Ectopic pregnancy: symptoms, causes, test and treatment
This article covers the following topics:
- What is an ectopic pregnancy?
- Ectopic pregnancy causes
- Ectopic pregnancy symptoms
- Types of an ectopic pregnancy
- Test and treatment
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. The egg is meant to grow in the uterus, but sometimes it sticks outside, mainly in the fallopian tube, the uterus and starts growing there.
It is the work of the ovaries to release an egg each month. Then, the egg has to travel through the fallopian tube. The sperm usually fertilizes the egg in the fallopian tube. As, the fallopian tube is not the place for the embryo to grow, it has to stick in the uterus.
But due to some reason, if the egg does not reach the uterus and starts growing in the fallopian tube as it remains stuck there, it is called an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy requires emergency treatment.
Fallopian tubes are not as flexible as the uterus. They can only stretch up to a certain limit. The growth of the embryo can tear the fallopian tube, causing internal bleeding. This pregnancy is life-threatening.
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Ectopic pregnancy causes
In most cases, an ectopic pregnancy takes place because of those conditions that either block or slow down the movement of the egg in the fallopian tube. A woman could have a higher risk of an ectopic pregnancy in cases of:
- A history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), because of PID, scar tissue can form in the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes or ovaries.
- An ectopic pregnancy in the past
- Infertility issues in the past
- Endometriosis. Tissues that are similar to those in the lining of the uterus grow outside the uterus. For example, in the ovaries or the fallopian tubes.
- An intrauterine device (IUD) is a birth contraceptive device.
- Surgery on the fallopian tubes (including tubal ligation, an ectopic surgery)
- Infertility treatment with in-vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- A history of drinking alcohol or smoking
Ectopic pregnancy symptoms
The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy in an early stage can be similar to a normal pregnancy. But some additional symptoms may also be experienced during an ectopic pregnancy. Such as:
- Weakness or dizziness
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pain in the pelvis, lower back or abdomen
If the fallopian tube tears, there could be severe pain and bleeding. It can cause symptoms like:
- Shoulder pain
- Fainting
- Low blood pressure
- Rectal pressure
Bursting of a fallopian tube may cause a sharp pain in the lower abdominal. In this medical emergency, one needs to contact a doctor or go to the emergency room.
If you have had a tubal ligation, surgery or C-section (having your fallopian tubes tied), or are pregnant with an IUD in place; you should contact your healthcare provider because the mentioned conditions increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
Types of an ectopic pregnancy
Types of an ectopic pregnancy include:
- Heterotopic pregnancy (HP)
- Abdominal
- Ovarian
- Intramural
- Cervical
- Interstitial
- Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy
Test and treatment
An ectopic pregnancy test or a test to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy can be done by your healthcare provider. These tests may include:
- A blood test: Your provider may do a blood test in order to know how much of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) your body has. The production of this hormone happens during pregnancy.
- A urine test: This test involves urinating into a cup at your provider’s, and then leaving a test strip dipped into the cup; or urinating on a test strip.
- An ultrasound test: An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the body’s internal parts. This will help the doctor see where the fertilized egg has taken place. Ultrasounds are often done during pregnancy.
When the doctor has confirmed the pregnancy and the location of the fertilized egg, they will create a treatment plan as per the needs.
Treatment
Ectopic pregnancy treatment can be done in different ways. In some cases, the doctor will recommend a medication called methotrexate in order to stop the growth of the pregnancy. As a result, it ends the pregnancy. The doctor gives this medicine in an injection. It requires follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor hCG levels.
Surgery is often done in severe cases. When the fallopian tube is at a high risk of rupturing or has ruptured, emergency surgery can prove to be life-saving. The surgeon may remove the egg from the tube or remove the entire fallopian tube.
Having had an ectopic pregnancy increases the risk for a future ectopic pregnancy. However, most women can successfully have a normal pregnancy according to their condition. But you should consult your doctor so that you can reduce the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy again.
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