An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants itself outside of the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. Around 1 in every 80-90 pregnancies is ectopic though an ectopic pregnancy doesn't always cause symptoms and may only be detected during a routine pregnancy scan. Common complaints are stomach pain and/or vaginal bleeding.
An ectopic pregnancy can be serious, so it's important to get advice right away.
There are two main treatments for an ectopic pregnancy:
Medication for an Ectopic Pregnancy:
Injection of a powerful medicine called methotrexate is used to stop the pregnancy growing
Surgical removal of an Ectopic Pregnancy:
Keyhole Surgery (Laparoscopy) performed under general anesthesia is used to remove the fertilized egg, usually along with the affected fallopian tube
What can cause an Ectopic Pregnancy?
In many cases, it's not clear why a woman has an ectopic pregnancy. Sometimes it happens when there's a problem with the fallopian tubes, such as them being narrow or blocked.
Who is at Risk of an Ectopic Pregnancy?
The following are all associated with an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – inflammation of the female reproductive system, usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Previous ectopic pregnancy – the risk of having another ectopic pregnancy is around 10%
- Previous surgery on your fallopian tubes – such as an unsuccessful female sterilization procedure.
- Smoking
- Increasing age – Women between 35-40 are at a higher risk
When can you try for another baby after an ectopic pregnancy?
If you have had an ectopic pregnancy, you'll probably be advised to wait until you've had at least two periods after treatment before trying again, to allow yourself to recover.
If you were treated with methotrexate, it's usually recommended that you wait at least three months, because the medicine could harm your baby if you become pregnant during this time.
Most women who have had an ectopic pregnancy will be able to get pregnant again, even if they've had a fallopian tube removed.
Overall, 65% of women achieve a successful pregnancy within 18 months of an ectopic pregnancy. Occasionally, it may be necessary to use fertility treatment such as IVF.
Useful advice on Ectopic Pregnancy from our fertility experts:
Ectopic Pregnancy is if left untreated can lease to severe complications and even infertility. Having said that, ectopic pregnancy is also a easily manageable if timely medical intervention is sought. For Women who have infertility due to a previous ectopic pregnancy, it is advised to seek help of a gynecologist and infertility specialist to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Our Team of Fertility experts have successfully handled Ectopic pregnancy cases and also have helped couple conceive again. If you have been diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy, we would recommend you to attend a counseling session with our experts who would help you to understand how to proceed in future.
There are many infertility clinics in Kolkata, Care IVF offers you best counseling under renowned gynecologists before they start treating your pregnancy issues.
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What happens during an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Tags: Ectopic Pregnancy
