1. Stages of Pregnancy Slideshow Pictures
2. Early Pregnancy Symptoms
3. Conception (Egg to Embryo) Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Stephen Metz, MD

Coauthor:

Jeff Disney, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

If the ectopic pregnancy is in the Fallopian tube and is very small, the patient may be given medication to cause the tissue to stop growing and allow the body to expel it.

Formerly, surgery was the only option for treatment of ectopic pregnancy. In recent years, medical treatment in the form of methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) therapy for some cases of ectopic pregnancy has become widespread. Methotrexate is a chemotherapeutic drug that interferes with cell division and growth and has been successfully used in the treatment of leukemias, lymphomas, and other cancers. It has also been used as an immunosuppressive agent in the prevention of graft versus host disease in transplant recipients and in the treatment of severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate is given for ectopic pregnancy in the form of single or multiple intramuscular injections.

Most women who undergo this therapy describe lower abdominal pain, especially within the first several days, and vaginal bleeding "like a heavy period" will occur. The patient will be advised to have blood tests every 3 days to ensure that the medication has been effective.

Must Read Articles Related to Ectopic Pregnancy

Chlamydia Chlamydia is a sexual transmitted disease (STD) transmitted when people have sexual relations. Often, there are no symptoms. Chlamydia is caused by the bacteriu...learn more >>

Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and is transmitted from per...learn more >>

Miscarriage A miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) is a pregnancy that spontaneously ends before the fetus can survive. There are classifications of miscarriage that include ...learn more >>

See the Entire Ectopic Pregnancy Topic Guide »