Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for ectopic pregnancy

by Merle Heller Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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An early ectopic pregnancy without unstable bleeding is most often treated with a medication called methotrexate, which stops cell growth and dissolves existing cells. The medication is given by injection. It's very important that the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is certain before receiving this treatment.Mar 12, 2022

Medication

Jun 18, 2018 · In order to avoid subjecting women to catastrophic hemorrhage, the treatment of choice when encountering an ectopic pregnancy in a clinical setting has been surgery to remove the fetus and placenta plus or minus the part or whole …

Procedures

Medication An early ectopic pregnancy may be managed with medicine. If you have low levels of hCG -- a hormone your body makes when you’re pregnant …

Self-care

Jul 05, 2021 · Medical management of ectopic pregnancy with methotrexate is generally considered the first-choice treatment. Indications for ectopic pregnancy surgery include: 2 Unstable vital signs (e.g., low blood pressure and high heart rate) Suspicion of a ruptured fallopian tube Methotrexate treatment failed or is not possible

How do you get rid of an ectopic pregnancy?

As a conservative nonsurgical treatment of an early ectopic pregnancy, local prostaglandin, parenteral or local methotrexate, local hyperosmolar glucose, and also expectant management have been used successfully in selected cases.

How to recognize and treat an ectopic pregnancy?

Oct 30, 2020 · Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug that stops the pregnancy from growing. It is the medical treatment used to dissolve the ectopic pregnancy. If the ectopic pregnancy is small and the pregnancy hormone levels are not high, there is a 90% to 95% chance that using medical treatment would be safe.

What are my options after ectopic pregnancy?

Abortion is a medical procedure that when done safely, ends a pregnancy that’s in your uterus. Ectopic pregnancies are unsafely outside of your uterus (usually in the fallopian tubes), and are removed with a medicine called methotrexate or through a laparoscopic surgical procedure.

What are the surgery options for an ectopic pregnancy?

The incidence of ectopic pregnancies has steadily increased over recent years and despite advances in treatment it still remains a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this audit was to assess whether diagnosis and management is occurring as per international suggested g …

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Oct 01, 2014 · Background: An ectopic pregnancy within a Cesarean scar represents a rare type of extrauterine pregnancy in which the fertilized egg nidates in the myometrium of the uterine wall within a scar left from a previous Cesarean delivery. An unrecognized growing Cesarian scar pregnancy may result in uterine rupture, uncontrollable metrorrhagia, and bleeding into the …

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What is the best medicine for ectopic pregnancy?

The most common drug used to treat ectopic pregnancy is methotrexate. This drug stops cells from growing, which ends the pregnancy. The pregnancy then is absorbed by the body over 4–6 weeks. This does not require the removal of the fallopian tube.

How long does it take to recover from an ectopic pregnancy?

Most women can leave hospital a few days after surgery, although it can take 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover. If your fallopian tube has already ruptured, you'll need emergency surgery.

Can ectopic pregnancy resolve on its own?

Some ectopic pregnancies do not rupture and they clear without treatment. The pregnancy often dies in a way similar to a miscarriage, but it is absorbed, and there is minimal pain or bleeding.Mar 4, 2020

How is ectopic pregnancy removed?

If the ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed early, before the tube ruptures, a laparoscopic salpingostomy may be performed. In this procedure, the fallopian tube is opened and the pregnancy tissue is removed while leaving the tube in place (Fig. 3). The tube then heals on its own.

How can I get rid of an ectopic pregnancy without surgery?

Medication. An early ectopic pregnancy without unstable bleeding is most often treated with a medication called methotrexate, which stops cell growth and dissolves existing cells. The medication is given by injection.Mar 12, 2022

Is an ectopic pregnancy considered a miscarriage?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy develops outside of the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. An ectopic embryo will not survive and the pregnancy will miscarry.

What is the main cause of ectopic pregnancy?

What causes an ectopic pregnancy? Usually, an ectopic pregnancy happens because the fertilized egg wasn't able to move down the fallopian tube quickly enough. An infection or inflammation in the tube can cause it to be partially or completely blocked. This is commonly caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).Oct 5, 2020

Are you more fertile after ectopic?

