What is Ectopic Pregnancy – How To Treat Ectopic Pregnancy

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Pregnancy always begins with a fertilized egg. Normally, the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy is the condition that occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the main cavity of the uterus and begins to grow there.

Ectopic pregnancy is also called ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy cannot proceed normally. The fertilized egg cannot survive outside the uterus, and if the growing tissue is not treated, it can cause life-threatening bleeding.

Why Does Ectopic Pregnancy Occur?

The most common type of ectopic pregnancy is tubal pregnancy. In this type of ectopic pregnancy, when a fertilized egg travels to the uterus, it usually happens because the fallopian tube gets stuck in the fallopian tube because it is damaged and misshapen due to an inflammation. A series of hormonal imbalances or abnormal development of a fertilized egg may also play a role in the formation of an ectopic pregnancy.

Various factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy. The first of these is a previous case of ectopic pregnancy. Individuals who have had this type of ectopic pregnancy before are more likely to encounter the same condition again.

A number of infections, particularly sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, can cause inflammation in the fallopian tubes and other nearby organs. As a result of this inflammation, distortions in the shape of the fallopian tube can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Some studies show that individuals who have had IVF or similar fertility treatments are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy. Infertility itself can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Tube surgery, a type of surgery to fix a closed or damaged fallopian tube, can increase a person’s risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy.

Contraceptive methods can also lead to an ectopic pregnancy. The chance of getting pregnant is very low in individuals who use an intrauterine device, ie IUD. However, if the individual becomes pregnant with an IUD in the right place, the pregnancy is more likely to be an ectopic pregnancy. The risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy is higher in individuals who become pregnant after tubal ligation, which is a permanent contraceptive method known as “tying the tubes” popularly.

Smoking just before getting pregnant can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. The more a person smokes, the higher the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

What Are The Complications That May Occur With An Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy can cause an individual’s fallopian tube to burst. If left untreated, a ruptured tube can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding.

How to Prevent Ectopic Pregnancy?

There is no way to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but there are some ways to reduce the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. Accordingly, limiting the number of sexual partners and using condoms during sex helps prevent sexually transmitted infections and reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory diseases. If smoking, it should be stopped, especially before trying to conceive.

What are External Pregnancy Symptoms and Types?

Under normal circumstances, individuals may not notice any signs of ectopic pregnancy in the first stage. In some cases of ectopic pregnancy, women have the usual early signs or symptoms of pregnancy such as lack of menstruation, breast tenderness, and nausea. Any pregnancy test will be positive. However, ectopic pregnancy cannot continue normally.

As the fertilized egg grows in an unsuitable place, the signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy become more pronounced. The first signs of this condition are usually mild vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. Blood leaking from the fallopian tube may show symptoms as shoulder pain or urge to go to the toilet.

The signs and symptoms displayed by the individual mainly depend on where the blood is collecting and which nerves are irritated. Severe pain on one side of the abdomen, stab-like pain, weight loss, dizziness, and fainting are among the other signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy mostly occurs in the fallopian tube that carries the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This type of ectopic pregnancy is called tubal pregnancy. In some cases, ectopic pregnancy may occur in other parts of the body such as the ovary, abdominal cavity or lower part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina, ie the cervix.

If the fertilized egg continues to grow unnoticed in the fallopian tube, it can cause the tube to rupture. In this case, it is likely that heavy bleeding has started in the abdomen. The signs and symptoms of this seriously life-threatening event include extreme dizziness, fainting, and shock.

Therefore, individuals who show any signs or symptoms of ectopic pregnancy such as severe abdominal or pelvic pain, extreme dizziness or fainting, and shoulder pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding should seek immediate medical attention.

How is Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?

Regular pelvic exams can help the doctor identify areas of pain, tenderness, or masses in the fallopian tube or ovary. However, the doctor cannot diagnose an ectopic pregnancy just by examining the individual’s pelvic floor. Blood tests and ultrasound are needed to diagnose ectopic pregnancy.

The doctor may order a blood test for human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, HCG, to confirm that the individual is pregnant. Levels of this hormone increase during pregnancy. This blood test can be repeated every few days until an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed or ruled out with the help of an ultrasound test. This condition usually occurs five to six weeks after conception.

Thanks to the transvaginal ultrasound, the doctor can easily observe the exact position of the individual’s pregnancy.

During the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, the doctor may perform a complete blood count test to check for anemia or other signs of blood loss. If an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed by the doctor, the doctor may also order a blood test to confirm the individual’s blood type in case the individual needs a blood transfusion.

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