Periods before and after ectopic/tube removal+pregnancy

[Ectopicat35]

Hi all,

I am 35, non-smoker, not overweight, never been pregnant or had surgery before this - basically no risk factors for an ectopic other than being 35...

I recently had an unplanned ectopic (tubal) pregnancy the start of December where it resulted in having my left tube removed (first pregnancy)

I got my period when I was 14/15 and its always been irregular- at times it has come naturally every month, and when I take the pill it would come every month. Sometimes I would get my period every other month or so. when not taking birth control. I was beginning to think maybe I had endometriosis , which when I had surgery, my doctor said I am completely healthy fortunately- no cysts or anything.. that my ectopic was just random and unfortunate..

My question is :

How many ladies here had irregular periods before their ectopic?? Do irregular periods increase chances??

How were your periods (those with irregular periods) after tubal removal??

I have one tube left (my right) and how am I supposed to know its internally healthy vs "looks healthy" I have heard about the dye test but does that really work?? Are there any other tests?

Do you think having irregular periods in the first place is a sign of unhealthy tubes??

I may want to have a baby in the future and i want to know if any of you with one tube/ irregular periods have been lucky?? Was it difficult to get pregnant??

Thanks

[Ectopicat35]

Actually sorry! I got my period at 13 not 14/15 if it makes any difference

[NovemberRain]

Hi there

I had my ectopic 6 weeks ago today and lost my left tube. I had no obvious risk factors other than my age (39)... And when I mentioned this to my consultant the morning after my op before discharge, she didn't seem to think age was a factor, which I found strange as it's listed in the literature they gave me. I'm otherwise healthy - eat well, exercise a lot and am also blessed to have a beautiful baby daughter who is nearly 1. Having her to focus on has made this easier to bear, although I really want to give her at least one sibling.

My 3 periods before the ectopic arrived at the expected time (give or take a day) but had been different - shorter in length, 3 or 4 days rather than my normal 5. I had a similar bleed before my ectopic but as it happened at the same time as my period was due, that's what I thought it was, so I didn't know I was pregnant again in Oct until I started ovulation testing in Nov and got a positive result on my first day of testing, after that I did a pregnancy test which was positive. I don't know if irregular periods increase the chances and haven't read anything suggesting that it could be linked.

11 days after my op I had a bleed which lasted 3 days followed by a few days of light spotting (which matches what my periods were like prior to the ectopic). I was told to expect this but thought it would start sooner. My first proper period has started at lunchtime today, my op was 6 weeks ago tonight and 6 or 7 weeks post op is supposed to be common.

I was told my remaining tube looks healthy too. I had the dye test less than 2 years ago when we were trying for my daughter and was told both tubes were healthy and I fell pregnant a few months later. I don't know of any other tests but might ask my doctor the same question.

I think it's worth a conversation with your doctor, even if just to ease your worries. If you do want children, my advice is not to wait long. My sister & I both had our first babies this year (me aged 38 & my sister aged 40) and it took quite a while for us both to conceive (16/17 months), although it happened much quicker this time. I'm not sure how things will work out now with only one tube and getting closer to 40 but I haven't given up hope!

Hope this helps & Happy New Year. Let's hope 2021 brings much joy & laughter for us both and all the other ladies in a similar situation xx