Does an ectopic pregnancy hurt?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on December 13, 2024
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Ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy state where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity. As the pregnancy sac grows, there is a possibility of rupture and bleeding at the implantation site, which can lead to abdominal pain. In the early stages of an ectopic pregnancy, women generally do not exhibit any specific symptoms and are unaware of the condition. Symptoms are only felt when rupture occurs, causing pain in the lower abdomen. If rupture occurs, the pain often feels like tearing in the lower abdomen and is frequently accompanied by nausea and vomiting. It is recommended to promptly visit a hospital for an ultrasound and actively pursue surgical treatment.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy initially presents with a lack of menstruation, specifically in women of childbearing age who miss their expected period and then discover they are pregnant. A few days later, they might experience light vaginal bleeding, which is usually scanty and in drips. Additionally, about 95% of affected individuals will feel pain in the lower abdomen, which typically presents as a faint cramping pain before the ectopic pregnancy ruptures. If a rupture occurs, it can lead to very severe, tearing-like intense pain. If the pain leads to internal bleeding, severe cases may result in symptoms of shock.

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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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How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?

The treatment methods for ectopic pregnancy include surgical treatment, medical treatment, and expectant management. Surgical treatment involves surgical intervention, which can be either conservative or radical surgery. Generally, surgery is indicated when blood HCG levels are relatively high, exceeding 3000 units per liter, or when there is a continuous increase. An ultrasound may show ectopic cardiac activity, a large mass, or it may be used when medical treatment is contraindicated, ineffective, or when vital signs are unstable and there is significant internal bleeding. These are indications for surgical treatment of an ectopic pregnancy. Additionally, there are conservative treatments and expectant management. Expectant management involves no medication, just regular monitoring of HCG levels and ultrasound examinations.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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Ectopic pregnancy abdominal pain symptoms

Let's first discuss what an ectopic pregnancy is. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, such as in any part of the fallopian tubes, the corners of the uterus, or the abdominal cavity. Due to the different implantation sites, the symptoms of abdominal pain vary. A very small number of people feel no symptoms at all, experiencing only vaginal bleeding. Additionally, some people may feel severe discomfort in the abdomen. The last type involves severe, intense abdominal pain, resembling a tearing sensation, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and hypotension shock.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Can you have sexual intercourse with an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the embryo implanting outside the uterine cavity, with the vast majority being tubal pregnancies. Generally, intercourse is not recommended during an ectopic pregnancy. Firstly, during the treatment of an ectopic pregnancy, intercourse is inappropriate. If sexual activity occurs during an ectopic pregnancy, the movements are often too vigorous, and the emotions too intense, which is not conducive to the recovery of the body from an ectopic pregnancy. Moreover, it can easily stimulate the rupture of the ectopic mass, potentially leading to substantial intra-abdominal bleeding. Secondly, even after successful treatment of an ectopic pregnancy, such as post-surgery, it is also advised not to engage in sexual intercourse in the short term. This is because the body is generally weaker after ectopic pregnancy treatment and needs some time to recover before engaging in intercourse. It is generally recommended to wait until about a month after an ectopic pregnancy treatment, or until a menstrual cycle has passed, before engaging in sexual intercourse. However, it is crucial to use contraception during intercourse, as it is advised not to get pregnant again shortly after an ectopic pregnancy. Typically, it is recommended to consider pregnancy again after six months.