If there is one issue that can shake you as much as infertility, it will be having an ectopic pregnancy. Most women with a history of ectopic pregnancies are usually afraid to try for pregnancy again as they fear they will have it again.
An ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg (embryo) implants in any region outside of the uterus, most commonly the fallopian tubes. This can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby.
In this article, we will discuss the possibilities of having a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy and the tips you can follow to achieve it. Read till the end to learn more.
Possibilities For Successful Pregnancy After Ectopic Pregnancy
This is the most common fear that many women who had an ectopic pregnancy have: “Can I get pregnant angina after an ectopic pregnancy?”
Here’s the answer to your long-awaited question. YES. You can get pregnant even after having an ectopic pregnancy.
According to studies, the chances of a successful pregnancy is about 65% if you try to conceive within the same year you had an ectopic pregnancy. If you leave a year gap and try the next year, your pregnancy rate can go as high as 85%.
So, what do you understand from this? You can definitely get pregnant after an ectopic pregnancy. However, you need to give yourself and your body time to recover from the damage caused by it before trying again.
You are also not wring in worrying about having an ectopic pregnancy again. Though the possibilities are low, you have a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy than women who never had the complication.
Studies show that about 10% of women (that is, 1 in 10 women) who had an ectopic pregnancy before have a chance of having it again. So, talk with your obstetrician and work closely with them throughout your pregnancy.
When IVF Is The Best Option After An Ectopic Pregnancy
There is no problem with trying for a natural pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy. However, suppose there is a major cause behind the ectopic pregnancy (like infertility issues), or you have had two or more ectopic pregnancies. In that case, it is best to visit your fertility doctor and undergo an IVF procedure.
During an IVF, the eggs and sperm are collected and fertilized in a laboratory. The fertilized egg (embryo) is then transferred directly into the uterus for implantation.
Here, the embryo will be released in the centre of the uterus. This method significantly decreases the chances of the embryo implanting anywhere other than the uterus.
However, there are still minimal chances of ectopic pregnancy. You should stay in close touch with the doctor and take the necessary steps to have a successful pregnancy.
Tips For Getting Pregnant After An Ectopic Pregnancy
As discussed above, you can absolutely get pregnant after having an ectopic pregnancy. Here are some tips you can follow to increase your chances of having a healthy and successful pregnancy.
1) Wait At Least Three Full Months
Ectopic pregnancy is complicated and can have fatal outcomes if it is not treated early. If you have had an ectopic pregnancy, your doctor would have either given you medication (methotrexate) or performed surgery to terminate the pregnancy.
Your uterus and fallopian tubes will be weak for a period after pregnancy termination. It is best to wait at least three months and recover well before trying for a pregnancy again.
2) Take Care Of Yourself
Don’t rush into another pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy. The physical strain and the emotional pain of losing your baby can be too much to bear.
So, take your time and get some well-needed “me” time to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the next pregnancy. Here are some self-care tips to follow:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Do regular, moderate exercises
- Get plenty of rest
- Do relaxing activities (yoga, meditation, or any activity you prefer)
- Maintain a proper sleep schedule
3) Seek Fertility Help Sooner Rather Than Later
Generally, you don’t need a fertility specialist to get pregnant after an ectopic pregnancy. As long as you don’t have any infertility issues, you can very well get pregnant naturally.
However, if you have been trying to conceive without success for more than a year, it is high time you talk to your obstetrician and visit an infertility specialist. They will look into your condition and recommend the best fertility treatments to help you get pregnant without any complications.
Conclusion
Yes, ectopic pregnany is a serious condition and can cause certain complications. However, you don’t need to worry whether you can get pregnant again.
With the right guidance and proper care, you can get pregnant again and have your own little baby. Consult your fertility hospital if you have any doubts or concerns regarding your pregnancy
Unfortunately, there are no specific ways to prevent an ectopic pregnancy. No one can determine where your embryo will implant after fertilization. However, you can consult a fertility doctor if you have concerns, and they will do their best to ensure the embryo implants in the uterus and nowhere else.
No, ectopic pregnancy is very dangerous and can be fatal for both the mother and the baby. If the fetus is not removed, the baby might grow in the fallopian tube and can cause fallopian tube rupture. So, no, it is very rare and almost impossible to have a successful ectopic pregnancy.
No, currently, there is no evidence pointing out that bad sperm quality, motility, or morphology can cause ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterine lining. This issue can occur even if the quality of the sperm is good.
Yes, ectopic pregnancy can be quite painful if it is not removed in its early stages. In the entire body, only the uterus is designed to grow a developing fetus. If the embryo implants anywhere else, it can be painful and can cause serious complications.
