Ectopic pregnancy

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Ectopic pregnancy
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding
Complications	Rupture, internal bleeding, infertility
Onset	6-8 weeks after last menstrual period
Duration	Varies
Types	Tubal pregnancy, cervical pregnancy, abdominal pregnancy
Causes	Pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal surgery, in vitro fertilization
Risks	Smoking, advanced maternal age, previous ectopic pregnancy
Diagnosis	Ultrasound, blood test for human chorionic gonadotropin
Differential diagnosis	Miscarriage, ovarian cyst, appendicitis
Prevention	Use of contraception, treatment of sexually transmitted infections
Treatment	Methotrexate, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	1-2% of all pregnancies
Deaths	N/A

Ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic Pregnancy: An Overview

An ectopic pregnancy refers to the development of a fertilized egg outside its usual location in the uterus. Most commonly, this type of pregnancy occurs within the Fallopian tubes, though it can also take place in other areas of the body. Due to its location, an ectopic pregnancy cannot result in the birth of a viable baby and poses significant health risks to the mother.

Understanding Ectopic Pregnancy

While the precise causes of ectopic pregnancies remain unknown, certain factors can increase the risk. Crucially, any condition that impedes the egg's movement through the Fallopian tube can contribute to its implantation outside the uterus.

Locations

• Fallopian Tubes: The most frequent site of ectopic pregnancies. It's commonly referred to as a tubal pregnancy.
• Ovaries, Cervix, or Abdomen: Though rare, ectopic pregnancies can also implant in these locations.

Risk Factors

Several factors may elevate the likelihood of experiencing an ectopic pregnancy:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Previous ectopic pregnancy
• Fertility treatments or surgery
• Age, particularly women above 35
• Smoking
• Certain sexually transmitted infections

Symptoms and Detection

Ectopic pregnancies can manifest through various symptoms, such as:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Sharp or stabbing abdominal pain
• Weakness, dizziness, or fainting

It's essential to seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms are present. Ultrasound and blood tests are common diagnostic tools.

Causes and risk factors for ectopic pregnancy

Anything that slows the passage of the fertilized zygote from the ovaries to the Uterus such as fibrosis, or inflammation of the Fallopian tubes can incrase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

• birth defect within the fallopian tubes
• Scarring when a ruptured appendix
• Endometriosis
• Having ectopic gestation before
• Scarring from past infections or surgery of the female organs
• Age over thirty five
• Having contraceptive device (IUD)
• Had surgery to untie tubes (tubal sterilization) to become pregnant
• Having had many sexual partners

Although the ectopic pregnancy is seen most commonly in the Fallopian tubes, in rare cases, ectopic pregnancies can occur within the ovary, abdomen, or cervix. An ectopic gestation can occur notwithstanding use of birth control pills.

Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

You may have early pregnancy symptoms, like breast tenderness or nausea. other symptoms might include:

• Abnormal epithelial duct bleeding
• Low back pain
• gentle cramping on one side of the pelvis
• No periods
• Pain within the lower belly or girdle space
• Fainting or feel faint
• Intense pressure within the rectum
• Low force per unit area
• Pain within the shoulder space
• Severe, sharp, and explosive pain within the lower abdomen

Tests for Ectopic Pregnancy

A pregnancy test and epithelial duct ultrasound are going to be done. HCG could be a secretion unremarkably made throughout pregnancy. Checking the blood level of this secretion (quantitative gonadotrophic hormone blood test) can diagnose pregnancy. If the blood level of gonadotrophic hormone isn't rising quick enough, your doctor might suspect Associate in Nursing ectopic gestation.

Treatment

Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that can sometimes be fatal and should be taken seriously. As the pregnancy cannot continue to birth (term), the developing fetus must be removed to save the mother's life. You will want emergency medical help if the realm of the ectopic gestation breaks open (ruptures). Rupture can lead to bleeding and shock, Associate in Nursing emergency condition. Treatment for shock might include:

• Fluids given through a vein
• Keeping heat
• Oxygen
• Raising the legs

If there's a rupture, surgery is done to stop blood loss and remove the pregnancy. In some cases, the doctor might have to be compelled to take away the oviduct. If the ectopic gestation has not burst, treatment might include:

• Surgery
• medication that ends the pregnancy, along side close observance by your doctor

Outlook (Prognosis)

One out of three ladies that have had one ectopic gestation area unit later able to have a baby. Another ectopic gestation is more possible to occur. Some ladies do not become pregnant once more.

Preventive measures

Most varieties of ectopic gestation that occur outside the fallopian tubes area unit probably not preventable. however a ectopic gestation is also prevented in some cases by avoiding conditions that might scar the fallopian tubes. the subsequent might reduce your risk:

• Practicing safer sex by taking steps before and during sex, which may stop you from obtaining Associate in Nursing infection
• obtaining early diagnosing and treatment of all infections caused by sexual relations (STDs)
• Stopping smoking.

Complications and Treatment

Ectopic pregnancies pose significant risks. If left untreated, they can lead to the rupture of the Fallopian tube or other sites, causing internal bleeding. Treatments options include:

• Medication: Methotrexate can be administered to end the pregnancy.
• Surgery: In many cases, surgery might be necessary to remove the ectopic tissue and repair or remove the affected Fallopian tube.

Conclusion

Ectopic pregnancies, while relatively rare, represent a crucial concern in women's health. Early detection and appropriate medical intervention are vital to safeguarding the health of the affected individual.

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