In the formation of a healthy pregnancy, the fertilized egg attaches to the endometrium layer in the uterus (womb), settles there and begins its development. The attachment of the fertilized egg (embryo) to any place other than the uterus is called ectopic pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy.
2% of all pregnancies are ectopic pregnancy. Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes. Since it occurs in the tubes, it cannot develop into a healthy pregnancy and is a life-threatening condition as it may cause internal bleeding.
Ectopic Pregnancy Risk Factors
-History of previous ectopic pregnancy
-History of previous pelvic infection
-History of previous tubal surgery
-Pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF) method
-Endometriosis
-Multiple abortions
-Sexually transmitted diseases
Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms
-Vaginal bleeding after menstrual delay, spotting
-Severe, sharp pain in the abdomen, like stabbing
-Dizziness, fainting
Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis
Although pregnancy test and ultrasound are used for diagnosis, in some cases a clear diagnosis cannot be made.
In such cases, ultrasound is performed every two days with a blood pregnancy test follow-up. If there is no pregnancy developing in the uterus and the blood pregnancy test remains at the same levels or decreases, there is a possibility of ectopic pregnancy.
Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment
In ectopic pregnancies It is not possible for the embryo to grow and develop healthily and be born. Therefore, the only way to treat ectopic pregnancy is to terminate the pregnancy. Different methods can be used for this.
1-If the pregnancy test values in the blood decrease, the ectopic gestational sac does not grow and there are no signs of internal bleeding, do not wait. Treatment can be applied.
2-Methotrexate: Depending on the advanced level of the pregnancy, a suppressant called Methotrexate can be used, which will allow the body to destroy the pregnancy tissue. This drug is given to the patient as an injection and stops the cell growth of the ectopic pregnancy tissue, creating a miscarriage-like situation. It is normal to experience miscarriage symptoms such as contractions and bleeding. Blood tests are performed at regular intervals to be sure that the medicine is effective. After this procedure, surgery is generally not required and the fallopian tubes are not damaged.
3-Surgical: If ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed late and termination of pregnancy is delayed, the tubes may be stretched, ruptured or burst. In this case, some or all of the tubes usually need to be removed with the help of a surgical operation, also known as ectopic pregnancy surgery. Since the bleeding must be stopped as soon as possible, the patient must be operated on urgently. The operation can be performed by open surgery or laparoscopy, which is a closed method, in accordance with the doctor's recommendation.
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