How long after methotrexate for ectopic do you have to wait to TTC?

Question

Hi all. I’ve been doing some research on how long it is suggested to wait after a methotrexate injection for ectopic pregnancy. My doctor recommends 3 months without question, I have read this in several other places too. My question for you guys is how long did you wait / how long did your doctor recommend? If you didn’t wait as long as recommended, did you still have a healthy pregnancy/baby? I’m also wondering what you have heard about having 2 injections — i read somewhere that the recommended waiting time is then 6 months and I’m praying to God that if that’s the case I will not need 2. I’m worried because my HCG levels were fairly high (7808) the day of diagnosis and I’ve read that anything greater than 5000 and your chances for success with methotrexate are decreased. Thank you all so much in advance!

Answer

I was told 3 cycles, but I started with super low numbers (40) and only needed one shot.
This is the best explanation I found as to the reason behind waiting three cycles (12 weeks). There is other good info in the rest of the article, too. “... If you have had either one or two injections of Methotrexate you should wait until your hCG levels have fallen to below 5mIU/mL (your doctor will advise you when this is through blood tests) and then take a folic acid supplement for 12 weeks before you try to conceive.
This is because the Methotrexate may have reduced the level of folate in your body which is needed to ensure a baby develops healthily. The Methotrexate is metabolised quickly but it can affect the quality of your cells, including those of your eggs, and the quality of your blood for up to three months after it has been given. The medicine can also affect the way your liver works and so you need to give your body time to recover properly before a new pregnancy is considered. A shortage of folate could result in a greater chance of a baby having a neural tube defect such as hare lip, cleft palate, or even spina bifida or other neural tube defects.” (https://www.ectopic.org.uk/patients/trying-to-conceive/)

Answer

I didn’t wait. In fact, got the injection, it didn’t work. Had surgery two days later. They removed the ectopic. About 9 days later, once I wasn’t sore I decided to have sex with my SO again. I conceived and here I am with a beautiful two month old baby girl. Had a perfect pregnancy, was a little worried as there is skeptic/warnings about negative effects of the methotrexate. Because I only had one injection, my doctor wasn’t very worried. I definitely beat the odds and shut down the recommendations, I do not regret only waiting 9 days, I’m so thankful for the beautiful baby I have.

Answer

I had 4 shots of metho and was told 3 months 3 cycles by more then one doctor. Just finished my third cycle relieved the wait is over was tough but glad I waited I wouldn’t chance it .

Answer

I was told 3-4 months!

Answer

My OBGYN recommended I wait one cycle before ttc again. I had one dose of methotrexate on Dec 19th with HCG at 500. It wasn't until January 16th that HCG returned to 5. Had my first period this month and am so ready to try again!

Answer

I was told one ovulation cycle. I’m only a week post mtx shot and don’t know when I’ll be ready to try so idk if I’ll follow what my doctor says or try to wait the 3 months.

How long after methotrexate for ectopic do you have to wait to TTC?

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