Sometimes it is too early to diagnose an ectopic via ultrasound, and the exam will have to be repeated. If an ectopic pregnancy is visualized then you will proceed to treatment options available depending upon your situation. Sometimes in urgent situations a laparoscopy procedure will be done to provide diagnosis and treatment. This is done in an operating room as surgery. If you do have an ectopic pregnancy, most likely you will have the surgical treatment done at this time.
Chemical treatment is done with a drug called methotrexate .
It is used in non-urgent cases to dissolve the pregnancy without harming the tubes and other organs. Repeat hCG levels will be taken to ensure that the pregnancy is dissolving and that further treatment is not needed. Surgery is usually done in cases that are further along in their pregnancy or have another medical reason to not use the chemical process. It may be necessary, especially when the tube ruptures or there is other damage. Sometimes the woman will lose her tube and possibly her uterus if the bleeding can't be stopped.