Part of UT Health San Antonio
Ectopic Pregnancy
(Tubal Pregnancy)
Definition
An ectopic pregnancy happens outside of the womb. It cannot survive. Most happen within a fallopian tube. It can also happen the cervix, an ovary, or the abdomen.
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Causes
A problem with the fallopian tubes causes this to happen.
Risk Factors
It is more common in women who are 40 years of age or older.
These things may raise your risk:
- Prior tubal surgery, such as tubal ligation
- Prior ectopic pregnancy
- History of infertility
- Prior genital infection, such as chlamydia
- Smoking
- Using an intrauterine device (IUD)
Symptoms
A missed period is the first sign.
You may also have:
- Belly pain
- Spotty bleeding
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms. You will also be asked about your health history. A physical exam will be done.
Blood tests and urine tests will be done.
Pictures may be taken. This can be done with an ultrasound.
Treatment
You may be monitored or you may have:
Medications
If the pregnancy is small and has not ruptured (burst), you may be given a medicine to stop it from growing.
Surgery
Surgery may be needed if the pregnancy has ruptured or if it is not in the fallopian tube. The pregnancy will be removed.
If the pregnancy is in the fallopian tube, the doctor may be able to fix the tube. In severe cases, the tube may need to be removed.
Prevention
To lower the chance of this condition:
- Abstain from sex.
- Always use a condom during sex.
- Limit sex to one partner.
RESOURCES:
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca
REFERENCES:
Ectopic pregnancy. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115772/Ectopic-pregnancy. Updated July 24, 2018. Accessed August 7, 2018.
Ectopic pregnancy. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/abnormalities-of-pregnancy/ectopic-pregnancy. Updated Octrober 2017. Accessed August 7, 2018.
Ectopic pregnancy. Planned Parenthood website. Available at: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/ectopic-pregnancy. Accessed August 7, 2018.
4/22/2011 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillancehttp://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115772/Ectopic-pregnancy: Creanga AA, Shapiro-Mendoza CK, Bish CL, Zane S, Berg CJ, Callaghan WM. Trends in ectopic pregnancy mortality in the United States: 1980-2007. Obstet Gynecol. 2011;117(4):837-843.
Last reviewed May 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG Last Updated: 8/7/2018