Stages of Pregnancy Slideshow Pictures Early Pregnancy Symptoms Conception (Egg to Embryo) Slideshow Pictures

Prevention

The best way to prevent ectopic pregnancy is to decrease your risk factors.

• If you are diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease, take the prescribed antibiotic as directed until it is all gone, then follow up with your doctor to be certain you are cured.
  
  
• Avoid gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) by using a diaphragm or cervical cap or insisting that your sexual partner wear a condom (rubber).
  
  
• If you plan to get pregnant soon and you are using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception, discuss this with your provider.
  
  
• Surgery of the reproductive system, bowels, or lower abdomen can lead to scarring, which increases your risk of ectopic pregnancy.