How to avoid ectopic pregnancy?

Question

Hi doctor,

My wife had first ectopic pregnancy before two years and her left tube was ruptured. She had laparoscopic surgery at that time and the bleeding was stopped by laser and the tube was left in ruptured condition. After one year we tried, but did not conceive. After two years of the incident, she was diagnosed with uterine tuberculosis and the ATT was started before five months. Doctor informed me to try to conceive while ATT is going on. We have tried and she conceived, but after one month she was diagnosed as cornual ectopic and had laparoscopic surgery. This time, neither the uterus wall nor the tube has ruptured. I want to know that in future will she pregnant successfully or not. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If tuberculosis have not done irreversible damage to the tube and endometrium (inner lining of the uterus), then pregnancy can happen either naturally or with treatment.

A simplest way to check these two things is one mid-cycle ultrasound (around day 13 or 14 of menses) to see the uterine lining (anything more than 8 mm to 9 mm should be reassuring) and one tubal patency test like HSG (hysterosalpingogram).

In case of damaged or blocked tubes, IVF would be a better option (in vitro fertilization), as it will also reduce the chance of ectopic pregnancy.

For further information consult an infertility specialist online.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The history of two prior ectopic pregnancies definitely increases the chance of ectopic pregnancy in third one, to the tune of 10% to 30% depending on the underlying pathology. But still, more than 70% chance of intrauterine pregnancy is there and so there is nothing to be worried.

There is nothing special to be done from your side to avoid ectopic pregnancy in the future and there is no test to rule out future ectopic pregnancy.

If other (right) tube was normal during laparoscopy, then you can just try naturally without worrying further.

For further doubts consult an infertility specialist online.