necessarily the case. Yes there is a lot of scary stuff too, but a lot of this seems to relate to women and metho not men and metho. It does seem to me that the medical profession seems to have a distinct lack of knowledge in this field and therefore to cover themselves tell the worst case senarios, using the women taking metho as examples. I wish I had this information at the time as I felt throughout my pregnancy that metho was the main focus for them. However I am now determined not to let this happen again. Information is power as they say.
Unfortunately no alternative for my DH as he still is in a lot of pain and discomfort even with the metho, but this is the best drug he has found for him in the last 9 years. I will be doing a lot more reading over the next few days (getting a bit tired now its 4am!), but really am grateful for your help and don't feel as pessimistic thanks to you.
hi there everyone well where do i start!my partner is on meth for arthartious(sorry i cannot spell)he started taking it at 23 we already had one son 4 yrs but i wanted another so we started trying it took us 14 months to concieve i bled for a few weeks at the beginning but baby was strong and by 12 weeks bleeding had stopped and my scan came up fine!i told midwife partner was on meth and she did nt know what to do so forwarded me on to consultant all hedid was scan me at 14 and 28 weeks and said baby was growing fine i was in and out of there in minutes.anyway baby jack was born 40 weeks 3 days, 7 lb and very healthy the only thing we have noticed is he is very small and seems unwell alot maybe its all in the my mind but doc has blood tested him any way to check his immune system etc.i am now preg again and my partner is on a higher dose than before 20 mg a week,we fell unexpectidly and again baby seems fine i did again bleed at the beginning for a few weeks but i am now 22 weeks and awaiting scan with consultant at 28 weeks.i was very worried first time round as no body knew any thing about meth and concieving but jack is fine and a lovely boy so not as worried this time(baby kicking away as i type) hope this has helped a little ,dont forget babies can have defects with the healthiest of people!
Hope your little one is getting bigger. My dp and I were told so many bad things that it really marred our pregnancy and I couldn't stop worrying, but thanks to you I feel a lot more comfortable with ttc again and although sad about my boy you've given me some hope - thank you.
Are you still trying?
We have just fallen pg whilst my DH is on 15mg methotrexate for Crohns' and we are really worried. We didn't intend to and were really very careful.
I have two healthy boys and also lost my first baby at 24 weeks due to a heart defect and feel the wait to 20wk will be even harder this time. DH started MTX in January of this year and would rather get his health into shape as the stress of pg affects him badly. I'm keen to wait and see because the risk is only theoretical and there are positive outcomes. If you hear of any other stories I'd be keen to hear them.
We have just fallen pg whilst my DH is on 15mg methotrexate for Crohns' and we are really worried. We didn't intend to and were really very careful.
I have two healthy boys and also lost my first baby at 24 weeks due to a heart defect and feel the wait to 20wk will be even harder this time. DH started MTX in January of this year and would rather get his health into shape as the stress of pg affects him badly. I'm keen to wait and see because the risk is only theoretical and there are positive outcomes. If you hear of any other stories I'd be keen to hear them.
Hi there
My fiance was on Meth back in January/Feb for his crohns as well. The doctor told him that if he was planning on starting a family to wait until after 3 months when the treatments stopped before trying. We didn't try but it happened anyways. I figure that we were at the two month mark. I couldn't find any real concrete info on it but the worry is still there.
I have my first ultrasound on August 13th. I hope everything is okay. Here, they don't normally do one until you are 18 weeks. That's the only bonus of being 35 is that I get it done sooner. I've made sure that my doc knows that I am concerned though.
My fiance was on Meth back in January/Feb for his crohns as well. The doctor told him that if he was planning on starting a family to wait until after 3 months when the treatments stopped before trying. We didn't try but it happened anyways. I figure that we were at the two month mark. I couldn't find any real concrete info on it but the worry is still there.
I have my first ultrasound on August 13th. I hope everything is okay. Here, they don't normally do one until you are 18 weeks. That's the only bonus of being 35 is that I get it done sooner. I've made sure that my doc knows that I am concerned though.
Hello to you all, I am new to the site and now finding out that I am 6 weeks pregnant. My husband is on Methotrexate (20 mg weekly) for his Psorisis. We did not plan this at all, actually I just had elective surgery 15 days post conception and I was given Dialudid, Versed, Propofol, Fentanyl and Darvocet for the procedure.
I have been doing some research about the drugs and complications of the pregnancy and everything but the methotrexate checks out ok. As an RN I have learned much about drugs and the body but I will say that Obstetrics is not my speciality and my least favorite subject. I am absolutely amayzed that this pregnancy has survived my surgery and recovery. I have never been pregnant and I am 29.
I took 4 home pregnancy tests over the last few days, all which say they are positive. I am planning on my visit to my OB to talk about this situation but I am still so unsettled about the methotrexate. My husband has the same feelings and has only been on the med for 2 months.
