IVF nurse/Ghost-ectopic pregnancy how long to levels drop?

[hopinginpa]

I just found out yesterday that I had an ectopic and was given methotrexate. How long does it take for the levels to drop? My beta started out low, is that a sign of ectopic? Will I be more prone to another ectopic next cycle? Can you start right away after HCG levels are negatvie?
Thanks!

[Ghost]

I just found out yesterday that I had an ectopic and was given methotrexate. How long does it take for the levels to drop? My beta started out low, is that a sign of ectopic? Will I be more prone to another ectopic next cycle? Can you start right away after HCG levels are negatvie?
Thanks!

Low and lazy hCG curves are one sign of an ectopic. Not always, but usually.

Your hCG levels will probably start dropping within a week. Within 2 weeks they will probably be resolved to near zero. Sometimes it takes a little longer.

I don't know if one ectopic increases the odds of another. I saw a study presented where they claimed it increased the chance, but that study was weak.

[hopinginpa]

Can I do another cycle when my levels go down to zero?
Does your clinic make you wait?

[Ghost]

Can I do another cycle when my levels go down to zero?
Does your clinic make you wait?

I think they will make you wait. We require a wait of 90 days after methotrexate.

[godblessus]

yes , hopinginpa, I too had experienced ectopic from an IVF. My doc suggested to wait for a normal period after the ECTOPIC period. Moreover, methotrexate affects folic acid metabolism and can cause spontaneous abortions. So wait atleast two cycles before trying.

[hopinginpa]

godblessus-thanks for your reply. Sorry to hear about your ectopic. Where are you in your cycle now? How long did it take for you to get an ectopic period? I heard I need to take extra folic acid as soon as I can. Best of luck to you

[Thechosenone]

hey i've had 2 ectopic pregnancies (non IVF) tubes removed now.
anyway, the first ectopic I had i had the shot and my numbers were soaring to the roof...we thought it was a good pregnancy, but nothing on the u/s. Anyway, I had the shot a couple of days later, they did another beta and my numbers shot up. I had to do another shot and my numnbers began to drop. Let me tell you. I got the news at the end of January, I didn't bleed until March (i was in pain for 2 FRIGGIN WEEKS) YES VERY SEVERE PAIN!!!!. the bleeding stop after the second week. My numbers still hadn't dropped to zero, they were still in the thousands (higher). Then, in May I began to bleed again and it was a normal period and it didn't cause me any pain. my levels at that time weren't even 10 yet. but close. I had surgery (as I was planning on doing before the bfp) and the doc still found the embryo in the tube. so after all that, it totally wasn't gone. My period came 30 days after that. It seems like when I have m/cs my period gets back on track it may be over a couple of days but never that long of a wait. hope this helps

[godblessus]

hopinginpa, I had my still doubtful ectopic/ chemical pregnancy detected at 5 weeks . My first beta on 14dp3dt was 20 and beta hcg was 220 when suspected for ectopic as it increased by 20 units every alternate day which is considered typical of ectopics. But i was completely alright with no bleeding , no pain, nothing on scan, no pain while scanning. I RECEIVED METHOTREXATE when the level was 270 and monitored after a week it fell to 190, then again a shot of methotrexate followed by fall of hcg to 90 after a week. I got my ectopic periods after two weeks of starting methotrexate. My beta was monitored inspite of periods 1 week later to confirm beta hcg reach 0. DURING THE methotrexate therapy, no folic acid supplements or folic acid containing food like greens, so the pregnancy ends soon. Once beta is zero, you may start ur folic acid. I was told by my nurse to wait for a normal period after the ectopic peiod to start my FET. But i undersatnd that u may need more shots depending on ur starting hcg levels before the treatment. Mine were low numbrs so fell back to 0 with perios in 2 weeks. Yours if in 2000s and above may take a little longer and hence may be more than one normal period before u can start an IVF cycle ...to recover from the heavy dose of methotrexate. I received a total of 150 mg in two divided doses over 2 weeks, once a week of 75 mg. So not a very heavy dose. Sorry for the long message, hope it helped. Take care and hope you recover emotionally soon.

[hopinginpa]

Godblessus-thank you for your reply. My betas are 4000 right now so I guess it will take longer to decline.
I think we are going to take a break until January. My insurance will change then and it will be covered

Thechosenone-thank you for your reply. I am sorry to hear about your horrible experience. I usually bounce back after m/c so was hoping for the same thing after this. Good luck with your upcoming cycle. I was hoping to do another cycle in November but might wait until Jan for insurance coverage.