pregnancy after ectopic surgery

[shal1901]

I had gone through the surgical procedure Nov2006 due to ectopic pregnancy and lost one f/tube.
I had to be asked to wait for min 6 month. Now It has been more than 1yr and I am very afraid if next will be the same. Can you advice to go for IVF? I am now 34 and can't wait longer. What precaution I should have?

[Fourpaws]

I had previous ep's also. I had 1 tube reoved. My next pregnancy ended up as a cornual pregnancy, because of the scar tissue that formed when they did the surgery. My doctor always warned me as soon as I get pregnant to see the ob. Pretty much as soon as I found out I was pregnant (4 weeks). At least while your that early they can diagnose and treat it if it is another ep. Don't worry though you'll have a successful pregnancy. It took me a while and 4 ep's later, I am now pregnant!!! Going on 12 weeks. Just make sure you have a good ob who understands your previous history and you'll be fine. My ob wouldn't do IVF, because you have a higher rate of ectopics with that even if you have never had one before.

[Tanker Chic]

I would try IUI first.  Dr can monitor you cycle and see if mature follicle is on the side with the tube.  When it is, he can give you hcg trigger shot to signal your body to release the egg and do IUI.  IUI is much less expensive.  Dr can also give you meds to stimulate additional follicles (hopefully on the side with the tube).  Try that for a 3 or 4 cycles, if it doesn't work then move on to IVF.  You really need to see a fertility specialists.  I wouldn't waist your time with OB/GYN.  

I only have one tube.  I lost it after the first IUI (ectopic).  After the ectopic, I did it two more times and I am now 26wks pg.  

Best of luck to you!!

[Fourpaws]

I am confused, even with one tube you can still get pregnant on your own. My doctor told me even with one tube, the tube can move to grab the egg from either ovary. So why would you do IUI or even IVF??? I am not very familiar with the 2 procedures, thats why I am asking??? Aren't they expensive? Thanks for your info.....

[Tanker Chic]

I suggested IUI because when I first read her post I thought it said she had been trying for 1 year.  But looking at it again, it appears the ectopic was 1 year ago, she waited for 6 months and has been trying for 6 months.  

You are right, with one tube you should be able to get pg naturally all on your own without IUI or IVF.  But if you have already been trying for a year, you should probably get some fertility help.  Especially over 35.  Since she has been trying for 6 months, it would probably be a good idea to keep trying another 6 months and if it doesn't work out, see a dr.  

My RE told me the same thing about the one tube grabbing egg from the other ovary.  I think it is possible, but I don't think the chances are as good.  Your best odds are when then egg is on the side with the tube.  Especially if you are paying $$ for IUI.  The one IUI I had that didn't work, was when the follicle was on the opposite side as the tube.   The cost of IUI depends a lot on your area and insurance.  My insurance wouldn't pay for the IUI, but it did pay for the dr visits, ultrasounds, and meds.  With those things covered, the IUI costed $300 each time.  IVF is covered under some insurance but not usually.  Some states mandate it.  If you have to pay for it out of pocket, from my research it looks like it could cost anywhere from $8000 to $20,000 depending on what all you need and area.  Or even more if you need donor eggs.  

[Fourpaws]

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. My old ob suggested I get a surrogate, now that's so expensive! There was no way we could've afforded that. But now look, I am pregnant and everything is great. Congrats on your pregnancy!! Thanks again for the information!

[Tanker Chic]

Congrats to you also.  I love happy endings!!  :)  Take care!!

[zakia0706]

A related discussion, PREGNANCY AFTER ECTOPIC SURGERY was started.