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Everything you want to know about ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is also known as eccysis. It is a condition where the implantation of the embryo occurs outside the uterus. This condition is very dangerous, as it can cause heavy internal bleeding that can even lead to death. This implantation can take place in fallopian tube, cervix, ovaries, or even abdomen. Most of the ectopic pregnancies are found in the fallopian tube, so it can also be called tubal pregnancy. This type of pregnancy is usually seen in women who are between the age of 35 and 44 years. The pregnancy, if not diagnosed on time, can lead to severe complications. Therefore, ectopic pregnancy should be diagnosed by a physician as early as possible. Usually a pregnancy test and an ultrasound scanning are done to diagnose this complication. The treatment then depends on the kind and the stage of the pregnancy. It can be treated by medicines or surgery.

Causes

In many cases, the exact cause of ectopic pregnancy cannot be found. However, in general, the main causes of this type of pregnancy are as follows:

  1. Fallopian tubes being blocked due to some infection or inflammation
  2. Any scar in the fallopian tube due to reasons like surgery or infection
  3. The abnormal shape of fallopian tube
  4. Use of intrauterine devices
  5. An abdominal surgery like caesarean section or appendix operation
  6. A history of ectopic pregnancy
  7. Women with age above 35 years
  8. A woman who has had many induced abortions

Symptoms

You may experience some symptoms that will resemble a normal pregnancy. However, there are some typical signs that can help you to identify an ectopic pregnancy.

Pain in the stomach

You will feel a severe pain in the lower portion of the stomach. This pain can be accompanied by a strong cramp. It can resemble a severe stomach pain. Sometimes the pain can also be felt in the pelvis, shoulder, and neck. Along with the abdominal pain, you may have pain in urination.

Vaginal bleeding

You may experience a bleeding that can be light or heavy. It often resembles the menstrual bleeding, but the blood is usually darker and also watery.

Several abnormal signs

You may faint or collapse due to ectopic pregnancy. You can also have a vomiting tendency, pain in the lower portion of your back, and difficulty in bowel movement. You may also suffer from some gastrointestinal symptoms.

Diagnosis

Ectopic pregnancy needs to be diagnosed at an early stage. If there is any delay, there is a risk of the tube being ruptured. The physician can confirm an ectopic pregnancy by a few methods.

  • A pelvic examination is performed to see if there is pain or an abnormal mass in the abdomen.
  • An ultrasound scan can be done to locate the position of the fetus. Usually a transvaginal probe is used for scanning, because ectopic pregnancy is usually not visible in the normal abdominal scan.
  • The level of pregnancy hormone, hCG, can also be measured. An abnormal level can indicate an ectopic pregnancy. Even an abnormal progesterone level can indicate ectopic pregnancy.
  • A process called culdocentesis is also performed to see if there is any internal bleeding.

Treatment

Medical treatment

During early stages, treatment can be accomplished by methotrexate. This treatment is a good alternative to surgery. Methotrexate stops the growth of the embryo and causes it to pass out like menstrual blood or to be reabsorbed by the body. This treatment can be done only when there is no bleeding and the tube has not ruptured.

Surgical treatment

If the tube has already ruptured, there is a need of emergency surgery. The whole or a part of fallopian tube is removed. This is often done in the later stages, when methotrexate can no longer be administered. This treatment is also useful if the woman has another child who is breastfeeding.

Laparoscopy

Another surgery called laparoscopy can also be done. The surgeon removes the ectopic mass and then either repairs the tube or removes it all together. Here, a special instrument called laparoscope is used. Laparoscopy needs only a little tiny cut and many times this method can also help in saving the fallopian tube.

Prevention

Ectopic pregnancy can be life threatening. It may lead to numerous complications. It also usually causes the loss of fallopian tube, so it is better to prevent this kind of pregnancy.

Quit smoking

Smoking is a very common reason that can cause ectopic pregnancy. If you stop smoking, the chances of having an ectopic pregnancy can be reduced greatly.

Have safe sex

Using proper contraceptives can reduce the risk of having gonorrhea, Chlamydia, or sexually transmitted diseases. It can also reduce pelvic inflammatory diseases. This will prevent any irritation in the fallopian tubes and, thereby, reduce the danger of ectopic pregnancy.

Meet the physician

If your pregnancy test is positive and you have some abnormal feeling about your pregnancy, immediately meet the doctor for a confirmation. If detected early, there will be lesser complications.

Via: Americanpregnancy

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