What should I do about an ectopic pregnancy?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on February 25, 2025
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Ectopic pregnancy, as the name suggests, refers to the implantation of the gestational sac outside the uterine cavity, with the more common types including tubal pregnancy, ovarian pregnancy, and abdominal pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is mainly diagnosed through ultrasound and blood tests. If an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed or highly suspected, treatment should begin, primarily choosing between conservative medication treatment or surgical treatment based on the severity of the condition. 1. If the condition is mild, with HCG levels less than 1000 U/L and the mass volume smaller than 3 cm, conservative medication treatment can be chosen. 2. If the condition is severe, with a larger mass volume and significantly elevated HCG levels, surgical treatment is recommended. Currently, with the advancement of minimally invasive surgery, the majority of ectopic pregnancies can be treated using laparoscopy.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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Does an ectopic pregnancy hurt?

Ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy experience. It is defined as the implantation and development of pregnancy tissue outside of the uterus, often leading to rupture and bleeding. Thus, over 95% of ectopic pregnancies result in pain. The majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes, where the pregnancy tissue develops and the tube may rupture. However, some individuals may not be sensitive to pain, and if the ectopic pregnancy occurs at the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube, they might not experience pain, though they may still feel discomfort in the lower abdomen. Diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy requires a combination of ultrasound, progesterone, HCG levels, and the presence or absence of abdominal pain or bleeding.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Ectopic pregnancy surgery, how many days to discharge?

As everyone's physique and condition are different, the specific needs vary from person to person. Clinically, most people can be discharged in about 7 days. Women must pay attention to bed rest after ectopic pregnancy surgery, avoid vigorous exercise, and only shower with the doctor’s approval, avoiding baths. It is important to maintain personal hygiene, wear loose underwear, change frequently, and avoid sexual activity for the time being. Attention should also be paid to diet; avoid spicy and irritating foods, favoring a light diet instead. It is vital to identify ectopic pregnancy early and take timely treatment measures to not miss the best treatment window.

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Written by Liu Qin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is the probability of ectopic pregnancy high?

Ectopic pregnancy, as the name implies, refers to the implantation of the fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity, not within the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies most commonly occur in the fallopian tubes, accounting for about 95% of cases. Ectopic pregnancy is one of the common emergencies in gynecology and obstetrics, but its incidence is actually not high, approximately 2%-3%. However, because ectopic pregnancy is a leading cause of death in early pregnancies, it is quite alarming. In recent years, however, with the advancement of ultrasound technology, ectopic pregnancies are being diagnosed and treated earlier, significantly enhancing the survival rates and the ability to preserve fertility.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy

The early symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, where the pregnancy test shows implantation outside the uterine cavity, indicate an ectopic pregnancy. Depending on the type of ectopic pregnancy, whether there is a miscarriage at the site where the fertilized egg attaches, or whether there is a rupture, as well as the timing, duration, and volume of bleeding, the clinical manifestations can vary. In early tubal pregnancies, if there is no miscarriage or rupture, there are generally no specific clinical symptoms, meaning there is neither abdominal pain nor vaginal bleeding. However, as the condition progresses, some typical symptoms may appear, beginning with the cessation of menstruation. Then, abdominal pain may occur. If there is no rupture, the pain or soreness is typically localized to one side of the lower abdomen. If a rupture occurs, tearing pain will be followed by lower abdominal pain, abdominal tenderness, and rebound pain, potentially leading to a shock state.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Will an IUD cause an ectopic pregnancy?

IUD insertion can cause ectopic pregnancy because it is a minor gynecological surgery and an invasive procedure. Any invasive operation can potentially trigger pelvic inflammatory disease. The occurrence of pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes, which is one of the main causes of ectopic pregnancy. Moreover, not every patient is suitable for an IUD. These devices come in many shapes, and there should be an optimal match between the shape of the IUD and the size and form of the uterine cavity. If the IUD does not match the patient's uterine cavity size and shape, it may not effectively prevent pregnancy, thus increasing the risk of pregnancy with the IUD in place, including the occurrence of ectopic pregnancies. In conclusion, IUD insertion can lead to ectopic pregnancies.