Any advice or links you can guide me to would be helpful, I am trying to do my part in finding resources to have available during this situation.
Thank you!
I have been doing some research about the drugs and complications of the pregnancy and everything but the methotrexate checks out ok. As an RN I have learned much about drugs and the body but I will say that Obstetrics is not my speciality and my least favorite subject. I am absolutely amayzed that this pregnancy has survived my surgery and recovery. I have never been pregnant and I am 29.
I took 4 home pregnancy tests over the last few days, all which say they are positive. I am planning on my visit to my OB to talk about this situation but I am still so unsettled about the methotrexate. My husband has the same feelings and has only been on the med for 2 months.
Any advice or links you can guide me to would be helpful, I am trying to do my part in finding resources to have available during this situation.
Thank you!
Hi everybody, finally i have found a site that is helpfull. I have just found out that i am pregnant and my husband takes methotrexate, i am so scared and unsure what to to or to think!
G'day all,
My husband is on weekly methotrexate for Scleroderma. We weren't planning on falling pregnant (didn't think it was possible) but i am now 13wks 5 days pregnant. Feeling anxious about it, but the scans so far have all showed that the baby is fine.
Would love to know how many of you are out there who have had healthy babies with the husband on this medication?
Many thanks,
-S.
My husband is on weekly methotrexate for Scleroderma. We weren't planning on falling pregnant (didn't think it was possible) but i am now 13wks 5 days pregnant. Feeling anxious about it, but the scans so far have all showed that the baby is fine.
Would love to know how many of you are out there who have had healthy babies with the husband on this medication?
Many thanks,
-S.
My partner has been on Methotrexate now for 12 months - His dosage has increased gradually since then and is currently on 20mg a week for suspected Bechets Disease which affects is eyes quite badly - We really want to start trying for a baby, however they found a clot in one his vessles in the back of the eye and now were worried his dose is going to increase again - The rheumotologist wont give us a direct yes or no. nut if my partner comes off the meds for any length of time, his eyes are going to get worse and he could lose his vision - Not sure what to do! :(
I found out yesterday that I am pregnant and my partner takes Methotrexate. I have found information on www.OTISpregnancy.org which has put my mind at ease. I hope it does the same for you. No evidence of any problem when men take it - it is only when women take it.
Hello Ladies
So its good to know that although we were told that the metho would make my partner infertile I am currently pregnant week 33! Though I had some bleeding up until 19 weeks things seems to have settled since. I have had extra scans along the way the most recent at 28 weeks and all seems well so far. I know I'm having a little girl and saw her on a 4D scan rubbing her eyes - being a bit camera shy. I am having another scan at 34 weeks. I think that it is a personal decision whether you chose to concieve whilst your partner is on metho and it is down to each couple to go through the information that's out there and make an informed choice for themselves.
I would say though that there is a lot of mis-information out there and in the past 2 years I personally believe that as its our partners taking the drug, not ourselves, that the risks are nominal. Obviously it would be better if you can persuade your partner not to take metho for 3 months then try, but sometimes this is not always possible. My bump seems to be within all 'normal' ranges and growth is good. There are no facial or limb abnormalities that we know of to date and I chose to have an amiocentesis which came back clear, but like with all births no-one will no for sure until birth date. My advice would be to ask for extra scans if for nothing else than your own reassurance, be your own best advocate by voicing your concerns and trying to be as informed as possible and if you're not happy about something say so at the time.
So I've now got 7 weeks ish left so I'm keeping my fingers (and legs :D) crossed and hope that all you ladies that our pregnant have happy healthy pregnancies.
So its good to know that although we were told that the metho would make my partner infertile I am currently pregnant week 33! Though I had some bleeding up until 19 weeks things seems to have settled since. I have had extra scans along the way the most recent at 28 weeks and all seems well so far. I know I'm having a little girl and saw her on a 4D scan rubbing her eyes - being a bit camera shy. I am having another scan at 34 weeks. I think that it is a personal decision whether you chose to concieve whilst your partner is on metho and it is down to each couple to go through the information that's out there and make an informed choice for themselves.
I would say though that there is a lot of mis-information out there and in the past 2 years I personally believe that as its our partners taking the drug, not ourselves, that the risks are nominal. Obviously it would be better if you can persuade your partner not to take metho for 3 months then try, but sometimes this is not always possible. My bump seems to be within all 'normal' ranges and growth is good. There are no facial or limb abnormalities that we know of to date and I chose to have an amiocentesis which came back clear, but like with all births no-one will no for sure until birth date. My advice would be to ask for extra scans if for nothing else than your own reassurance, be your own best advocate by voicing your concerns and trying to be as informed as possible and if you're not happy about something say so at the time.
So I've now got 7 weeks ish left so I'm keeping my fingers (and legs :D) crossed and hope that all you ladies that our pregnant have happy healthy pregnancies.
Hi,
I just concieved at 11 weeks, my partner is on metho for last 1 year - 15mg per week.
