Conceiving After Methotrexate Facts

About Conceiving After Methotrexate

Questions and Answers

conceiving after methotrexate? Does anyone know how long you should leave it for trying to conceive again after you've taken methotrexate for eptopic pregnancy. Each doctor on the same ward has told me differently. Yes, thats the drug. They give it to pregnant women to dissolve the pregnancy if its growing in the wrong place.

pimp squeek replied: "Is methotrexate the chemotherapy drug? I have experience with that, but i am not sure if it is the same one as you are talking about. Oh Okay, I am unfamiliar with its use in ectopic pregnancy. My husband was on methotrexate for 6 months, for cancer treatment. So, completely different circumstances. We did speak to the doctors about when we could start a family after his chemo, and they recommended wait at least a year. Just because of the effect the drug had on his body and the possibility of it affecting his sperm. They actually said that he would most likely be sterile from the treatment. Because we thought he was sterile, we did not use protection and about 10 months later, i fell pregnant. We spoke to his specialist and i had some tests done and ultrasounds, and our baby was born perfectly. So, the circumstances are quite different, but hopefully it has helped you a bit."

GayLF replied: "I would say 3 cycles of your period. Good luck"

Beth S replied: "Most doctors recommend waiting at least 3 months before trying again (because of theoretical side effects of methotrexate). Be sure to start on prenatal vitamins before you begin trying."

Timelordess replied: "From what I've read as long as your hCG levels have gone back down it should be fine. If you're unsure either leave it a couple of cycles or see your GP."

what kind of birth defects result while taking methotrexate and conceiving a child? im on methotrexate for R. arthritis so my doctor tells me to get off 3 months before getting pregnant. Not that i would not get off, but i just want to know just incase i got pregnant by accident?

satans_queen replied: "Here is some information Make sure your OB knows about you having taken the medication early in pregnancy so additional precautions can be taken. Just remember, just because there is a possibility of something going wrong doesn't mean it will."

lilsnugglesx3 replied: "I've got arthritias to, I was on mexthotrexate when I was 6 years old to 13. Now im on a shot called Humeria. I was told by my arthritias doctor that If i wanted to have a baby and if I ever got Pregnant with either or meds, that I would not have healthy baby. So I would be extreamly careful if I were you. I wouldnt want my kid to suffer and go thru what happened to me as a baby. Good Luck you can email me with any questions I will be glad to answer them."

Pregnancy chances after 2 ectopics? I have been pregnant twice in my life - both were ectopic. The first was in 1995, and was resolved with one shot of methotrexate. The second was this month (2007) and had expelled from my tube and into my abdomen, and had to be removed by surgery. I still have both of my tubes, and both of my ovaries. My question is - is there any chance to conceive naturally after 2 ectopics? My Dr. seems to think that since I still have my tubes, I should keep trying. She scheduled me for an HSG. However, after TWO ectopics, I am terrified of trying again naturally, and think maybe I should just start IVF. I am not sure if I should stick with this Dr., or go for a second opinion. Any experiences with this anyone?

karen replied: "Every woman's body is different, so I'm not sure how this will help you, but maybe give you some hope. In my personal life, I have been pregnant 3 times; a son who is now 4, one ectopic pregnancy a year and a half ago and I am 34 weeks pregnant right now. They were no explanations for the ectopic, but I know that ending that pregnancy was the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. I have an aunt who, like you, has had 2 ectopic pregnancies and also one miscarriage. Just a few months after starting IVF she was pregnant with triplets and those boys are now 10 years old. I say get a second opinion, but don't hesitate too long on IVF or even consider adoption if that doesn't work out. I wish you all the luck and God Bless."

cheerychumms replied: "I know u are terrified and u should be,thats completely normal...But,there are a lot of women out there that have had numerous ectopics and went on to have a healthy baby naturally..these things happen and theres nothing u did wrong,its a natural thing..I would keep trying,if u notice that the next is an ectopic as well then u should look into other options as well,but dont give up yet and move to ivf...This next time around u may get the baby u truely want and deserve the right way!!!Good Luck!!"

