Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy refers to a medical condition in which a fertilized egg implants and develops outside the uterus.

Causes

Ectopic pregnancy typically occurs when the fertilized egg gets stuck while moving through the fallopian tube towards the uterus. This can happen due to various reasons:

Scar tissue or adhesions in the fallopian tubes
Abnormal development of the fallopian tubes
Hormonal imbalances that affect the movement of the fertilized egg
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Previous ectopic pregnancy
In-vitro fertilization or other assisted reproductive techniques

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may include:

Abdominal pain, often localized on one side
Vaginal bleeding, which may be light or heavy
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness or fainting
Shoulder pain, caused by internal bleeding irritating the diaphragm

Diagnosis

Diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests:

Transvaginal ultrasound to visualize the fallopian tubes and uterus
Blood tests to measure the levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Treatment

The goal of treatment for an ectopic pregnancy is to remove the abnormal pregnancy and preserve the health of the patient. The treatment options depend on several factors:

Size and location of the ectopic pregnancy
Extent of internal bleeding
Overall health and medical history of the patient

Treatment methods may include:

Medication: Methotrexate, which stops the growth of the pregnancy and allows the body to reabsorb it
Surgery: Laparoscopic or open surgery to remove the ectopic pregnancy