Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment | Consult Female Gynecologist

Yes, ectopic rupture surgery is a medical emergency. If delayed, it can have life-threatening implications.

In most cases, an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed during regular health check-ups. Other than that, an ectopic pregnancy can be diagnosed through a transvaginal ultrasound scan. The doctor inserts a tiny probe into the vagina to detect the exact location of the fetus implantation. This is a very simple procedure and does not require anesthesia.

Methotrexate is available only on a doctor prescription. The medicine can either be taken either orally or vaginally. If taken orally, it needs to be taken with water like any other medicine. Methotrexate can also be injected into the skin through pre-filled injection pens or syringes. The best way to take the medicine can be suggested by the doctor.

The average cost of surgical treatment for ectopic pregnancy in India is around INR to INR .

Methotrexate is usually safe to take, and the medicine does not cause any major side effects. However, typical side effects of the medicine may include blood in the urine or stools, black and tarry stools, rapid heartbeats, blood vomiting, abdominal cramps, sores in the mouth and around the lips, rashes, and itching in the skin, swelling of the eyelids, hands, and legs. These usually are not significant side effects and go away with proper medications.

The main reasons for ectopic pregnancy can include these: 

• Pelvic inflammatory diseases that cause damage to the fallopian tube
• Previous surgery of fallopian tube, which raises the risks for ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis- Tissues start growing outside the uterus and often hinder egg movement.
• Tubal ligation- It is a type of permanent birth control method, where fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or sealed to avoid pregnancy.
• Surgeries or injuries to the tubes can block or narrow them.

Usually, you can take a shower after 24 hours of the operation. It is better to have someone around when you take a shower, in case you find it difficult or uncomfortable.

Both medicines and surgeries for ectopic pregnancy treatment are effective. If the ectopic pregnancy does not cause bleeding, it can safely be removed with medicines. But if the ectopic pregnancy causes heavy bleeding, it might require emergency surgery. This can be done either through an abdominal incision or laparoscopically.

On average, an ectopic pregnancy takes between 45-60 minutes. However, considering the time in preparation and post-surgery until the patient gains consciousness, the entire procedure may take around 2-4 hours.

Surgery is needed when the ectopic pregnancy causes heavy bleeding. The doctor may treat the condition with either abdominal or laparoscopic surgery.

Usually, you can take a shower after 24 hours of the operation. It is a good idea to have someone around you when you take a shower, in case you find it difficult or uncomfortable.

There is no confirmed time duration on how long a couple should wait before trying to conceive after having treatment for ectopic pregnancy. But, gynecologists suggest waiting for at least 3 months or two complete menstrual cycles before trying to conceive after ectopic pregnancy treatment.

After the ectopic pregnancy surgery, you may experience pain and discomfort for a few weeks. In the case of ectopic pregnancy treatment with medicines, you may experience episodes of abdominal cramps for a week or two. Other occasional side effects (affecting up to 15 percent of women) include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, mouth ulcers, sensitivity to light, or feelings of fatigue. The feeling of a pregnancy ending can also cause emotional outbursts in many women.

Yes, bleeding after ectopic pregnancy surgery is a normal phenomenon. After the surgery, you may have vaginal bleeding similar to that of a period. It may last for about 7-10 days. But, if the bleeding continues for a longer period or is unusually heavy, you need to consult with your ob-gyn doctor at the earliest.

Every woman’s body reacts differently after ectopic pregnancy treatment. Hence, there is no specific time how soon after the ectopic pregnancy operation she can expect to get her periods. Usually, women get the next period within four to six weeks of the surgery. But, some women may take longer. The first period after ectopic pregnancy surgery is usually heavier and lasts longer. But, it should return to normal within two to four menstrual cycles.

Most women recover within a few days after a laparoscopic salpingectomy (fallopian tube removal surgery). But, it is suggested that she takes enough rest and refrains from any physically strenuous work for at least 14 days after the surgery.

Bleeding for one month is normal after a fallopian tube removal surgery. But if the bleeding is too heavy and soaks multiple sanitary pads in a day, you need to check with your doctor.

The average cost of ectopic pregnancy treatment in India typically ranges between INR to INR .