VIVIANA B replied: "ectopic pregnacy are cause of bad implatation,co i could think to take something for help the implantation !progesterone natural micronized,its very good,that wont hurt your baby coz it protect your baby ,look into"

Anyone had laparoscopy, kept tube, but had to take methotrexate shot because levels did not keep dropping? I was wondering if anyone has been in my same situation? I had non-emergency laparoscopy surgery for an ectopic pregnancy. I opted for the surgery to avoid getting the methotrexate shot. Because it was discovered early I did not lose my right tube. One week after the surgery my levels dropped dramatically, which was a great sign. Unfortunately a week later my levels were slowly going up. I now have to get the methotrexate shot tomorrow to attack the left over placenta tissue that is causing my levels from dropping to zero. Just wondering about any side effects from the shot? How long anyone had to wait before trying to conceive again? Any information to share from someone who has been in the same situation.

worried jo. replied: "hi ya... i had exactly the same thing.. i got the shot first but it didn't work i didnt suffer any side affects with that. unfortunately i lost my right tube i was told to wait a year before trying again,, and i did. i eventually fell pregnant 15mths later and im now pregnant again.. so theres always hope even with one tube.... best of luck to you and try not to worry too much..jo!"

Had to have Methotrexate due to ectopic. Questions? I'm just wondering when I can start taking my folic acid again! I had the Methotrexate shot exactly 1 week ago due to what they thought was an ectopic pregnancy. I was almost 6 weeks pregnant. I've finished the miscarriage as of yesterday, and my Hcg levels are going down. I have to go again today to have my blood checked to see how far they've come down again. I just have a few questions though. When is is safe to have sex again? We are devastated by the miscarriage, so we want to try again quickly. Also, when can I start taking my prenatal vitamins again to build up my lack of folic acid from the Methotrexate shot? My Dr. is out of town, so I'm just trying to figure these things out so I can get back to normal, and start TTC again. My husband and I tried for 8 months to get pregnant, and then I had to miscarry. With my son (from another marriage), I had no problem conceiving. But, I'm 27 now and I'm sure I might need all the help I can get. So, to those of you who have experienced this, please comment. Thank you in advance for your answers. :) Baby Dust to all of you that are TTC! Ms. Fly? You have questions? I'd be happy to help. What is your question? Some of you were confused about whether this was ectopic, or if it was a miscarriage. To clarify, I was diagnosed with an ectopic (not because the Dr. knew for sure, but it was diagnosed because of my slow rising Hcg levels. They never saw a sac in my tube, or in my uterus. But I was only 4 weeks at the time.), and after I was diagnosed, the Dr. wanted me to have the Methotrexate shot to miscarry. So, it's all the same. I had lots of tissue and bleeding and cramping for 6 days, and then it stopped yesterday. So, according to my Dr., now they aren't sure if it was ectopic afterall. Most people who have had an ectopic, don't start the miscarriage so quickly. I started mine the same day as the shot. So, now I'm wondering if I DID have a baby in my uterus, but it just wasn't forming correctly. That would make a WORLD of difference! We are ready to have more kiddos now & don't want to wait. I don't need to answer to anyone that doesn't agree. I'm married and WANT a baby. It's my choice. :)

MS.FLyGuRL.KNoWSz. replied: "Can I ask you a question about your ectopic pregnancy? Because i think thats why i'm having now, I just came from the doctor."

mmb replied: "I was advised to wait 3 months to get pregnant after methotrexate (same situation as yours). I would think starting on the folic should be fine, even a good thing. I ended up losing a Fallopian tube after my ectopic, waited 3 months to start trying and got pregnant (without help) 3 months later. Make sure your emotional health is good. I was really depressed for about a year afterward (even during my pregnancy). Get help if you need it."

Tiare replied: "I am a bit confused as to whether this pregnancy was ectopic or miscarriage as you refer to it as both. An ectopic is a pregnancy in the tube, a miscarriage is a pregnancy in the uterus. You may have bleeding with either type of pregnancy so dont confuse ectopic bleeding with miscarriage. Anyway, assuming it is an ectopic then dont take the folic acid until the HCG levels are negative and you are sure it has completely resolved. folic acid reverses the effects of the methotrexate and I am sure you dont want the ectopic to start growing again and risk losing your tube and becoming infertile. Also, what is with your extreme rush to get pregnant? Cant you guys hold off a bit at least to be sure the ectopic is resolved. If you get pregnant now before HCG is negative, it will paint a very confusing picture to the doctor. It will be impossible to know if there is a new pregnancy or the ectopic tissue is growing again. 8 months is really not that abnormal while TTC and at 27 you do not need to worry about fertility issues related to age. If I were you, I would be much more worried about getting another ectopic pregnancy in the future."

? replied: "An ectopic pregnancy emotionally feels like a miscarriage doesn't it? Same thing just happened to you, you lost a baby. I'm sorry for your loss. I had an ectopic in November, had methotrexate but it didn't work and my tube burst 6 days after the shot so I had to have surgery. You're lucky your shot worked because that was the worst pain I've ever felt! I too, was advised to have 3 normal periods before TTC again but guess what? I had one period, missed the next one and found out we were pregnant. That fast off of one fallopian tube! I am now almost 38 weeks with a little girl. My Dr said that happens a lot actually. I don't know of any reason not to start your prenantals. And I was told to wait 4 weeks before having sex again. Good luck to you. One question: did your dr say what might have caused the tubal? It's usually because of scar tissue in the fallopian tube. Only asking because sometimes the scar tissue should be removed so an ectopic doesnt happen again. Ask your doc. Blessings!"