Can anyone help me if they have any info if they know babies born this way and who are now 1-10 years of age, Are there any symptoms of abnormality or is everything normal ??
I just concieved at 11 weeks, my partner is on metho for last 1 year - 15mg per week.
Can anyone help me if they have any info if they know babies born this way and who are now 1-10 years of age, Are there any symptoms of abnormality or is everything normal ??
My husband takes 20mg mg of methotrexate, I'm 9 weeks pregnant I have seen the consultant who has contacted the drugs place and they said it only would make the sperm infertile. She also contacted somewhere else which I forgot about who said the same thing, so I am being classed as a normal pregnancy :) its different when a woman takes it.
hi,
Im Revathy(23) from India.
i got pregnant last december when my husband(31) was taking methotrexate- 15 mg weekly for past 3 months.
ive delievered a healthy baby on sep 14th by c-section as my amniotic fluid level was low(i had bicornuate uterus too).
when i conceived i was in too much stress whether methotrexate wud affect the fetus and it continued till my delivery... couldn't explain it in words...
when i consulted a ob-gyn she told me to abort for which i cried for almost 2 days as this is my first baby
den i consulted with about 2 to 3 doctors, among which, one told me dat nothing to worry and dat she will keep track of the fetus growth.
i had frequent scans, progesterone tabs and other iron and calcium tabs.
i had a slight brown discharge during my third month for which i was given hcg injections.
everythin was normal but i was still tensed.
atlast by sep 12th, when i was scanned, the doc told me dat my amniotic fliud level is decreasing... she gave some tabs and asked me come after a day...
i could sense dat the baby's movement was deteriorating and so went to the hospital on sep 14th
the doctor did a c-section immediately and thus i gave birth to a beatutiful baby girl!!!!
im such a happy mom now
all the stress dat ive developed during my pregnancy vanished in a minute on seeing my baby...
so i wish all the expecting mothers out there to have a wonderful pregnancy and i request them not to get stressed...
be happy!!!! everything wil turn out good!!!
God Almighty!!!
:-)
Im Revathy(23) from India.
i got pregnant last december when my husband(31) was taking methotrexate- 15 mg weekly for past 3 months.
ive delievered a healthy baby on sep 14th by c-section as my amniotic fluid level was low(i had bicornuate uterus too).
when i conceived i was in too much stress whether methotrexate wud affect the fetus and it continued till my delivery... couldn't explain it in words...
when i consulted a ob-gyn she told me to abort for which i cried for almost 2 days as this is my first baby
den i consulted with about 2 to 3 doctors, among which, one told me dat nothing to worry and dat she will keep track of the fetus growth.
i had frequent scans, progesterone tabs and other iron and calcium tabs.
i had a slight brown discharge during my third month for which i was given hcg injections.
everythin was normal but i was still tensed.
atlast by sep 12th, when i was scanned, the doc told me dat my amniotic fliud level is decreasing... she gave some tabs and asked me come after a day...
i could sense dat the baby's movement was deteriorating and so went to the hospital on sep 14th
the doctor did a c-section immediately and thus i gave birth to a beatutiful baby girl!!!!
im such a happy mom now
all the stress dat ive developed during my pregnancy vanished in a minute on seeing my baby...
so i wish all the expecting mothers out there to have a wonderful pregnancy and i request them not to get stressed...
be happy!!!! everything wil turn out good!!!
God Almighty!!!
:-)
1 Comments
Hi revathi can u tell me which gynec did u consulted
I have just found this site and it has been extremely helpful.
My partner has been on Metho for nearly 4 years for arthritis highest dose 25mg and now on 20mg weekly. We were advised to store sperm which we did and when we went to see about starting ivf we were told we would need to pay for it even though we were told different at the time re his illness and drugs. All of our consultants told us not to conceive and like most of you, have been totally gutted to the point where I cant even explain how devastated we feel.
After reading all of your stories I now feel much better about even considering trying to concieve whilst he is on it. Initially we were told he would only be on the Metho for 3 to 6 months but now its for life. He has tried coming off it with major side effects which he could not tolerate after 2 weeks never mind 3 months.
I would be really grateful to hear how all you ladies above have got on with your pregnancies and the birth of your precious babies.
My partner has been on Metho for nearly 4 years for arthritis highest dose 25mg and now on 20mg weekly. We were advised to store sperm which we did and when we went to see about starting ivf we were told we would need to pay for it even though we were told different at the time re his illness and drugs. All of our consultants told us not to conceive and like most of you, have been totally gutted to the point where I cant even explain how devastated we feel.
After reading all of your stories I now feel much better about even considering trying to concieve whilst he is on it. Initially we were told he would only be on the Metho for 3 to 6 months but now its for life. He has tried coming off it with major side effects which he could not tolerate after 2 weeks never mind 3 months.
I would be really grateful to hear how all you ladies above have got on with your pregnancies and the birth of your precious babies.
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