Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to any place in the body outside the uterus (endometrium). Ectopic pregnancy has a 1 in 50 chance. Almost all ectopic pregnancies occur in the tube. After fertilization occurs in the tube, it divides and multiplies within 1 week and progresses towards the uterus. If the resulting embryo does not advance into the uterus and attaches to the tube or somewhere else outside the uterus, an ectopic pregnancy occurs.
Cause of Ectopic Pregnancy
Partial blockage in the tube due to infection or inflammation
Scar tissue resulting from a previous infection restricts the movement of the embryo
Adhesion due to previous surgeries
Tube longer than normal
External Those at Risk of Pregnancy
Women with increased risk of ectopic pregnancy:
Between the ages of 35-45
Having had an ectopic pregnancy before
Who had surgery in the groin and abdominal area
Who had PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
Multiple abortions
Smoking
Tube Pregnant after ligation or while there is an IUD
Having endometriosis
Using infertility treatment
Ectopic Pregnancy Findings
Although it gives the same findings as the findings in normal pregnancy The following findings are seen in ectopic pregnancy:
Sharp stabbing pain that varies in frequency. Mostly in the groin and sometimes in the form of abdominal and shoulder pain (bleeding into the abdomen can affect the diaphragm and cause shoulder pain).
More than normal menstrual period. less or more menstrual bleeding
Weakness, tremors, fainting
Intestinal findings
In case of sharp pain and heavy bleeding, you should immediately go to the emergency room. It may be life-threatening.
Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is made by ultrasound performed together with the examination. Beta-hCG measurement is important. Usually the beta-hCG level is less than expected. In addition, low progesterone level indicates that the pregnancy is not normal.
Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment
Medical Treatment: Methotrexate is used in drug treatment. The drug prevents the growth of pregnancy tissue and ensures its absorption. Drug treatment can be tried in ectopic pregnancies that are detected early and bleeding has not started.
Surgical Treatment:Ectopic pregnancy tissue is removed via laparoscopic or open surgery. If there is rupture due to ectopic pregnancy and there is a lot of bleeding, urgent surgery should be performed.
After treatment, the beta-hCG level decreases. If it does not fall out, it means there is still pregnancy tissue. Beta-hCG level should be monitored until it reaches zero.
After an ectopic pregnancy, the possibility of another ectopic pregnancy increases. If the tubes are not damaged after medication or surgery, the chance of normal pregnancy is higher.
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