Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment

In order for the pregnancy process to proceed healthily, the fertilized egg must implant in the uterus. However, in some cases, the embryo begins to develop in a different area (usually the Fallopian tubes) instead of the uterus. This condition, called ectopic pregnancy, can seriously threaten the health of the expectant mother and can lead to serious complications if not treated in a timely manner. Therefore, when an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed, appropriate treatment methods should be applied without delay.

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which a fertilized egg implants itself in a region other than the uterus and begins to develop there. The most common location is the Fallopian tubes, but it can also implant in the ovaries, cervix, or abdominal cavity. An ectopic pregnancy cannot result in a healthy birth and can cause serious health problems that can endanger the mother's life.

The tissues outside the uterus are not suitable for the growth of the embryo and can cause the tubes or other organs to rupture as the pregnancy progresses. This can cause internal bleeding and be life-threatening.

What Causes Ectopic Pregnancy?

There are several factors that can cause ectopic pregnancy:

• Advanced age pregnancies (the risk is higher in women over the age of 35)
• A history of previous ectopic pregnancy
• Blockage or adhesions in the fallopian tubes
• Previous surgeries on the uterus or ovaries
• Pelvic infections and sexually transmitted diseases (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhea)
• IVF treatment or use of fertility-enhancing drugs
• Chocolate cysts (Endometriosis)
• Smoking and alcohol use
• Previous abortion procedures

In some cases, there may be no obvious cause for an ectopic pregnancy, but if one or more of the above risk factors are present, regular doctor check-ups are very important.

Who is at Risk for Ectopic Pregnancy?

• Women who have had an ectopic pregnancy before
• Patients with a structural disorder in their uterus or tubes
• Individuals diagnosed with endometriosis
• Women who have had multiple miscarriages or abortions
• Patients undergoing IVF treatment

If you have one or more of these risk factors, you can make your pregnancy process safe by taking advantage of services such as pregnancy follow-up and risky pregnancy follow-up.

 

How is Ectopic Pregnancy Treated?

 

What are the Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy can progress without symptoms in the early stages of pregnancy. However, as the fertilized egg grows, it begins to press on the tissues and the following symptoms may occur:

Vaginal Bleeding: Light or irregular bleeding may occur.
Severe Abdominal and Groin Pain: It may be one-sided or widespread.
Dizziness and Fainting: If internal bleeding has started, fainting and low blood pressure may occur.
Nausea and Vomiting: Although it is among the complaints related to pregnancy, it may be more severe in ectopic pregnancy.
Shoulder Pain: If internal bleeding irritates the diaphragm, pain may be felt in the shoulder.

If one or more of these symptoms are present, it is necessary to see a doctor without delay.

Is Ectopic Pregnancy Dangerous?

Yes, ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening. Because it is not possible for an embryo developing outside the uterus to grow healthily. If not treated in time, it can cause the tubes to rupture and internal bleeding, putting the expectant mother's life at risk. For this reason, ectopic pregnancy should be diagnosed with ultrasound and blood tests in the early stages of pregnancy and the necessary precautions should be taken.

How is Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?

Blood Tests (Beta HCG Test): While Beta HCG levels increase regularly in normal pregnancies, this increase may be slower than expected in ectopic pregnancy.
Ultrasound: Vaginal ultrasound is used to determine whether the embryo is in the uterus. If the gestational sac is not seen in the uterus, ectopic pregnancy is suspected.
Physical Examination: The doctor manually examines the uterus and ovaries to evaluate whether there is tenderness.

How is Ectopic Pregnancy Treated?

When an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed, it is necessary to terminate the pregnancy in order to protect the health of the expectant mother. The treatment method is determined depending on how advanced the pregnancy is and the general health of the patient.

1. Medical Treatment (Medicated Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment)

If an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed at an early stage, the pregnancy can be terminated using a drug called Methotrexate. This drug stops the growth of embryo cells and allows them to be absorbed naturally by the body. If the pregnancy is at an early stage, there is no rupture in the fallopian tubes, and internal bleeding has not started, drug treatment is preferred.

2. Surgical Treatment (Laparoscopic Ectopic Pregnancy Surgery)

If an ectopic pregnancy is advanced and there is a risk of internal bleeding, surgical intervention is performed using the laparoscopy method. This procedure, which is performed with small incisions, allows the patient to recover more quickly and has a minimal effect on future fertility. If there is no response to drug treatment, if the gestational tubes are ruptured, or if there is internal bleeding, laparoscopy is preferred.

Things to Consider After Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment

Beta HCG levels should be monitored for a few weeks after treatment. It is recommended to wait at least 3-6 months for the uterus to recover after an ectopic pregnancy. Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, eating a balanced diet and doing regular exercise will speed up the healing process. Women who have had an ectopic pregnancy before can secure the process by using risky pregnancy monitoring services in their next pregnancies.