QuestionMy first child was concieved sucessfully naturally and he is now four. After my first child I had an ectopic pregnancy and as a result had my right tube operated to remove the ectopic. I sucessfully concieved naturally after removal of the ectopic but decided to abort this baby due to relationship break down. I am now 31 and would like to concieve but have been trying for nearly a year. Has my abortion or ectopic affected my chances of getting pregnant again?
AnswerHi Lana :)
Etopic pregnancies can interfere with fertility. Sometimes after surgery the scar tissue surrounding the tube can block the ovum from reaching the uterus. However, you stated that you did become pregnant naturally after your surgery. So I really think its unlikely that your etopic experience plays a roll in this.
Now with Abortion, you will here different stories. Its known that many anti-abortion people will state that surgical procedures used to aid in abortion will indeed affect fertility. It is said by some, this is stated basically as a scare tactic, so make women think twice about having an abortion. I really, because of ethics cannot comment whether I disagree or agree with that statement.
However, I can tell you factual information. If you had a DNC procedure done, it will in no way affect conception and future fertility. In rare cases the uterus might be ruptured or cut. Again, if that happened to you, you would have known. You would have been bleeding heavily, and would have needed more surgery to repair the uterus.
Some women opt to use hormonal medications to terminate pregnancy. Again, this will not affect future fertility.
Late Abortions as well, where the fetus is purposely born prematurely to terminate, will not affect fertility.
If anything, the etopic issue you had would have far more bearing on your fertility. But I dont even think you have that issue at all, because you did conceive after the fact.
Now, keep in mind, its not uncommon for healthy couples to concieve at the 1 year mark, or shortly after. So chances at this point, if you were to investigate by seeing a fertility specialist, they would still give it more time, before reacting. If they do react, they would probably give you chlomid, to induce ovulation ..Again, its not often considered until well after the 1 year mark.
If I were you, I would go out and purchase an ovulation kit. They are extremely accurate. So, when you test positive for ovulation, you could have intercourse over that time and it could speed up this process for you. Many ladies have had great success with ovulation kits.
For all you know, your timing could be completely off. And beleive me, it does happen. Not all ladies ovulate according the "14 days after your period" rule. Some ovulate before, and some ovulate after. So I highly reccomend trying an ovulation kit.
If that doesnt work after say 3-4 months, then perhaps its time to see your doctor, and have hormonal testing done.
Keep in mind, that now that you are trying to concieve, that you should be taking pre-natel vitamins now. It is suggested that ladies start taking them, before getting pregnant. They greatly decrease the chances of birth defects that develop in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy :)
I hope this was of some help, and if there is anymore concerns, or questions, please dont hesitate to write back :)
Thanks for writing!
-Kristy
