How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?
Disease description:
I'm pregnant, but the examination says it's an ectopic pregnancy. I'm really scared. I'd like to ask, how is ectopic pregnancy treated? Is conservative treatment an option? If surgery is needed, will it affect my future fertility?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Ectopic pregnancy, medically termed as extrauterine pregnancy, refers to the implantation and development of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity. The most common type is tubal pregnancy. It generally can be managed through medication, surgical treatment, and other approaches.
Medical treatment is suitable for patients diagnosed at an early stage, with stable conditions, low serum β-HCG levels, and no significant internal bleeding. The primary drug used is methotrexate, which inhibits trophoblastic proliferation and promotes necrosis and absorption of the embryonic tissue. However, close monitoring of β-HCG levels and clinical symptoms is necessary during medical treatment to evaluate effectiveness and adjust the treatment plan promptly.
For patients with severe conditions or those who do not respond to medication, surgical intervention is a more appropriate option. Surgical options include salpingostomy with tubal suturing or salpingectomy. Among these, laparoscopic surgery has become the primary method for treating ectopic pregnancy in recent years due to its minimal invasiveness and faster postoperative recovery.
When treating ectopic pregnancy, doctors will formulate individualized treatment plans based on comprehensive considerations such as the patient's age, fertility requirements, and the location and size of the ectopic pregnancy.
