Ectopic Pregnancy
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about an ectopic pregnancy.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus, so if the egg gets stuck there, it will not develop properly into a fetus, and the woman’s health may be at risk if the pregnancy continues. Unfortunately, the pregnancy cannot be saved. It usually needs to be removed through medication or surgery.
What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy does not always cause symptoms and may be detected only during a routine pregnancy examination.
If the patient does have symptoms, they tend to develop between the fourth and twelfth week of pregnancy.
- Symptoms :
- Missed periods and other signs of pregnancy.
- Lower abdominal pain on one side.
- Vaginal bleeding or brown, watery discharge.
- Pain in the tip of the shoulder..
Discomfort when urinating or having a bowel movement.
- An ectopic pregnancy can grow large enough to rupture a fallopian tube. This condition is extremely dangerous and requires immediate surgery to repair the fallopian tube as soon as possible. Rupture symptoms may include:
- Sudden, sharp, and severe abdominal pain.
- Feeling very dizzy or fainting.
Experiencing extreme fatigue.
However, these symptoms are not necessarily sign of a serious problem and can sometimes result from other issues.
What causes an ectopic pregnancy?
- In many cases, the cause for an ectopic pregnancy is not clear. It sometimes occurs when there is a problem with the fallopian tubes, such as narrowing or blockage The following are factors associated with an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease: an infection of the female reproductive system, usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection.
- Previous history of ectopic pregnancy.
- Previous surgery on the fallopian tubes, such as an unsuccessful sterilization procedure.
- Fertility treatment, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) orIUDtaking medication to stimulate ovulation (the release of anIUSegg), can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Becoming pregnant while using an intrauterine device (IUD) or intrauterine system (IUS) for birth control —it is rare for pregnancy to occur while using these devices.
- Smoking.
Age – the risk is greater for pregnant women over the age of 35.
An ectopic pregnancy cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce the risk by using condoms when not trying to conceive to protect against sexually transmitted
How is it diagnosed?
- The doctor takes the patient’s medical history, and conducts a clinical examination, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
- Transvaginal ultrasound.
- Blood tests.
Keyhole surgery.
What are the treatment options for an ectopic pregnancy?
- Unfortunately, the fetus (developing embryo) cannot be saved in the case of an ectopic pregnancy. Treatment is usually required to remove the pregnancy before it grows too large. Treatment involves several procedures or as needed and may include the following:
- Expectant management — closely monitoring the condition to determine whether treatment is necessary.
- Medication to stop the growth of the pregnancy.
Surgery to remove the pregnancy, usually with the affected fallopian tube.
- The doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment, depending on factors such as:
- Symptoms.
- Size of the fetus.
Level of pregnancy hormone.
How can ectopic pregnancy be prevented?
- You cannot prevent an ectopic pregnancy. However, you can try to reduce the risks by maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as not smoking, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Talk to your healthcare provider about any risk factors you may have before trying to conceive.
What are the complications of an ectopic pregnancy?
- If left untreated and not properly managed, there is a risk that:
– The fertilized egg will continue to grow and cause the fallopian tube to split (rupture), which may cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
When should you consult a doctor?
Consult a doctor if you have a combination of any of the symptoms mentioned above.
- Or call an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden, sharp, and severe abdominal pain.
- Feeling very dizzy or fainting.
- Pale skin.
Experiencing extreme fatigue.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it possible for the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy to resemble those of appendicitis?
- Yes, some cases of ectopic pregnancy present with lower pain, especially on the right side, which may resemble appendicitis.
Is a false pregnancy the same as an ectopic pregnancy?
