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Having had a tubal ectopic pregnancy does not mean you will not be able to get pregnant again. The earlier you end an ectopic pregnancy, the less damage you will have in that tube and the greater your chances will be of carrying another baby to term. And even if you do lose one of your tubes, you can still have a normal pregnancy as long as your other tube is normal and able for pregnancy. If and when you do conceive again, call your doctor as soon as you suspect that you might be pregnant. This is important so that he or she can schedule you for an early sonogram and monitor you closely.
However, if you are unable to conceive because of tubal ectopic pregnancies or damaged tubes, you are a candidate for fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is procedure in which your healthy embryos are implanted directly in your uterus.
What are my chances of having another ectopic pregnancy?
After one tubal ectopic pregnancy, your chances of having another ectopic pregnancy are about 10 to 15 percent, depending on what caused the first one and what type of treatment you had. That means that your overall chances of having a normal pregnancy next time are still very high, up to about 85-90 percent. However, if your first ectopic pregnancy was the result of damage to the tube from an infection or tubal ligation, there is a greater chance that the other tube is damaged as well. This may reduce your chances of conceiving and increase your chances of another tubal ectopic pregnancy.
How to deal with the sense of loss?
You may feel devastated by your experience, knowing you have just lost a pregnancy and it may now be more difficult for you to conceive again. You may also be recovering from major surgery, which can leave you exhausted and numb. Many women also suffer from hormonal ups and downs that can leave you feeling depressed and vulnerable. It is normal that you will need time to recuperate emotionally and physically before trying for another baby. Most caregivers will advise you to wait at least three months after the major abdominal surgery you’ve had. This is required because your body needs time to heal.
Your partner may also be feeling sad or helpless and may have trouble figuring out how to express those feelings. This experience may bring you closer together or it may strain your relationship, so it is perfectly okay to seek counseling if you think it will help you or your partner recover after a tubal ectopic pregnancy.