Ectopic Pregnancy - Symptom, Treatment And Causes

Many women have concerns about an ectopic pregnancy and we shall be solving all doubts about this dangerous condition right here today. An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus in a woman s body. Ectopic, in fact, means out of place . The fertilised egg usually implants in the fallopian tubes whose actual work is to transport the ovum or egg from the ovaries to the uterus for fertilisation. This is why such pregnancies are also called tubal pregnancies . Sometimes the fertilised egg can also implant in the cervix or the ovaries of the hapless woman. Normally pregnancies happen when a fertilised egg attaches itself to the uterine wall to grow and develop. Ectopic pregnancies are a serious condition and can cause internal bleeding and infection and even death of the expecting mother. That s why knowing the symptoms is so important. Common symptoms of ectopic pregnancy appear as the pregnancy matures. Initially the woman will have all the usual pregnancy-related symptoms like missing her period and breast tenderness, but soon the other alarming symptoms will start appearing like severe abdominal pain on one side, vaginal bleeding, severe cramps and nausea and vomiting, fainting spells and dizziness. One should seek a doctor s advice right away in this condition because ectopic pregnancy can be fatal. Why? Because as the fertilised egg is implanted in a part of a woman s body which is not built to look after it, the embryo can burst in the fallopian tubes, cervix or wherever it has managed to implant itself. This mini-explosion inside the body is a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths during the first trimester. This can lead to internal bleeding and infection, which is lethal. Hence, the earlier an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed and treated, the better. The only way to deal with an ectopic pregnancy is to abort it. The doctor can do this using either medicines or surgery. The medicine methotrexate can be used to end a tubal pregnancy. Surgery can also be used to remove the embryo. In some cases, doctors may have to remove the fallopian tube with the implanted embryo. This has a number of repercussions. The woman can become infertile. Even if the fallopian tubes have been scarred during surgery, it becomes difficult for her to get pregnant again. Ectopic pregnancies are also getting quite common due to a number of factors like an increase in sexually transmitted diseases which cause scarring of tubes and infertility treatments. If a woman is over 30 years of age, has a history of a pelvic inflammatory disease, a surgery in the pelvic area or has had an ectopic pregnancy before, she should be very careful indeed.

In a normal pregnancy, the egg that the ovaries release enters the fallopian tube. If a sperm fertilises it, the fertilised egg attaches itself inside the uterus. However, sometimes the fertilised egg can attach itself outside the uterus. This condition is called ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can be detected in the first few weeks of the pregnancy itself. If your doctor does discover ectopic pregnancy, you would need immediate medical attention. Ectopic pregnancies can be sad and scary. The survival rate of the baby is extremely low, and you may need some time to get over your loss. Fortunately, one ectopic pregnancy doesn't mean you can never conceive again. Many women who lost their first baby to ectopic pregnancy have been able to have a healthy and normal pregnancy the second time around. The causes of ectopic pregnancy include: 1. An inflammation or infection of the fallopian tube can lead it to become entirely or partially blocked. 2. Scar tissue from a surgery or an infection of the fallopian tube may also hinder the movement of the fertilised egg. 3. Surgery in the tubes or pelvic areas in the past might cause adhesions. 4. Birth defects or abnormal growths can cause anomalies in the shape of the tube. These causes are usually followed by certain risk factors, such as: a) Age (The age group of 35-44 especially) b) An ectopic pregnancy in the past c) Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery d) Pelvic inflammatory disease e) Several prompted abortions f) Conceiving with an intrauterine device in place g) Smoking h) Endometriosis (growth of uterus lining tissues outside the uterus). i) Fertility treatments. The signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include: 1. Minimal vaginal bleeding 2. Vomiting and nausea with pain 3. Pain in the lower abdomen 4. Sharp cramps in the abdomen 5. Localised pain (Pain concentrated on one side of your body) 6. Pain in your neck, rectum or shoulder 7. Rupture of the fallopian tubes can cause fainting due to the bleeding and pain The treatment of ectopic pregnancy can be any one of the following: 1. If the pregnancy has not progressed too far, methotrexate will be administered. This absorbs the pregnancy tissue and can save the fallopian tubes. 2. The tubes may be removed if they have ruptured or stretched, and have started bleeding. 3. Laparoscopic surgery (operations performed by making minor incisions) may be performed to remove or repair the tubes and recover the ectopic pregnancy.

In a normal pregnancy, the egg that the ovaries release enters the fallopian tube. If a sperm fertilises it, the fertilised egg attaches itself inside the uterus. However, sometimes the fertilised egg can attach itself outside the uterus. This condition is called ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can be detected in the first few weeks of the pregnancy itself. If your doctor does discover ectopic pregnancy, you would need immediate medical attention. Ectopic pregnancies can be sad and scary. The survival rate of the baby is extremely low, and you may need some time to get over your loss. Fortunately, one ectopic pregnancy doesn't mean you can never conceive again. Many women who lost their first baby to ectopic pregnancy have been able to have a healthy and normal pregnancy the second time around. The causes of ectopic pregnancy include: 1. An inflammation or infection of the fallopian tube can lead it to become entirely or partially blocked. 2. Scar tissue from a surgery or an infection of the fallopian tube may also hinder the movement of the fertilised egg. 3. Surgery in the tubes or pelvic areas in the past might cause adhesions. 4. Birth defects or abnormal growths can cause anomalies in the shape of the tube. These causes are usually followed by certain risk factors, such as: a) Age (The age group of 35-44 especially) b) An ectopic pregnancy in the past c) Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery d) Pelvic inflammatory disease e) Several prompted abortions f) Conceiving with an intrauterine device in place g) Smoking h) Endometriosis (growth of uterus lining tissues outside the uterus). i) Fertility treatments. The signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include: 1. Minimal vaginal bleeding 2. Vomiting and nausea with pain 3. Pain in the lower abdomen 4. Sharp cramps in the abdomen 5. Localised pain (Pain concentrated on one side of your body) 6. Pain in your neck, rectum or shoulder 7. Rupture of the fallopian tubes can cause fainting due to the bleeding and pain The treatment of ectopic pregnancy can be any one of the following: 1. If the pregnancy has not progressed too far, methotrexate will be administered. This absorbs the pregnancy tissue and can save the fallopian tubes. 2. The tubes may be removed if they have ruptured or stretched, and have started bleeding. 3. Laparoscopic surgery (operations performed by making minor incisions) may be performed to remove or repair the tubes and recover the ectopic pregnancy.

