An Ectopic Pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus. Most of the ectopic pregnancies- more than 90% arise in the fallopian tube. As the foetus grows, it can cause the tube to burst. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy can lead to internal bleeding and can be life-threatening.
Ectopic pregnancy treatment is needed because it can never lead to live birth. In this type of pregnancy foetus cannot survive and thus it should be treated immediately. Ectopic pregnancy symptoms develop between 3 to 6 weeks after the missed periods. You should not ignore these symptoms. Ectopic pregnancy treatment may include diagnosis, medication and surgery.
In this article we are going to explain what are the symptoms and causes of ectopic pregnancy. It will also explain about Ectopic pregnancy diagnosis, treatments and recovery processes.
Ectopic pregnancy symptoms are hard to understand as it has the same symptoms as normal ones. These are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.
There are many risk factors which can cause Ectopic pregnancy. These risk factors are as follows
If symptoms develop patients should immediately rush to the doctor. A pelvic examination can help your doctor identify areas of pain or any lump in the fallopian tube. If a doctor suspects ectopic pregnancy, blood test and ultrasound will be done.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) blood tests will confirm if there is a pregnancy. HCG hormone levels increase in blood during pregnancy. In ectopic pregnancy these hormones show abnormal behaviour. Repetitive tests within a few days can confirm an ectopic pregnancy.
A transvaginal Ultrasound can help the gynaecologist identify the exact location of pregnancy. It also confirms a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. For this test a wand like device inserted into the vagina takes clear pictures. It uses sound waves to capture the images of uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Ultrasound performed on the abdomen can confirm pregnancy and check internal bleeding. Internal bleeding is a sign of ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
CT scan and MRI can confirm a tubal rupture. It can give a perfect diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening and thus it needs immediate medical attention. There are three types of ectopic pregnancy treatment available.
In this ectopic pregnancy treatment you’ll be closely monitored with frequent HCG blood tests. In some cases, pregnancies dissolve on their own. If severe symptoms persist then doctors can advise medication or surgery. Expectant is management done at a very early stage and is not fruitful in most of the cases.
If expectant management does not work you will get medication from the doctor. An injection of a drug called methotrexate helps to stop the growth of ectopic pregnancy. You do not need to stay in hospital after ectopic pregnancy treatment.
Regular blood tests are done to check if medication is working. 15% of women need a second injection of methotrexate to end ectopic pregnancy. After taking methotrexate injection in Ectopic pregnancy recovery takes 3 months. During this period you should use contraception to stop falling pregnant again. Methotrexate can be harmful for the baby if you conceive.
Ruptured ectopic pregnancy needs immediate surgery as treatment. There are two types of ectopic pregnancy surgeries available. They are laparoscopic and laparotomy surgery. Your Doctor decides to perform surgery as per your situation.
In this ectopic pregnancy surgery, the fallopian tube is either removed or opened to remove the ectopic pregnancy. A small cut is made below the navel to insert a telescopic device called laparoscope. Carbon dioxide gas blows into the stomach through a needle. It identifies the exact place of ectopic pregnancy and the tissues get removed.
If the ectopic pregnancy has ruptured and split open the fallopian tube then the doctor may perform laparotomy. In this surgery a much larger incision is made to remove the ectopic tissues.
A point to remember: An ectopic pregnancy can never lead to a live birth. Thus its treatment is very important to save the life of patients. .- HERA
After laparoscopy or a methotrexate injection most women recover quickly. It takes only 24 hours to leave the hospital. But, laparotomy requires a big incision and thus it takes 2-3 days to leave the hospital. In laparoscopy or methotrexate treatment you will need to visit the hospital regularly to have HCG tests done.
This test ensures all the pregnancy cells are gone. This involves another blood hormone test. Whether your ectopic pregnancy is treated with methotrexate or surgery you may feel tired for several weeks. It can take time for the level of HCG to drop after treatment for an ectopic pregnancy. It may take a few cycles for your periods or at least six weeks return to normality.
Hera Pro Tip: If you have undergone ectopic surgery then don’t life heavy weights, drink plenty of water, avoid sexual relations, avoid using tampons and rest as much as possible..- HERA
Ectopic pregnancy treatment has many side effects. These should be treated under medical supervision. The side effects are as follows:
Ectopic pregnancy prevention is not possible every time, but avoiding certain things can reduce the risk. You should try to maintain a healthy sexual relationship with condoms. Try to avoid many sexual partners. This reduces the risk of STDs and thus fallopian Tubes remain healthy. Try to quit smoking before trying to conceive. Maintain regular visits to doctors and regular STD screenings.
Ectopic pregnancy treatment is really necessary. It can help terminate the foetus before it turns hazardous. Ectopic pregnancy surgery takes at least six week of time to recover. Ectopic pregnancy treatments and recovery processes should be medically supervised.