Chance of conceiving after ectopic pregnancy Studies that have looked at the difference in fertility after treatment of ectopic pregnancy showed that medical treatment of early ectopic pregnancies with medication, compared to surgical treatments sparing the fallopian tube, had no adverse fertility outcome.Feb 8, 2022

What are the consequences if an ectopic pregnancy is not treated?

An ectopic pregnancy must be treated to stop it from growing. If it is not treated it could lead to serious internal bleeding and occasionally even death.

How long can an ectopic pregnancy survive?

A fetus in an ectopic pregnancy sometimes survives for several weeks. However, because tissues outside the uterus cannot provide the necessary blood supply and support, ultimately the fetus does not survive.

What to do if you have an early ectopic pregnancy?

Medication. An early ectopic pregnancy may be managed with medicine. If you have low levels of hCG -- a hormone your body makes when you’re pregnant and there’s no damage to the fallopian tube -- your doctor can give you an injection of a drug called methotrexate ( Trexall ).

Why are ectopic pregnancies called tubal pregnancies?

Whether there’s a problem with the egg or the tube, the egg gets stuck on its journey to the uterus. A pregnancy can’t survive outside of the uterus, so all ectopic pregnancies must end.

What to do if methotrexate doesn't work?

Surgery. If methotrexate therapy doesn’t work, surgery is the next step. It’s also the only option for women with high hCG levels, severe symptoms, and ruptured or damaged fallopian tubes. You may have laparoscopic surgery that involves a very small cut and a tiny camera.

Can you save a fallopian tube?

If your tube has ruptured or been severely damaged, the surgeons might have to remove your fallopian tube. Sometimes, the tube may be saved if damage is minimal. After surgery, your doctors will watch your hCG levels to make sure they’re going down and the pregnancy was removed properly.

Can a pregnancy survive outside of the uterus?

A pregnancy can’t survive outside of the uterus, so all ectopic pregnancies must end. It used to be that about 90% of women with ectopic pregnancies had to have surgery. Today, the number of surgeries is much lower, and many more ectopic pregnancies are managed with medication that prevents them from progressing.

Does methotrexate cause nausea?

Methotrexate stops the cells from growing and allows your body to absorb the pregnancy. But the drug does have some side effects, like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, and stomatitis ( mouth and lip ulcers). And most women have abdominal pain a couple of days after the injection.

What is the procedure for ectopic pregnancy?

During ectopic pregnancy surgery, the surgeon will perform one of these procedures: Salpingectomy: Pregnancy tissue is removed along with part or all of the fallopian tube. Salpingostomy: Pregnancy tissue is removed and fallopian tube is repaired. The decision depends on a number of factors, including the condition of the tube, ...

What is the purpose of ectopic pregnancy surgery?

Purpose of Ectopic Pregnancy Surgery. The purpose of ectopic pregnancy surgery is to remove the developing embryo before it grows too large and causes potentially life-threatening complications like internal bleeding or sepsis . Ectopic pregnancy surgery is really a last resort option, though.

What is the procedure to remove a fallopian tube?

Salpingectomy: The fallopian tube containing the ectopic pregnancy will be partially or totally removed using various surgical instruments (e.g., clamps, grasping forceps, scissors, and/or a device that releases heat). Salpingostomy: Alternatively, an incision will be made within the tube overlying the ectopic pregnancy.

How long does it take to recover from a laparoscopic ectopic pregnancy?

A laparotomy, on the other hand, requires a two to six-week recovery period. 12. As you recover, you can expect the following: 10. Abdominal soreness and swelling are common after surgery.

How long does it take to get an ectopic pregnancy?

This tube is connected to a ventilator that takes control of your breathing during the operation. Ectopic pregnancy surgery takes around 45 to 90 minutes to complete and generally proceeds in the following fashion: 2. Incision: The surgeon will make one or more incisions over the abdomen.

Where do ectopic pregnancies occur?

In the vast majority of cases, ectopic pregnancies occur within one of the fallopian tubes. These narrow tubes connect a woman's ovaries to her uterus. Less commonly, a fertilized egg may begin developing within a woman's cervix, ovary, abdomen, or prior cesarean scar. 1.

How is pregnancy tissue released?

