ectopic pregnancyFertility can be a complex and difficult issue for many women. After an ectopic pregnancy there are often additional concerns that have to be addressed. These are physical, but they're also mental and emotional. By working with your doctor and asking plenty of questions, you can make the right choices about your reproductive health. By doing so you can reduce your worries and your risk, when trying to conceive (TTC) again.

Is There a Risk of a Second Ectopic Pregnancy?
Once you've had an ectopic pregnancy, you may be worried about experiencing another one. While this is an understandable concern, it is largely unfounded if you follow proper medical advice. However, it is recommended that you wait at least three months before trying to conceive again.

Getting pregnant again immediately following an ectopic pregnancy could put you at risk for another ectopic pregnancy. Wait until your doctor says it's safe to try to conceive again. It may be a longer or shorter period of time for you, depending on factors specific to your situation.

Does This Affect the Miscarriage Risk?
Another concern about getting pregnant again after an ectopic pregnancy is the chance of miscarriage. Nearly one-third of pregnancies that occur immediately after being treated for an ectopic pregnancy end in miscarriage. That risk can be greatly lowered by following your doctor's advice and waiting for at least three months before you attempt to conceive again.

While no pregnancy is completely without the risk of miscarriage, it is important that you keep your risk as low as possible. You can do that by giving your body time to rest and heal. It needs to be able to recover from the strain of the ectopic pregnancy. Remember, stress isn't just physical. Having too much emotional or mental stress can also raise your risk for pregnancy-related issues.

It is best to avoid unprotected sex until your doctor clears you to try conceiving again. Approximately 65% of women who've been through an ectopic pregnancy and follow their doctor's advice post-pregnancy successfully become pregnant within 18 months. After two years, that number rises to 85%. That's good news for women who want to conceive; women who have suffered an ectopic pregnancy can still go on to have a healthy baby at a later date.