What is ectopic pregnancy? Ectopic pregnancy is also known as tubal pregnancy, is a complication wherein, the fertilised eggs attach themselves outside the uterus. In most cases, it causes severe internal bleeding and serious infections. It is a very serious condition that warrants prompt medical attention as soon as it is diagnosed. Mostly, in this type of pregnancy, the fertilised egg attaches itself to the fallopian tube inside the body; the reason why it is known as tubal pregnancy. In rare cases, the egg might attach itself to the cervix, ovary or parts of the abdomen. Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include: Appendicitis Salpingitis (inflammation and infection of one s fallopian tubes) Rupture of the corpus luteum cyst (a kind of ovarian cyst) Miscarriage Urinary tract infection Severe abdominal pain Excessive vaginal bleeding Pelvic pain Nausea and vomiting Peritonitis (inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdomen cavity) Rupture in the fallopian tubes which can lead to fainting and excessive pain Pain on one side of the body Treatment for ectopic pregnancy This complication in pregnancy can be diagnosed by an ultrasound as the doctor sees the growth on the fallopian tube. A pregnancy test or a pelvic exam also helps in detecting ectopic pregnancy. If not treated on time, ectopic pregnancy can prove to be fatal. Listed below are a few treatment options for ectopic pregnancy: A particular medication known as methotrexate is used to end an ectopic pregnancy. In some cases, one might need surgery to get rid of the pregnancy. In certain complicated cases, it might be necessary to remove the tube with the foetus. This kind of surgery which removes the foetus and the tube is calling salpingectomy. The surgeon usually makes a small incision near the navel and removes the tube using a laparoscope. Having an abortion due to this complication can be heartbreaking and emotionally distressing for the mother as it is just like an abortion where the entire tissue is removed from your fallopian tube. To get over the trauma of losing a baby, you could join pregnancy loss groups or avail help from a therapist.

In a normal pregnancy, the egg that the ovaries release enters the fallopian tube. If a sperm fertilises it, the fertilised egg attaches itself inside the uterus. However, sometimes the fertilised egg can attach itself outside the uterus. This condition is called ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can be detected in the first few weeks of the pregnancy itself. If your doctor does discover ectopic pregnancy, you would need immediate medical attention. Ectopic pregnancies can be sad and scary. The survival rate of the baby is extremely low, and you may need some time to get over your loss. Fortunately, one ectopic pregnancy doesn't mean you can never conceive again. Many women who lost their first baby to ectopic pregnancy have been able to have a healthy and normal pregnancy the second time around. The causes of ectopic pregnancy include: 1. An inflammation or infection of the fallopian tube can lead it to become entirely or partially blocked. 2. Scar tissue from a surgery or an infection of the fallopian tube may also hinder the movement of the fertilised egg. 3. Surgery in the tubes or pelvic areas in the past might cause adhesions. 4. Birth defects or abnormal growths can cause anomalies in the shape of the tube. These causes are usually followed by certain risk factors, such as: a) Age (The age group of 35-44 especially) b) An ectopic pregnancy in the past c) Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery d) Pelvic inflammatory disease e) Several prompted abortions f) Conceiving with an intrauterine device in place g) Smoking h) Endometriosis (growth of uterus lining tissues outside the uterus). i) Fertility treatments. The signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include: 1. Minimal vaginal bleeding 2. Vomiting and nausea with pain 3. Pain in the lower abdomen 4. Sharp cramps in the abdomen 5. Localised pain (Pain concentrated on one side of your body) 6. Pain in your neck, rectum or shoulder 7. Rupture of the fallopian tubes can cause fainting due to the bleeding and pain The treatment of ectopic pregnancy can be any one of the following: 1. If the pregnancy has not progressed too far, methotrexate will be administered. This absorbs the pregnancy tissue and can save the fallopian tubes. 2. The tubes may be removed if they have ruptured or stretched, and have started bleeding. 3. Laparoscopic surgery (operations performed by making minor incisions) may be performed to remove or repair the tubes and recover the ectopic pregnancy.

Hello lybrate-user, your chances of conceiving are best within the 1st 3 mths after surgery. Hope other causes for infertility are ruled out such as husbands semen analysis and pelvic tuberculosis.

Dear Lybrate user, eggs are produced by ovaries and transferred by fallopian tubes. keep a gap of 3months to recover your health. have healthy food and walk you will conceive soon as your other fallopian tube is healthy . although it reduces the chance.

Hi lybrate-user. Ectopic pregnancy needs abortion whether it is medical or surgical or spontaneous. So please go to obs gynae practioner as soon as possible. There are various complications which might arise if ectopic is not taken care of promptly. It might rupture bleed etc or get infected and people then land up in emergency. So it is advisable to get treated for the same without any undue delay to avoid further complications.

If urine pregnancy test and betahcg test is Negative, there is no chance of pregnancy, however if you still have any doubts get an ultrasound done to confirm for ectopic.

If the sac is 4 cm size, haemodynamic stable, beta hcg less than 4000 medical treatment can help. If it's already ruptured laparotomy with resuscitation should be done.