Ectopic Pregnancy Outline

Introduction

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg attaches (implants) outside of the uterus. Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube. In rare cases, an ectopic pregnancy may occur on the ovary, intestine, pelvis, or cervix. An ectopic pregnancy does not have the ability to develop into a normal, healthy baby.

A ruptured ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fallopian tube tears or bursts. This results in internal bleeding, intense abdominal pain, and sometimes, vaginal bleeding. An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening. Treatment may involve receiving donated blood (transfusions) or having surgery.

What are the causes?

Most ectopic pregnancies are caused by damage to the fallopian tubes. In some cases, the cause may not be known.

You have a high risk for an ectopic pregnancy if:

You have gone through infertility treatment.

You have had a previous ectopic pregnancy.

You have had previous tubal surgery.

You have had previous surgery to have the fallopian tubes tied (tubal ligation).

You have tubal problems or diseases.

You have been exposed to DES. DES is a medicine that was used until 1971 and had effects on babies whose mothers took the medicine.

You become pregnant while using an IUD (intrauterine device) for birth control.

You have a moderate risk for an ectopic pregnancy if:

You have a history of infertility.

You have a history of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

You have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

You have scarring from endometriosis.

You have multiple sexual partners.

You smoke.

You have a low risk for an ectopic pregnancy if:

You have had previous pelvic surgery.

You use vaginal douching.

You became sexually active before 18 years of age.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The first signs of an ectopic pregnancy may