Conceiving After Ectopic Pregnancy: Understanding Your Chances & Next Steps

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hello,
I had an ectopic pregnancy 6 years ago. I lost one of my tubes due to the pregnancy. We have been ttc for about a year now. I was in chlomid for 3 months no progress. I wanted to know what I can do? What tests is my ob supposed to take? We know my husband is fine and he fathered 2 children. What are the odds of me concieving with one fallopian tube?
Answer -
Statistically, the odds of conceiving with one fallopian tube are the same as conceiving with two fallopian tubes. It has been shown that, in women with one tube, the egg from the ovary on the side without a tube, travels to the other tube and awaits the sperm. Thus the chances are the same of conception. Just continue to have sex at the time of ovulation each month. If you are not ovulating, then Clomid may help (if the dosage is adequate). If you are not ovulating, it has nothing to do with having one tube. Just keep trying. Good Luck. I am ovulating on a regular basis. I can feel when I ovulate I get a pinch feeling is this normal? Do you think I should get a second opinion? I was wondering what tests a ob is supposed to take to find out bout ovulation. Is there such thing as a women that fights off the sperm? I just wnat to know what my next step should be? Thank You

Answer
There are several methods to see if you are or are not ovulating. You can chart a "basal body temperature chart" to see if you have a "biphasic" curve of your temperature. YOu can get an ovulation predictor kit or monitor and test to see exactly when there is an LH (luteinizing hormone) surge. Ovulation occurs 12 hours after the LH surge. There are no blood tests that can tell you if you are ovulating. You should test your progesterone level to see if you should supplement the progesterone to avoid development of a luteal phase defect. Many woman get pregnant easily after an ectopic pregnancy. Although it may take longer to conceive, you should eventually conceive.If you are, indeed, ovulating regularly, you have to concentrate on having intercourse at the time of ovulation each month. The Clomid may help increase your chances by increasing the number of maturing follicles. If you are not conceiving, you may want to  make sure that the remaining tube is patent and that your partner's semenanalysis is adequate. If you are unhappy with the progress with your current doctor, you may want to consult a reproductive endocrinologist for a more intensive fertility workup. Good Luck.