Ectopic pregnancies occur when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube, and are dangerous. Causes include blocked fallopian tubes, medical conditions, previous surgeries, certain medications, and risk factors such as smoking and age. Prevention methods include using protection during intercourse and not smoking.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube. In almost all cases of ectopic pregnancy, there is no way for the embryo to survive. This type of pregnancy is very dangerous and can lead to severe bleeding and infertility. In many cases, the cause of an ectopic pregnancy is unknown. Some of the known common causes of ectopic pregnancy include blocked fallopian tubes, medical conditions, damage from previous surgeries, and certain medications.
One of the main causes of ectopic pregnancy is blocked fallopian tubes. During a typical pregnancy, the egg travels down the fallopian tube and is implanted in the uterus. When the egg is unable to reach the uterus, it may implant itself in the fallopian tube, a type of ectopic pregnancy known as a tubal pregnancy.
There are numerous ways a fallopian tube can become blocked or damaged. A previous pelvic infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, could lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Pelvic inflammatory disease can cause inflammation and scarring in the fallopian tubes, which can increase a woman’s risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. Women who use intrauterine devices are also at increased risk of pelvic infection and scarring of the fallopian tubes.
Some medical conditions are common causes of an ectopic pregnancy. If a woman has endometriosis, a condition in which the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, she may be at increased risk. Some birth defects or pelvic growths could also lead to structural problems with the fallopian tubes.
Another of the most common causes of an ectopic pregnancy is damage to the fallopian tubes from previous surgeries. If a woman has had a tubal ligation, also known as a “tied tubes” and the surgery was unsuccessful, a subsequent pregnancy could be ectopic. When a woman has a tubal ligation reversed, she is at an even greater risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. Additionally, any surgery on the fallopian tubes can cause scarring that could prevent an egg from moving into the uterus.
Some medications may increase a woman’s risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. Some hormone therapies or fertility drugs can affect the way your fallopian tubes work. Women who have been exposed to the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) may also be at increased risk.
Other risk factors may predispose a woman to having an ectopic pregnancy. Those who smoke or are over the age of 35 are at higher risk. Women who have already had an ectopic pregnancy or have had numerous induced miscarriages are also more likely to experience this problem.
There is no way to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but a woman can try to reduce her risk. A woman should use adequate protection during intercourse to reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Women can also reduce their risk by not smoking.
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