Ectopic PregnancySymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb (uterus).
Tubal pregnancy; Cervical pregnancy; Tubal ligation - ectopic pregnancy
In most pregnancies, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube to the womb (uterus). If the movement of the egg is blocked or slowed through the tubes, it can lead to an ectopic pregnancy. Things that may cause this problem include:
- Birth defect in the fallopian tubes
- Scarring after a ruptured appendix
- Endometriosis
- Having had an ectopic pregnancy in the past
- Scarring from past infections or surgery of the female organs
- History of prior abdominal surgery
The following also increase risk for an ectopic pregnancy:
- Age over 35
- Getting pregnant while having an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Having your fallopian tubes tied
- Having had surgery to untie fallopian tubes to become pregnant
- Having had many sexual partners
- Sexually transmitted infections (STI)
- Some infertility treatments
Sometimes, the cause is not known. Hormones may play a role.
The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube. In rare cases, this can occur in the ovary, abdomen, or cervix.
An ectopic pregnancy can occur even if you use birth control.
Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Mild cramping on one side of the pelvis
- No periods
- Pain in the lower belly or pelvic area
If the area around the abnormal pregnancy ruptures and bleeds, symptoms may get worse. They may include:
- Fainting or feeling faint
- Intense pressure in the rectum
- Low blood pressure
- Pain in the shoulder area
- Severe, sharp, and sudden pain in the lower abdomen
Ectopic pregnancy may be life threatening. The pregnancy cannot continue to birth (term). Effective treatment requires either medical treatment to end the pregnancy or surgical removal of the pregnancy.
If the ectopic pregnancy has not ruptured, treatment may include:
- Surgery
- Medicine that ends the pregnancy, along with close monitoring by your provider
You will need emergency medical help if the area of the ectopic pregnancy breaks open (ruptures). Rupture can lead to bleeding and shock. Treatment for shock may include:
- Blood transfusion
- Fluids given through a vein
- Keeping warm
- Oxygen
- Raising the legs
If there is a rupture, surgery is done to stop blood loss and remove the pregnancy. In some cases, the surgeon may have to remove the fallopian tube.
Penn Fertility Care
Kurt Barnhart is a Reproductive Medicine provider practicing medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Barnhart is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy. He is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Ectopic Pregnancy, Infertility, Menorrhagia, Uterine Fibroids, and Intrauterine Device Insertion. Dr. Barnhart is board certified in Obstetrics And Gynecology - Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility, 1999 and Obstetrics And Gynecology, 1996. Dr. Barnhart is currently accepting new patients.
Tom Bourne practices practicing medicine in London, United Kingdom. Mr. Bourne is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy. He is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Ectopic Pregnancy, Ovarian Cancer, Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy, Oophorectomy, and Endoscopy.
Andrew Horne practices practicing medicine in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Mr. Horne is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy. He is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Ectopic Pregnancy, Endometriosis, Infertility, Intrauterine Device Insertion, and Endoscopy.
If diagnosed early, treatment is very effective. It's important to seek early care whenever you believe you may be pregnant so your provider may determine the location of the pregnancy.
One out of three women who have had one ectopic pregnancy can have a baby in the future. Another ectopic pregnancy is more likely to occur. Some women do not become pregnant again.
The likelihood of a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy depends on:
- The woman's age
- Whether she has already had children
- Why the first ectopic pregnancy occurred
- The health of her fallopian tubes
Contact your provider if you have:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain or
- Suspect you might be pregnant
Most forms of ectopic pregnancy that occur outside the fallopian tubes are probably not preventable. You may be able to reduce your risk by avoiding conditions that may scar the fallopian tubes. These steps include:
- Practicing safer sex by taking steps before and during sex, which can prevent you from getting an infection
- Getting early diagnosis and treatment of all STIs
- Stopping smoking
Summary: The EFECT study is a clinical trial designed to determine whether improving the consistency of embryo transfer procedures can increase pregnancy success in patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer (cryoET). While laboratory techniques for fertilization, embryo culture, and selection have advanced significantly, the process of transferring embryos to the uterus remains variable and depends on sma...
Summary: Infertility patients have a higher baseline risk of ectopic pregnancy compared to the general population. If an early pregnancy is not visible by ultrasound, patients with a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) will undergo uterine aspiration (D\&C) in order to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy and/or treat an abnormal intrauterine pregnancy destined for miscarriage. If the pathologic specimen obtained...
Published Date: March 31, 2024
Published By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Alur-Gupta S, Cooney LG, Senapati S, Sammel MD, Barnhart KT. Two-dose versus single-dose methotrexate for treatment of ectopic pregnancy: a meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;221(2):95-108.e2. PMID: 30629908 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30629908/.
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Hur HC, Lobo RA. Ectopic pregnancy: etiology, pathology, diagnosis, management, fertility prognosis. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 17.
Nelson AL, Gambone JC. Ectopic pregnancy. In: Hacker NF, Gambone JC, Hobel CJ, eds. Hacker & Moore's Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 24.