Ectopic pregnancy, also called extrauterine pregnancy, is an instance where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus to other parts such as the ovary, cervix and the abdominal cavity.
This condition is not to be confused with endometriosis, which is a chronic medical condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic structures.
This condition typically occurs six to eight weeks after the last menstrual period but may occur later if the ectopic pregnancy is not located in the fallopian tube.
What are the signs?
This abnormal kind of pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg lodges in the fallopian tube or other location instead of continuing with its journey to the uterus.
The egg can become stuck when a fallopian tube is damaged, scarred or distorted.
Most of the time an ectopic pregnancy happens in the first few weeks. The early signs include light vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain and sharp abdominal cramps.
The most emergency symptoms is rupture of the fallopian tube leading to internal bleeding, rectal pressure and sharp waves in the shoulder and neck.
All sexually active women, people who have Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), smokers, people with sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, scarring from pelvic surgery, people who use fertility drugs, people with a history of ectopic pregnancy are all at risk of developing this condition.
How can one handle ectopic pregnancy?
It is advisable for one to undergo medication in which one will be given methotrexate (Trexall) which stops cells from dividing.
The body will absorb it and if effective one will experience symptoms like that of miscarriage such as bleeding and abdominal pain. One will not get pregnant immediately until after a few months.
One can also undergo surgery called laparotomy to remove a ruptured fallopian tube. The wound might take long to heal and therefore one needs to give oneself time for healing.
How can ectopic pregnancy be prevented?The condition can be prevented if one takes caution by ensuring his partner wears a condom during sex.One can also limit the number of sexual partners in order to reduce risk of getting Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and inflammation of fallopian tube.
Quitting smoking is also a good preventive strategy.
Maintain regular visits with your doctor including regular gynecological exams and regular sexually transmitted diseases as a more solid preventive measure.
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