Anyone conceived whilst DH taking methotrexate?

[suzanna40]

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.

[Su5an]

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.

[revti]

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!!!
:-)

[Vinukar159]

Hi revathi can u tell me which gynec did u consulted

[heidy5858]

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.

[tans95]

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 ??

[suzanna40]

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.

[Loveit12345]

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.