| Defining the problem
In a normal pregnancy, a fertilized egg travels through an oviduct to the uterus. The egg implants in the womb and begins to grow. But in an ectopic pregnancy (also known as an extrauterine pregnancy), an impregnated egg implants in another organ but not the uterus, most often in an oviduct. An extrauterine pregnancy is often brough on by damage to the uterine tubes. A fertilized egg can have trouble passing through a damaged tube. Thus, the egg is forced to implant and grow in the tube. Rarely, the egg attaches to an ovary, the cervix or the belly. If the egg keeps growing in the damaged fallopian tube, it can damage or rupture the tube and cause heavy internal hemorrhage which can be lethal. If you have an extrauterine pregnancy, you require prompt medical aid to stop it before it bring about grievous problems.
Risk factors
1. Smoking. Chain smokers are at high risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy.
2. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It often results from an infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
3. Endometriosis that can cause healing tissue in or around the salpinges.
4. Exposure to the chemical DES before birth.
5. Repeated induced termination of pregnancy.
Common symptoms
Abdominal or pelvic pain, often one-sided, is the first common symptom of an extrauterine pregnancy. There can also be shoulder and neck pain. The pain is usually acute. Weakness, lightheadedness or fainting can indicate life-threatening internal bleeding which requires prompt medical aid.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of an extrauterine pregnancy includes an ultrasouns, a pelvic examination administered to check for pain, tenderness or a mass in the abdomen. The most useful laboratory test is the measurement of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Medical assistance
Treatment of an ectopic pregnancy is operation, frequently by laparoscopy these days, to excise the ectopic pregnancy. A perforated tube commonly has to be removed. If the tube has not burst yet, it may be possible to repair it.
Future pregnancies
The extent of the surgery determines the chance of sucessful pregnancies. If the Oviduct has been spared, the chance of a successful pregnancy is normally higher than 50%. If a fallopian tube has been excised, an egg can be fertilized in the remaining tube, and the chance of a successful pregnancy is lower than 50%. |
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