There is a probability, that a woman has an ectopic pregnancy, when fertilized eggs are attached to the place outside the woman’s uterus. The majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube. Such pregnancies can also be called tubal pregnancies.
As a rule, an ectopic pregnancy is caused by the following factors: a scar from a previous infection or a previous surgical procedure on the tube; previous pelvic surgery; infection or inflammation of the fallopian tube; abnormal growth or congenital defect;
The following factors may affect the propensity for extra-fetal pregnancy: maternal age of 35-44 years; previous pelvic or abdominal surgery; previous ectopic pregnancy; pelvic inflammatory diseases; conceiving after the tubal ligation occurs; several previous abortions, extensive smoking.
The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include the following: stabbing pain that can come, then last for some time and change in the intensity; vaginal bleeding, your period, which is heavier or lighter than the usual period; severe weakness, dizziness and fainting; various gastrointestinal symptoms. If you experience the acute pain, which lasts for more than a few minutes, or if you are bleeding, then it is necessary to consult a doctor or seek medical help immediately.
If you consult your doctor, the doctor will perform a pelvic examination to detect pain and mass in the abdomen, and diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. You may also be assigned an ultrasound procedure to determine if there is a fetus in the uterus and if there is a fetus, it is necessary to know, whether it is developing. Also, if the hCG level is lower than expected, then this is one of the reasons to suspect, that you have an ectopic pregnancy. One more important sign of an ectopic pregnancy can be low progesterone levels. Your doctor can also do a culdocentesis (a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the space at the very top of your vagina). In this case, if there is blood in this area, then it may indicate the bleeding from a torn fallopian tube.
To treat an ectopic pregnancy, you may be given methotrexate, which allows the body to absorb the tissue of the pregnancy and can save the fallopian tube. It depends on how far the pregnancy has progressed. If the tube stretches or breaks and the bleeding begun, then some part of the tube or the whole tube may have to be removed. The bleeding must be stopped immediately. The laparoscopic surgery may be performed in this case. It usually represents a procedure, which involves a surgical operation using a laparoscope in order to remove the ectopic pregnancy and remove the affected fallopian tube.
If it is impossible to perform the laparoscopic surgery, then a surgical procedure, which is called laparotomy, can be performed.
Many women, who have ever experienced an ectopic pregnancy, usually worry about the fact, that the ectopic pregnancy could damage the uterus and that there may be a probability, that they will face problems during their next pregnancy. In fact, an ectopic pregnancy may affect future pregnancies, but it depends on various factors. As for the effects after ectopic pregnancy, the chances to have a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy can be reduced. It depends on what the cause of the ectopic pregnancy was, as well as the information about your medical history. You will have about 60% that you will have a successful pregnancy in the future, if your fallopian tubes are left in a good condition.