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Ectopic Pregnancy

Also called: Abdominal pregnancy, Tubal pregnancy

The uterus, or womb, is the place where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg grows in the wrong place, outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. The result is usually a miscarriage.

Ectopic pregnancy can be a medical emergency if it ruptures. Signs of ectopic pregnancy include

  • Abdominal pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Feeling dizzy or faint

Get medical care right away if you have these signs. Doctors use drugs or surgery to remove the ectopic tissue so it doesn't damage your organs. Many women who have had ectopic pregnancies go on to have healthy pregnancies later.

Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health

Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

The following features are indicative of Ectopic Pregnancy:
  • abdominal pain
  • shoulder pain
  • vaginal bleeding
  • feeling dizzy
It is possible that Ectopic Pregnancy shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy

The following are the most common causes of Ectopic Pregnancy:
  • fallopian tube damaged due to inflammation
  • hormonal imbalances
  • abnormal development of the fertilized egg

Risk Factors for Ectopic Pregnancy

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Ectopic Pregnancy:
  • previous ectopic pregnancy
  • Inflammation of the fallopian tube (salpingitis)
  • fertility issues
  • fallopian tube structural concerns
  • smoking

Prevention of Ectopic Pregnancy

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Ectopic Pregnancy. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • limit the number of sexual partners
  • quit smoking
  • use condom during sex to help prevent sexually transmitted infections

Occurrence of Ectopic Pregnancy

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Ectopic Pregnancy cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Not common between 50K - 500K cases

Common Age Group

Ectopic Pregnancy most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 20-50 years

Common Gender

Ectopic Pregnancy most commonly occurs in the following gender:
  • Female

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Ectopic Pregnancy:
  • Pelvic examination: To check for pain, tenderness or a mass in the fallopian tube
  • Transvaginal ultrasonography: To see a gestational sac with fetal heart in the fallopian tube
  • Ultrasound: To analyse the tissues in the abdominal area

Doctor for Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy:
  • Obstetrician
  • Gynecologist

Complications of Ectopic Pregnancy if untreated

Yes, Ectopic Pregnancy causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Ectopic Pregnancy is left untreated:
  • life-threatening blood loss

Procedures for Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy

The following procedures are used to treat Ectopic Pregnancy:
  • Laparoscopic surgery: To treat the condition
  • Laparotomy: To repair fallopian tube

Self-care for Ectopic Pregnancy

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Ectopic Pregnancy:
  • Limit number of sexual partners: Helps preventing ectopic pregnancy
  • Use condom: To help prevent sexually transmitted infections and reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Quit smoking: Helps reducing risk of ectopic pregnancy

Patient Support for Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy

The following actions may help Ectopic Pregnancy patients:
  • Partner's support: Sharing helps cope with mental stress
  • Friends and family support: Helps coping with condition

Time for Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Ectopic Pregnancy to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 1 - 3 months

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Ectopic Pregnancy.

Related Topics

Miscarriage

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