What are the treatment options for ectopic pregnancy?
Ruptured ectopic pregnancy
Emergency surgery is needed if a fallopian tube ruptures with heavy bleeding. The main aim is to stop the bleeding. The ruptured fallopian tube and remnant of the early pregnancy are then removed. The operation is often life saving.
Early ectopic pregnancy - before rupture
Ectopic pregnancy is often diagnosed before rupture. Your doctor will advise on the treatment options, which may include the following.
- Surgery. A planned operation is the usual treatment. Removal of the tube and the ectopic pregnancy is the traditional treatment. More recently, better surgical techniques mean that it is sometimes possible to preserve the fallopian tube. Operations by 'keyhole surgery' are also becoming more popular.
- Medical treatment. A medicine called methotrexate may be an option. It works by killing the cells of the pregnancy growing in the fallopian tube. It is normally only advised if the pregnancy is very early. The advantage is that you do not need an operation. The disadvantage is that you will need close observation for several weeks with repeated blood tests to check it has worked. Also, side-effects affect some women.
