Does an ectopic pregnancy hurt in the early stages?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on November 28, 2024
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Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of the gestational sac outside the uterine cavity, with common implantation sites including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic cavity. Early ectopic pregnancy can also cause some pain, with common reasons for the pain including the following: First, the main reason is the enlargement of the uterus under the stimulation of estrogen and progesterone in the body, which pulls on the surrounding tissues and ligaments, such as the round ligament of the uterus, uterosacral ligaments, or bilateral adnexa, causing lower abdominal traction pain. This presents as a feeling of heaviness or menstrual-like sensation. This pain is a normal physiological manifestation during early pregnancy and is present in both intrauterine and ectopic pregnancies. Second, in early ectopic pregnancy, sometimes the gestational sac can cause mild irritation and pressure on local tissues, leading to mild localized pain, which is often not very noticeable.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What is the best treatment for ectopic pregnancy?

In cases where an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed, timely treatment is necessary. Generally, around 50 days into the pregnancy, there is a possibility of the ectopic pregnancy rupturing, so early treatment is crucial. If it is discovered before rupture, conservative treatment can be an option. However, if an ectopic rupture has already occurred, surgical treatment is required. The type of surgery depends on the specific situation; women who wish to preserve their fertility may undergo a salpingostomy, whereas those without fertility needs may undergo salpingectomy.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy

The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy depend on the location of the implantation of the fertilized egg, whether there has been a rupture or miscarriage, and the amount and duration of bleeding if there has been a rupture or miscarriage. Generally, there may be no symptoms in the early stages. If a miscarriage or rupture occurs, symptoms similar to those of threatened miscarriage or early pregnancy might appear. Typically, the manifestations of ectopic pregnancy include missed periods, usually about six to eight weeks of amenorrhea. The second is abdominal pain, which is the most common symptom in patients with tubal pregnancies, accounting for about 95%. Third, there is a small amount of vaginal bleeding, which does not correlate proportionally with internal bleeding and is generally less than a normal menstrual period. Fourth, fainting and shock can occur if there is significant internal bleeding. Fifth, a mass may be palpable in the abdomen.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Ectopic pregnancy medical conservative treatment

Under normal circumstances, the treatment of ectopic pregnancy is generally divided into conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Conservative treatment is usually applied when the ectopic pregnancy has not ruptured, using medication for about a week. After one week, a follow-up examination is done to check blood HCG levels and an ultrasound scan. If blood HCG levels have dropped significantly, the ultrasound shows that the mass has not grown, and the symptoms of abdominal pain have decreased, it indicates that the conservative treatment was successful. The threat is only considered resolved when blood HCG returns to normal levels. Otherwise, the conservative treatment for ectopic pregnancy may fail, and surgery will be necessary to treat the ectopic pregnancy symptomatically. If there is a particularly large amount of bleeding or a rupture has occurred, surgical treatment is the only option.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Can an ectopic pregnancy be treated with medication abortion?

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the condition where the embryo implants outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. A normal pregnancy test may still show a positive result in cases of an ectopic pregnancy. However, around 40 days after missed menstruation, no normal gestational sac can be seen inside the uterine cavity. Diagnosis generally requires a combination of blood HCG level monitoring and ultrasonographic examination. Once an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, medical abortion is not viable, as it cannot expel the embryo from the body. Other surgical interventions are necessary for treatment.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can an ectopic pregnancy cause a fever?

Ectopic pregnancy generally does not cause fever symptoms unless there is an infection. The typical signs of an ectopic pregnancy include a history of missed menstruation, minor vaginal bleeding, and abdominal pain. When the ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tube has not ruptured, the pain is characterized by swelling pain in the lower abdomen. If the fallopian tube pregnancy ruptures, there will be tearing pain, followed by tenderness in the lower abdomen, rebound pain, and abdominal muscle tension, and then fainting and shock can occur. During a gynecological examination, it is possible to feel a mass in the abdomen. Ectopic pregnancies generally require surgical treatment. After surgery, there might be a temporary fever known as "absorption fever," but this type of fever is short-lived and the body temperature does not exceed 38 degrees Celsius. This is a normal physiological reaction after surgery and is not considered a pathological fever.