How many weeks after conception is Chorionic villi formed? I am trying to know if I have an ectopic pregnancy. Hi..I have a strange condition. I had my period in the first week of December and later in the month, I conceived. But I had some brownish discarge and finally started bleeding (what I though was my period) on Jan 1. Even after a week, the brown discharge continued so I went to the doctor who informed me that I was pregnant but lost the pregnancy. My HCG levels since then have not gone down (they are at 140). The doctor did a CVS and did not find any chorionic villi. Last week I was given a shot of Methotrexate for treatment of ectopic pregnancy... I don't think I should have an ectopic pregnancy as I have no discomfort in my lower abdomen...also when I already had my period, why would they look for villi - would they still be present?? Do I need a DNC to clean my utereus...I don't have a baby yet and am very worried - can someone help??

BraxOwl replied: "First of all, I am sorry you are going through this situation. Second, I would get a second opinion. If you miscarried, your HCG levels should be decreasing. If they are not (but are not rising), that does indicate the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. I have never heard of having a CVS done in order to determine this, a simple ultrasound can usually diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. The fact that you have no discomfort is irrelevent, as it sometimes goes unnoticed (until something serious happens). Again, I suggest going to another doctor and getting a second opinion. You need answers! I can not determine whether you need a DNC, only a doctor can. I wish you the best, and hope you find those answers!"

Is it possible to NOT ovulate...3 months after an ectopic pregnancy? I am very frustrated and sad at this moment. I had to terminate an ectopic pg last Feb...with a shot of Methotrexate in my butt. (I'm 37..and we've been trying for almost 2 years...)We officially started trying again this week. Its been 3 months, and yes, I have had at least 3 periods. My question is: Why are the OV test strips not showing me positive result? I got neg results last month and now, this month. But I am having a regular period. Does anyone know if having a tubal pg...means you unable to ovulate again? I know this sounds dramatic....but I am literally so desperate to conceive a baby....I can't even think clearly. Please help in anyway you can...with info. Thank you so very much.

samlevine05667 replied: "I am sorry to hear about your ectopic. I had an ectopic pregnancy that wasn't resolved by the methotrexate so I had to have surgery, a full laporotomy, 5 inch scar. My ob/gyn said that it takes time for the body to recover after an ectopic and he sent me to a reproductive endocronologist to help me to have a baby. If you have been trying for 2 years, you may want to consider seeing an RE for guidance. A simple work up is less than 1000 and your insurance will most likely cover some if not all of it."

ROSE B replied: "because of the type of pregnancy that you had and had to get it treated/ended, there might be damage to the fallopian tubes you can ask your obgyn to do a laproscopy on you this is where they can use a scope to look at the fallopian tubes to see if there is any damage. or you might just be tring to hard just tajke it easy and do not try so hard if it is meant to be it will be. good luck to you."

結縁 Himei replied: "If a tubal pregnancy caused scaring of the fallopian tube, or if the fetus hasn't pass( did you went back to get a sonogram?) If the tubal blockage has happened, it mean your fertility is cut into half. But as long as you have another fallopian tube intact, there's shouldn't be a problem, it will just take longer for you to get pregnant. Every month, one egg is ovulated in a different ovary- it switches."

rubywine79 replied: "I had 2 miscarriages and you can still have a period and not be ovulating afterwards for some months. It's your bodies way of giving itself time to heal. Your doctor should tell you if you are infertile and you are probably ovulating but stress doesn't help when trying to get preggers so try to relax about it. But, a tubal pregnancy is only one side so you still have one good fallopian tube with a functioning ovary regardless of what is up with the other one. Stress can be a huge factor though so I would recommend that first and then go see your doctor and discuss things further with them. At least they could put your mind at ease."

medical abortions? Does anyone know the side effects of the Methotrexate/Misoprostol regimen, also if women have trouble conceiving again? Does this method work? Is it safe? Any feedback would be helpful.

