How Long After An Ectopic Pregnancy Can I Start TTC Again?

An ectopic pregnancy, also known as a tubular pregnancy, can be a traumatic experience. Often, when a woman has a tubular pregnancy, she doesn't know that anything is wrong, and begins to plan on having a baby. Then, almost without warning or any other symptoms, an ultrasound or abdominal pain will shatter her hopes. Some studies suggest that a large percentage of miscarriages are actually due to an ectopic pregnancy. This can be particularly frustrating for the woman who has been trying to conceive or "TTC" for some time.

An ectopic pregnancy refers to a condition in which the egg, when fertilized, implants somewhere other than the uterus. The fertilized egg develops until it is big enough to cause pain for the mother. Generally, the fertilized egg attaches to the fallopian tubes, the cervix, or in the abdomen. The fertilized egg cannot develop normally and receive nutrition in these locations. There is no procedure that can move a fertilized egg from one of these locations to the uterus.

The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can include:

- abdominal or lower back pain

- vaginal spotting or bleeding

- dizziness or fainting

- low blood pressure

- other pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea.

Generally, an ectopic pregnancy will produce a positive pregnancy test. If your hCG levels are lower than expected, however, this can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy is treated surgically. The health care provider removes the fertilized egg from the woman's body. This can be done laparoscopically, which is much less painful and evasive than traditional surgeries. If an ectopic pregnancy is detected extremely early, it can be treated with an injection which will dissolve the fertilized egg. After treatment for an ectopic pregnancy, your health care provider will likely want to see you again soon to make sure that your hCG levels return to normal.

Ectopic pregnancy cannot be prevented. Having your tubes tied, having endometriosis, having pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and having previous ectopic pregnancies or other conditions that have left the fallopian tubes scarred are all factors that increase the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.

Having an ectopic pregnancy does not, in general, prevent a woman from later having a successful pregnancy. However, about 30 percent of women who have had an ectopic pregnancy will have at least some difficulty getting pregnant again. The time that you need to wait to try to conceive again will vary. In part, it depends on the type of procedure that was performed to treat your ectopic pregnancy. Your health care provider can give you an indication about how long you should wait before TTC again. Studies suggest that around 65% of women will become pregnant within 18 months after an ectopic pregnancy. The risk of having another ectopic pregnancy is higher the sooner after the first that you try. Generally, you should wait until at least 6 weeks before trying again.

Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor.