Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg attaches in a place other than inside the uterus. About 1% of all pregnancies are in an ectopic location, and 98% of all ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tubes. Rarely, an implantation is found in the ovary, cervix or abdomen.
Chinese medical treatment for ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency, and requires Western medical intervention. Chinese medicine can be used concurrently to help minimize damage to the reproductive system and enhance the healing process:
Acupuncture reduces inflammation in the tube and promotes healing from treatment with drugs or surgery.
Herbal medication contains factors that allow the tubes to heal and help minimize tubal damage.
Reproductive organ massage prevents the formation of scar tissue to prevent future ectopic pregnancies.
Causes of ectopic pregnancy:
Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy:
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy:
Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is usually diagnosed by an ultrasound scan that shows a gestational sac in the tube, or lack of an intrauterine pregnancy. Low levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) or progesterone suggest that further investigation is necessary. A laparoscopy can also be performed to confirm the presence of ectopic pregnancy.
Western treatment of ectopic pregnancy
Observation: Many ectopic pregnancies spontaneously abort.
Laparoscopy and laparotomy are surgical techniques used to access the tubes, and find and remove embryonic tissue.
Medication: Methotrexate causes disruption to embryonic development; if used early, it can often save the Fallopian tube.