AMBER D replied: "It works for some, but it can turn into a traumatizing experience, especially if you are over 8 weeks. This kind of method is used in third world countries, where they don't have access to other methods. Upon taking mifepristone at the clinic you may begin to bleed. As each woman's body is different, bleeding varies from woman to woman. Some may experience light bleeding much like spotting towards the end of a menstrual period. Others have heavier bleeding like their regular menstrual period, or like a heavy period. Some women do not experience any bleeding until taking the misoprostol. Upon taking the second medication misoprostol tablet, cramping, bleeding, and clotting may begin as soon as 20 minutes. Within the next 6 to 8 hours, most women will miscarry. Cramping may come in waves with increasing and decreasing intensity. You can expect bleeding heavier than a menstrual period with large clots. During this time, you will pass the embryo although you may not see it since it is very small. The amount of bleeding when using the Abortion Pill is greater than with surgical abortion. You should live close to an ER because the side effects range from nausea and profuse bleeding to a perforated uterus. It won't affect your ability to concieve later. I gave you the info, and now i'd like you to please think it over...there's more than one way out, you know?"

Debbie T replied: "I don't know about that particular method but I would think that any abortion poses a risk for future childbearing. You also really need to consider how you are going to feel about having had an abortion when you are older and look at your other children."

Tina replied: "After an abortion, no matter which way you do it, it is VERY easy to get pregnant again for up to a year after the procedure. Make sure you use contraception after it is over with."

Could it be I am NOT ovulating? I had a ectopic pg in Feb of this year. Caught it early enough and was given Methotrexate (shot in the butt) to terminate. I'm very worried I may not be ovulating. We officially started ttc this last month. My BBT is doing odd things and the OV strips didn't give me a convincing positive result. I just turned 38...and I'm very worried my chances of conceiving are diminishing. Last August, dr. did tests that said I am ovulating and I had the HSG X-ray and my tubes were clear. If anyone knows anything about being able to have healthy ovulation after an ectopic pg at my age....please inform me. Thank you so much for your help!

sammie_7x replied: "im sure you will concieve soon but you just need to be patient as it wasnt long ago that you had an ectopic pregnancy. your body may just need more time to recover. talk to your doctor and see what help you can get. good luck."

Poppy: due 12/19/08 with baby #1 replied: "I am sorry about your ectopic pregnancy. It could be you are not ovulating. However, the only way you can tell is from a blood test. My BBT would be erratic when I was ovulating because I was producing extra cortisol which influences BBT. The OPK strips would get on my nerves because I could never figure out the intensity of the lines. So, I switched to the clear blue easy digital OPK (not fertility monitor) and that told me 100% beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was positive - smiley for ovulation, circle for no ovulation. I would give that a try. If it doesn't work bring your charts to your doctor and they will order up some blood work to see if you are producing enough progesterone in your luteal phase to indicate ovulation."

Monique B replied: "I think the best way to conveieve would be to stay calm and tryn not to think about it. I had a ectopic in May so I know what your going through. I'm waiting for my period to arrive."

Is it safe to get pregnant if the women has Rheumatiod Arthiritis? Hi, I got diagnosed with RA two years back and I am taking Methotrexate presently. I want to have second baby. My doctor told me that I have to waitt at least six months before I can conceive. She said that she gonna start Enbrel(Its an injection) with methotrexate for two months, I have to take both of the medicines. Then metho has to stopped taken and i have to be only on Enbrel for two months. Then for last two months i don't have to take any medicine. After this six months procedure i can conceive. She also said that before starting this procedure i have to take a TB test. If its positive i can't take Enbrel. Can somebody tell me if Enbrel has any side effects and if somebody got pregnant while having RA and their experiences? And what about baby? Will he/she be in good health? Thanks for all the answers. I have no doubt on handling the baby after delivery. I do have family to support me. I got RA after my first baby. So i do have experience in taking care of myself and baby. My only worry of taking enbrel. Doc says it does have side effects. I am doing fine with methotrexate and never need any other medicine. I wanted to know if somebody took enbrel before pregnancy and did they get any serious side effects?

crimsonshedemon replied: "It's important that you do not get pregnant while taking these medications. Methotrexate is a form of chemotherapy. Just imagine what it could do to a developing baby. Enbrel is a biologic. Many women with lupus/RA do well while pregnant..you should begin planning- talk to a high risk ob/gyn and your rheumatologist. Decide what you want to do. Getting pregnant and delivering is just the beginning. Do you feel well enough to care for a child? This is the difficult part. You need to get as healthy as you can to begin this journey. Good luck"

winkcat replied: "my sister-in-law is a mom of 2 with rheum. arthritis. She has healthy children. Do exactly as your Dr. says. side effects: allergic reaction such as hives and swelling [ with all medicines in the world] cough, fever, night sweats, flu like body aches, tarry stools, shortness of breath. See you Dr. ASAP if you have those or go to the ER. Best wishes and happy babying!!!"