Treatment Options for Ectopic Pregnancy: Non-Ruptured and Mass Types

January 23, 2024

Treatment for Two Types of Ectopic Pregnancy

 

  Under normal circumstances, the fertilized egg migrates from the fallopian tube to the uterine cavity and then implants and develops into a fetus. However, due to various reasons, the fertilized egg gets stuck during the migration process and does not reach the uterus, instead staying in another location. This is called ectopic pregnancy in medical terms.

 

  Ectopic pregnancy is a common condition in modern gynecology. Due to various reasons, the fertilized egg gets stuck during the migration process and does not reach the uterus, resulting in ectopic pregnancy. So, what are the causes of ectopic pregnancy in women?

 

  Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy:

 

  1. Repeated abortion

 

  With the changing traditional attitudes, premarital sexual activities leading to abortion have become increasingly common, and repeated abortions can easily lead to ectopic pregnancy. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy has increased 5-6 times compared to the 1980s. The more abortions a woman has, the higher the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, regardless of fertility intentions, women should take contraceptive measures to prevent ectopic pregnancy.

 

  2. Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease

 

  Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, especially salpingitis, is another important factor in the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy. Women should not neglect this common gynecological condition. Salpingitis can cause the fallopian tubes to become narrow, making it difficult for the fertilized egg to enter the uterine cavity, so it ends up settling in the fallopian tubes or ovaries.

 

  Early Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

 

  1. Abdominal pain: Patients may experience lower abdominal pain or severe pain, with a feeling of bowel movement and profuse sweating. If the affected area ruptures, the patient may suddenly feel tearing pain in the lower abdomen on one side, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

 

  2. Missed period: The early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are easily confused with normal early pregnancy reactions. If a pregnant woman experiences a missed period and early pregnancy symptoms, and sometimes also experiences lower abdominal distension on one side, with examination revealing normal fallopian tubes but with swelling, ectopic pregnancy should be suspected.

 

  3. Vaginal bleeding: Ectopic pregnancy patients may experience vaginal bleeding. It is important to note that ectopic pregnancy bleeding is irregular vaginal bleeding that occurs after the embryo dies, with a dark brown color and a small amount, generally not exceeding menstrual flow. During bleeding, decidual cast or fragments may be expelled. After the lesion is resolved, the bleeding can completely stop. Menstrual bleeding does not involve the expulsion of decidual tissue.

 

  4. Fainting and shock: Due to acute intra-abdominal bleeding, many patients may experience decreased blood volume or intense abdominal pain, with mild cases leading to fainting and severe cases leading to shock, which can be life-threatening.

 

  5. Other symptoms: Ectopic pregnancy patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, and other symptoms. Some patients may experience shock due to heavy bleeding, with pale complexion and low blood pressure.


 

  Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for 2 Types of Ectopic Pregnancy

 

  1. Non-ruptured type

 

  Refers to tubal pregnancy that has not yet miscarried or ruptured. There is a history of missed periods, possible early pregnancy symptoms, or vaginal spotting, with mild lower abdominal pain on one side. Pelvic examination may reveal a soft mass in one adnexa with tenderness. Urine pregnancy test is often positive, and B-ultrasound examination may show cystic masses in the adnexa or the absence of a gestational sac in the uterus but with a gestational sac outside the uterus. Pulse is wiry and slippery.

 

  Treatment principles: Promote blood circulation, resolve stasis, and eliminate the embryo.

 

  Prescription: Prescription for Ectopic Pregnancy No. 2. Key herbs: Salvia miltiorrhiza, Paeonia lactiflora, Persica, Prunus, and Curcuma zedoaria.

 

  2. Mass type

 

  The ruptured fallopian tube pregnancy has been present for a longer period, and the intraperitoneal blood has formed a hematoma mass, known as chronic ectopic pregnancy. The ruptured fallopian tube pregnancy has been present for a long time, and a hematoma has formed in the pelvic cavity, with the abdominal pain decreasing or gradually disappearing. There may be a feeling of lower abdominal bloating or urge to defecate. Vaginal bleeding gradually stops, and pelvic examination may reveal an irregular mass with adhesions to surrounding tissues. Pulse is thin and hesitant.

 

  Treatment principles: Promote blood circulation, resolve stasis, and dispel pathogenic factors.

 

  Prescription: Prescription for Ectopic Pregnancy No. 2. If the mass is hard, add Manis pentadactyla and Achyranthes bidentata to enhance the dispelling of pathogenic factors. If the patient is physically weak, add Astragalus membranaceus and Codonopsis pilosula to strengthen the body and dispel pathogenic factors. If there is blood stasis and heat with low-grade fever, add Moutan bark, Plastrum testudinis, and Cortex Dipsaci to resolve stasis and clear heat.


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