The pregnancy tissue will be released from the tube using a special tool called a suction-irrigator. With laparoscopy surgery, the tissue will be placed in a pouch and removed from the abdomen. The incision site within the tube will be left to heal on its own.

How long does it take to get ectopic pregnancy surgery?

If the physician prefers laparoscopic surgery, it will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, if the physician chooses laparotomy, it might take longer to complete.

How does methotrexate help with ectopic pregnancy?

Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug that stops the pregnancy from growing . It is the medical treatment used to dissolve the ectopic pregnancy. If the ectopic pregnancy is small and the pregnancy hormone levels are not high, there is a 90% to 95% chance that using medical treatment would be safe. Methotrexate is given by a single injection in the arm. In certain situations, an infusion via a drip into the vein may be required. Pregnancy hormone levels would be monitored simultaneously. Side effects are temporary, which include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, mouth ulcers, sensitivity to light or feelings of fatigue. Very rarely it can affect the liver or blood counts.

How many chances are there that an ectopic pregnancy will resolve itself?

If a doctor suggested this method of treatment, then there is an almost 90% chance that the ectopic pregnancy will resolve all by itself. The patient would be observed closely until ectopic pregnancy is absorbed and there are minimal or no symptoms (like pain or bleeding).

How is ectopic pregnancy managed?

Ectopic pregnancy is managed differently depending on the severity. Ectopic pregnancy is usually managed through medications, surgery or observation . The type of management depends on the severity of the condition.

What is the purpose of a laparoscope in a belly button?

A thin, flexible instrument with a camera and light source on its end (laparoscope) is inserted through the incision in the belly button to allow the surgeon to see what they are doing. If an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, the tube is usually removed.

What is the best way to manage ectopic pregnancy?

Conservative/observation management . The wait and watch approach is a safe and appropriate way to manage ectopic pregnancy . Managing the condition without treatment can feel quite scary, but it is good to give the body the best chance to resolve naturally.

Where does ectopic pregnancy occur?

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy located outside the inner lining of the uterus. The majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube. Signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may include abdominal pain, lack of menstrual period (amenorrhea), vaginal bleeding, fainting, dizziness, and low blood pressure.

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

What’s an ectopic pregnancy? Normal pregnancies develop inside your uterus, after a fertilized egg travels through your fallopian tube and attaches to your uterine lining. Ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg attaches somewhere else in your body, usually in your fallopian tube — that’s why it’s sometimes called “tubal pregnancy.”.

What to do if you are pregnant and have a bleed?

If you’re pregnant and have severe pain or bleeding, go to the emergency room right away. If you have any other symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, contact your doctor or nurse as soon as you can. The earlier an ectopic pregnancy is found and treated, the safer you’ll be.

Can an ectopic pregnancy cause internal bleeding?

Untreated ectopic pregnancies can cause internal bleeding, infection, and in some cases lead to death. When you have an ectopic pregnancy, it’s extremely important to get treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. Treating an ectopic pregnancy isn’t the same thing as getting an abortion.

Can you get pregnant if you have an ectopic pregnancy?

Most people who have an ectopic pregnancy can have healthy pregnancies in the future, depending on the treatment you had and the condition of your fallopian tubes. If one of your fallopian tubes was removed or your tubes are scarred, it may be more difficult to get pregnant. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you’re more likely to get another one in ...

Can fallopian tubes break?

But they’re very dangerous if not treated. Fallopian tubes can break if stretched too much by the growing pregnancy — this is sometimes called a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. This can cause internal bleeding, infection, and in some cases lead to death.

Can a doctor reimplant a pregnancy?

No, a doctor can’t re-implant or move your ectopic pregnancy into your uterus. Ectopic pregnancies can’t grow into fetuses: A pregnancy won’t survive if it’s ectopic, because a fertilized egg can’t grow or survive outside your uterus. Untreated ectopic pregnancies can cause internal bleeding, infection, and in some cases lead to death.

Can you get pregnant after being sterile?

are 35 or older. smoke cigarettes. If you get pregnant after you’ve been sterilized or while you have an IUD, it’s more likely to be ectopic. But this is very rare , because these types of birth control are super effective at preventing pregnancy.

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