What is an ectopic pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy is a type of pregnancy that occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus. The most common site of an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies can also occur in the cervix, ovary, or abdomen.
Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy
The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can vary depending on the location of the pregnancy and how far along it is. Some common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Spotting
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Shoulder pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Causes of ectopic pregnancy
The exact cause of ectopic pregnancy is unknown. However, there are a few risk factors that can increase the chance of developing an ectopic pregnancy, such as:
- Previous ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Endometriosis
- Smoking
- Tubal surgery
- IUD use
- Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF
Treatment for ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancies cannot be implanted in the uterus and must be treated to prevent serious complications, such as internal bleeding and rupture of the fallopian tube.
There are two main treatments for ectopic pregnancy:
- Medication: A medication called methotrexate can be used to stop the growth of the pregnancy tissue. This is the preferred treatment for most women with early ectopic pregnancies.
- Surgery: Surgery is necessary to remove the pregnancy tissue if methotrexate is not effective or if the pregnancy is too advanced.
Recovery from ectopic pregnancy
Recovery from ectopic pregnancy varies depending on the type of treatment received. Women who are treated with methotrexate can expect to recover within a few weeks. Women who have surgery may need a longer recovery time.
Preventing ectopic pregnancy
There is no way to completely prevent ectopic pregnancy. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding IUD use if you have a history of ectopic pregnancy or other risk factors
- Getting regular checkups and pelvic exams
If you have any questions or concerns about ectopic pregnancy, please talk to your doctor.