| Specifying the problem
In a normal pregnancy, a fertilized egg makes its way through a uterine tube to the womb. The egg implants in the womb and starts growing. But in an ectopic pregnancy (also known as an extrauterine pregnancy), a fertilized egg implants in another place but not the womb, usually in a uterine tube. An ectopic pregnancy is often brough on by damage to the uterine tubes. A fertilized egg may have trouble passing through a damaged tube. Thus, the egg is forced to implant and grow in the tube. In rare cases, the egg attaches to an ovary, the cervix or the abdomen. If the egg keeps growing in the damaged fallopian tube, it can do damage to or rupture the tube and cause severe bleeding that can be deadly. If you have an extrauterine pregnancy, you require immediate medical assistance to cease it before it causes grievous problems.
Factors causing salpinges damage
1. Smoking. Heavy smokers are at high risk of having an extrauterine pregnancy.
2. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It is often triggered by an infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
3. Endometroid heterotopia which can bring on scar tissue in or around the fallopian tubes.
4. Exposure to the chemical DES before you were born.
5. Repeated induced abortions.
Symptoms
Abdominal or pelvic pain, often one-sided, is the first common symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. There may also be pain in the shoulder or neck. The pain is normally stabbing. Weakness, giddiness or fainting can signal life-threatening internal hemorrhage, requiring immediate specialist medical aid.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy includes an ultrasouns, a pelvic examination administered to check for pain, tenderness or a mass in the abdomen. The most useful lab test is the measurement of the endocrine profile, particularly of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Treatment methods
Treatment of an ectopic pregnancy is surgery, often by laparoscopy nowadays, to remove the ectopic pregnancy. A ruptured tube normally has to be excised. If the tube has not ruptured yet, it may be possible to fix it.
Future pregnancies
The prognosis for future pregnancies depends on the extent of the operation. If the Oviduct has been spared, the probability of a successful pregnancy is commonly better than 50%. If a salpinx has been excised, an egg can be fertilized in the other tube, and the chance of a successful pregnancy is lower than 50%. |
