Can You Get Pregnant After Hysterectomy?

Generally, a person who goes through a hysterectomy becomes sterile, which means she won’t be able to conceive a child. However, in some rare instances, ovulation and subsequent fertilization may occur which can lead to an abnormal situation known as ovarian ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy is a medical condition when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. This commonly happens in a fallopian tube, which is also referred to as a tubal pregnancy.

Symptoms

Hysterectomy can have similar symptoms to ectopic pregnancy. These symptoms include pelvic hematoma formation, protracted abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding. In general, an ectopic pregnancy is rarely expected and requires a further ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis.

Can you have an ectopic pregnancy when you have a hysterectomy?

Yes, some women may experience ectopic pregnancy following a hysterectomy operation. However, it requires at least one fallopian tube and one ovary intact.

Chances of getting ectopic pregnancy after hysterectomy

Although ovulation and fertilization may happen in an ectopic pregnancy, there is practically no possibility of a fetus surviving. Therefore, since there is no uterus to sustain the pregnancy, it is nearly impossible to grow a baby.

What are the risks of ectopic pregnancy for women who have hysterectomies?

Ectopic pregnancy can become a dangerous condition. The reason is that the growing fetus begins to stress tissues that are not intended for pregnancy. This, in turn, may lead to a major rupture as well as internal hemorrhage. Abdominal pain is an initial symptom.

Following an ultrasound diagnosis to clarify the condition, a physician usually prescribes a medication called methotrexate to eliminate the fetal cells. When it’s not possible to have a successful treatment with help of a medication, the pregnancy is eliminated through surgical intervention.