Ever heard of “tubal pregnancy” or fetus developing in the ovaries instead of the uterus? That’s an “ectopic pregnancy,” and this guide will explain everything you need to know about it. Check it out!
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy is a condition where the embryo develops outside the uterus. The most common example is when the embryo implants in the Fallopian tube, one of the two tubes that carry the fertilized egg from the ovary to the uterus. However, ectopic pregnancy can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the ovary, cervix, and even the intestine.
It’s crucial to treat ectopic pregnancy promptly to avoid serious complications, such as the rupture of the Fallopian tube or internal bleeding. Treatment may involve surgery or medication to dissolve the embryo.
Common symptoms
- Abdominal or pelvic pain: abdominal pain can be mild or sharp and may be felt in the upper right or left part of the belly. Pelvic pain may be felt in the groin region.
- Hip or back pain: Hip or back pain can be felt in one or both legs.
- Dizziness or fainting: Dizziness or fainting can be symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, especially if accompanied by abdominal or pelvic pain.
- Nausea or vomiting: Nausea or vomiting can be symptoms of ectopic pregnancy but can also be common pregnancy symptoms, so they shouldn’t be analyzed in isolation.
- Absence of typical pregnancy signs: Some women with ectopic pregnancy may not exhibit typical pregnancy symptoms, such as a missed period or breast enlargement.
Diagnosis
If you’ve identified any of the ectopic pregnancy symptoms listed above, it’s worth seeking professional help for diagnostic tests. The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy typically begins with an assessment of the patient’s symptoms and a physical examination. If the doctor suspects ectopic pregnancy, blood tests and imaging may be requested to confirm the suspicion.
Blood Tests
Beta-hCG Pregnancy Test
Measures pregnancy hormone levels in the blood. Elevated beta-hCG levels may indicate an ectopic pregnancy.
Progesterone Test
Measures pregnancy hormone levels in the blood. Low progesterone levels may indicate an ectopic pregnancy.
Imaging Tests
Transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound
Allows the doctor to visualize the uterus and Fallopian tubes and check for an embryo in any of these areas.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Can be used to diagnose ectopic pregnancy.
What causes Ectopic Pregnancy?
The exact causes of ectopic pregnancy are unknown, but there are some risk factors that can increase the chance of having an ectopic pregnancy. Some of these risk factors include:
- Infections: Reproductive tract infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can damage the Fallopian tubes and increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery: Some surgeries, such as hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or surgery to correct gynecological diseases, can damage the Fallopian tubes and increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Age: Women over 35 have a slightly higher risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.
- History of ectopic pregnancy: Women who have had an ectopic pregnancy before have a higher risk of having one again.
- Pregnancy after intrauterine device (IUD) use: Women who become pregnant soon after using IUDs have an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Infertility: Women who have difficulty getting pregnant have a slightly higher risk of ectopic pregnancy.
In some cases, the cause of ectopic pregnancy cannot be determined.
Treatment
The treatment of ectopic pregnancy usually includes surgery or medications to dissolve the embryo. If ectopic pregnancy is detected early, it may be possible to treat it with medications that dissolve the embryo. However, if ectopic pregnancy has already advanced, surgery may be necessary to remove the embryo and, if needed, repair the damaged Fallopian tube.
Surgery
If ectopic pregnancy is detected late or if there are signs of damage to the Fallopian tubes, surgery may be necessary. Surgery can be performed through laparoscopy or laparotomy.
Laparoscopy
The doctor makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts instruments through them to remove the embryo and, if necessary, repair the Fallopian tube.
Laparotomy
The doctor makes a larger incision in the abdomen to perform the surgery.
Medications
If ectopic pregnancy is detected early and there are no signs of damage to the Fallopian tubes, it may be possible to treat it with medications that dissolve the embryo. These medications are administered intravenously and are generally effective in dissolving the embryo. However, the medications may take a few days to take effect, and it’s important for the patient to be monitored during this period.
Is it possible to reverse an ectopic pregnancy?
In most cases, ectopic pregnancies cannot be reversed. This is because the embryo has implanted outside the uterus, where it lacks the necessary conditions for development, and there is no way to transfer it to the uterus.
When the embryo implants in the fallopian tubes or ovaries, for example, it lacks access to the placenta, which is essential for providing nutrients and oxygen to the fetus during pregnancy. Therefore, the treatment for ectopic pregnancy usually involves surgery or medications to dissolve or remove the embryo.
What does an ectopic pregnancy belly look like?
The belly of a woman with ectopic pregnancy may not show visible changes. Some women with ectopic pregnancy do not exhibit typical pregnancy symptoms, such as a missed period or breast enlargement. However, if the ectopic pregnancy is advanced and there is an enlargement of the embryo, there may be a slight increase in belly size.
What precautions should I take after treating an ectopic pregnancy?
If you’ve had an ectopic pregnancy and undergone surgery or medication treatment, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions for post-treatment care. Some common precautions include:
- Resting: It’s important to get enough rest after ectopic pregnancy treatment to allow the body to recover.
- Avoiding intense physical activities: It’s important to avoid intense physical activities for at least a few days after ectopic pregnancy treatment.
- Using medications as prescribed by your doctor: If your doctor prescribes medications to help manage pain or prevent infection, it’s crucial to take these medications as directed.
- Avoiding sex: It’s important to avoid sexual intercourse until your doctor indicates that it’s safe to resume.
Will I be able to get pregnant again after an ectopic pregnancy?
Absolutely yes, it is possible to get pregnant after an ectopic pregnancy. However, if the fallopian tube is damaged during the ectopic pregnancy, it may be more challenging to conceive naturally, as this affects fertility. Some women may even need fertility treatments to get pregnant after an ectopic pregnancy.
